I am committed to keeping TSOF earth friendly & sustainable! The only thing scary about my candles is the inspiration. I'm currently working on a jar return program but in the interim, here are some ways to clean up old jars for recycling or repurposing:
- Freeze: Cold causes wax to harden and shrink, making it easier to remove. Carefully break up any large chunks of wax that remain in the container. Put the candle in the freezer for several hours or until it is frozen. The wax should pop right out of the container. Scrape off any residue and then clean the container with soap and water.
- Hot Water: Remove as much wax as you can. Carefully pour hot/boiling water into the container, leaving room at the top. The water will melt the wax and it will float to the top. Let the water cool and remove the wax. Strain the water to get rid of any small wax bits. (Don’t pour wax down the drain.) Scrape any remaining wax and clean with soap and water.
- Oven: This method works well if you have several containers to clean at once. Scrape out as much wax as you can. Heat the oven to 180 degrees and line a rimmed baking pan with tinfoil or one or two layers of parchment paper. Place the candles upside down on the pan and set the pan in the oven. The wax should melt in about 15 minutes. Remove the pan and place on a heat-safe surface. Carefully hold the container using a towel or pot holder and wipe the inside with a paper towel. Let the container cool and then clean with soap and water.
- Double Boiler: Remove as much wax as you can. Place the candle inside of a pot or large metal bowl on a heat-safe surface. Pour boiling water into the pot around the candle, making sure that the water does not get into the candle jar. Let the jar sit in the hot water until the wax has softened. Remove the container from the water, pop or pour out the wax, and then wash with soap and water.
***USE CAUTION & PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WITH ANY OF THESE METHODS. GLASS BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGES. RECOMMENDATIONS NOT FULL GUIDELINES***
Head over to my Instagram to check out some reels by my friend Upcycle Jo for some great jar upcycle projects!