Can You Use A Mug That Had A Candle In It?

Many people enjoy lighting scented or decorative candles in mugs and glass jars. Often, the wax residue is left behind after the candle burns out. At that point, you may wonder if the mug or jar is still safe to use for drinking or food storage.

Knowing whether you can reuse a mug or jar that previously held a candle is important. The candle wax can leave behind residue that is difficult to fully remove. If any wax remains, it can transfer into your drink and impact the taste. The wax can also pose safety risks if it contains materials like lead in the wick or dyes. Reusing a candle mug or jar without proper cleaning could potentially expose you to these hazards.

This article will examine whether it is possible to safely reuse a mug or glass jar after using it to hold a candle. We will review cleaning methods to remove wax and steps to take to minimize risks.

Candle Wax Residue

When a candle burns down, it leaves behind wax residue inside the mug or container it was placed in (How to Remove the Leftover Wax From a Candle Jar). This happens because as the candle wax melts from the heat of the flame, some of the liquid wax can drip down the sides of the container. Additionally, the wick can fall over occasionally as the candle burns down, leading wax to spill over the rim. When the melted wax comes in contact with the container, it adheres to the surface as it hardens again as the candle finishes burning (How to Get Wax From a Candle Jar). This leaves a coating of wax stuck to the bottom and sides of the mug or container.

The amount of residue left behind depends on the type of candle wax and how long the candle was burned for. Standard paraffin and soy wax candles tend to leave more residue compared to beeswax candles. Longer burn times also increase wax buildup. The wax coating left in a mug after burning a candle can range from a barely noticeable film to a thick layer that needs chiseling off (How to Remove Wax and Upcycle Candle Jars). Properly cleaning the mug depends on how much residue remains.

Cleaning Methods

There are several effective methods for removing candle wax residue from mugs:

Scraping – Let the wax cool and harden, then use a plastic scraper or old credit card to scrape off as much of the wax as possible. This works best for removing large chunks and layers of wax (Architectural Digest).

Hot water – Boiling water will melt the wax, allowing it to be poured out of the mug more easily. Fill the mug with hot water and let sit for 5-10 minutes before emptying. The hot water will loosen even small bits of wax. Repeat as needed until gone (BHG).

Dishwasher – Place the mug upside down on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run it through a normal cycle using detergent. The heat and water pressure will help remove wax. You may need to run it through more than once (BHG).

Freezing – Put the mug in the freezer overnight. The wax will contract and pull away from the mug’s surface. In the morning, you can chip off or scrape away the hardened wax more easily (Architectural Digest).

Cleaning solutions – Fill the mug with a diluted vinegar solution (1:1 ratio with water) or soapy water. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to allow the solution to break down the wax, then scrub with a sponge or brush. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the mug.

Stain Risks

If candle wax is not fully removed from a mug or other surface, there is a high risk of staining. According to Martha Stewart (source), “No mechanical methods are needed, so there is no risk of the fading that can happen if you try to remove the wax yourself.” However, if you do not remove the wax properly, residue may be left behind and cause permanent staining.

Candle wax can be particularly difficult to remove from porous surfaces like unfinished wood, fabrics, and carpets. As noted by Stain-Removal-101 (source), scraping off wax while it is still wet can spread the stain and make it more challenging to remove. Any wax left embedded in the material may leave a visible stain.

For hard surfaces like glass or plastic, staining is less likely but wax residue can leave behind a hazy film or cloudiness according to Reader’s Digest (source). To avoid this, it is important to fully clean off all wax residue using warm water and dishwashing liquid. If any staining persists, try a diluted vinegar solution to dissolve the remaining wax.

Odor Removal

Candle wax can leave behind a lingering scent in a mug even after the wax itself has been removed. To eliminate any remaining odors, fill the mug with equal parts vinegar and water (around 1/2 cup of each should suffice for an average sized mug) ¹. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for stubborn scents. The acidic vinegar will help cut through and neutralize any lingering fragrance oils from the candle wax. For extra odor-fighting power, you can also add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the vinegar solution ¹. After soaking, wash the mug thoroughly with dish soap and hot water.

If any scent persists, try scrubbing the mug with baking soda and lemon juice. The abrasive baking soda combined with the fresh citrus can help remove stubborn smells. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Repeat as needed until the mug no longer retains any unwanted odors from the candle.

