How Do You Clean Bath And Body Works Candles?

Bath & Body Works candles are a popular home fragrance staple. Over time, residue can build up on the sides and bottom of the glass, muting the candle’s scent. Cleaning Bath & Body Works candles helps remove this excess wax, revitalizing their look and fragrance. With some simple household supplies and easy methods, you can have your candles looking and smelling like new again.

This guide will provide tips on how to fully clean all components of Bath & Body Works candles to extend their life. We’ll cover how to remove wax from the jar, clean the wax pool, and freshen the scent. With the proper maintenance, your candles can provide enjoyment through many burn cycles.

Supplies You Will Need

Cleaning Bath & Body Works candles properly requires just a few simple household items you likely already have on hand:

• Cotton balls – These will be used to wipe away wax drips and residue.

• Hot water – Fill a bowl or pot with very hot water to melt away wax buildup.

• Baking soda – Its gentle abrasiveness helps scrub off stuck-on wax.

• Aluminum foil – Ball up pieces of foil to use as a wax-removing scrubber.

As long as you have these basic supplies, you’ll be ready to thoroughly clean your Bath & Body Works candles.

Remove Excess Wax

Before cleaning the candle jar, it’s important to remove any leftover wax first. This will allow you to fully clean the inside of the jar. Here are some tips for removing excess wax:

Trim the wicks as short as possible, making sure no wick is sticking out from the wax. Use scissors or nail clippers to snip the wicks down to the wax level. This will prevent the wicks from getting in the way when you’re scraping out wax.

Use a plastic knife or spoon to scrape excess wax off the sides and bottom of the jar. Hold the jar at an angle and carefully scrape off built up wax layers. Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the glass. The goal is to remove all visible wax residue.

For stubborn wax, you can place the jar in the freezer for 1-2 hours. This will harden the wax and make it easier