For a truly tenacious scent, some recommend using denture cleaning tablets. Fill the mug with water and drop in a tablet. Let it work its magic for at least 8 hours or overnight, then wash thoroughly. The powerful cleaning agents in the tablets can eliminate odors and stains, leaving you with a fresh-smelling mug.

Safety Concerns

When reusing a mug that previously had a candle in it, there are some safety concerns to be aware of. One issue with vintage or antique candle mugs is that the candle wax may have contained lead. Lead was commonly used in candles until legislation banned its use in the late 20th century (source). Lead residue from vintage candle wax can contaminate food or drink placed in the mug. Consuming anything contaminated with lead is dangerous, especially for children.

To avoid potential lead exposure, thoroughly wash any antique, vintage or secondhand candle mugs before reuse. Use hot, soapy water and scrub any wax residue. Also inspect the mug carefully and discard any with cracked glaze that could potentially harbor lead residue (source). When in doubt about lead content in an older mug, it is safest to discard it.

When to Discard

Determining when to discard a used candle mug depends on a few factors. If the candle wax has become discolored or the mug has taken on a rancid odor that you cannot remove, it’s best to throw it away. According to a Reddit thread, most people discard candles once they have completely burned through the wax to avoid residue buildup. However, it’s still possible to reuse a mug if you can fully clean out all wax remnants.

Be sure to inspect used candle mugs carefully before reusing. If any wax remains stuck to the sides or bottom, it’s safer to discard it. The wax can melt and leak when reheated, creating a mess. Additionally, leftover wax may impart unpleasant flavors or odors to any food or drink placed inside the mug afterwards. When in doubt, it’s best to throw away the candle mug and get a fresh one.

Proper Storage

After thoroughly cleaning out all of the wax, it’s important to properly store candle mugs to prevent new issues from arising. Here are some tips for storage:

Let the mug air dry completely before storage. Any moisture left inside can allow mold or bacteria to grow.

Wrap the mug in newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent scratches or chips during storage. Be gentle when stacking mugs.

Store mugs in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or cabinet. Avoid places that get too hot or humid.

Consider using the mug soon after cleaning rather than packing it away. This will ensure no new residue appears over time.

If storing long-term, place a piece of cloth or paper towel inside the mug to soak up any wax that may seep.

Periodically check stored mugs for any wax seepage or odors. Reclean as needed.

Group together mugs that previously held the same candle scent to prevent cross-contamination of smells.

Alternate Uses

Once you’ve cleaned out an old candle mug, there are many creative ways to reuse it. Here are some fun suggestions:

Turn it into a pen or makeup brush holder. Clean out the mug and decorate it with paint, glitter, ribbon, etc. Then fill it with your favorite pens, pencils, makeup brushes or other small items that need organizing. The mug’s heavy base will keep it sturdy on your desk or vanity. ( https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/g2939/mason-jar-crafts/)

Use it as a mini vase or planter for small plants like succulents or herbs. Add decorative rocks, marbles or glass beads at the bottom for drainage before filling with soil and your plant. The glass lets light through for healthy plant growth. (https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/projects/mason-jar-projects/)

Upcycle it into colorful luminary lights. Clean out the mug, place a battery operated tea light inside, and dot the outside with acrylic paint. Use these as accent lighting indoors or for backyard gatherings at night. They add a charming, crafty touch. (https://abeautifulmess.com/easy-mason-jar-crafts/)

With a little creativity, old candle mugs can be given new life!

Summary

In summary, while candle mugs can often be reused after removing wax residue, there are some cases where it is better to discard the mug. The key factors are:

• Thoroughly cleaning the mug to remove all wax residue using hot water, soap, and gentle scrubbing. Repeated cleanings may be needed.
• Inspecting for stains or odors that persist after cleaning, which can indicate the wax has penetrated the mug material.
• Checking that the mug has not been damaged, cracked, or warped from the candle heat.
• Considering if the mug held dyes, fragrance oils or other additives that may linger.
• Storing the cleaned mug properly to prevent wax buildup on the inside.

With care and effort, most candle mugs can be salvaged for reuse. But some mugs may be too impregnated with wax to be suitable for food or drink. Use your best judgment after thorough cleaning attempts.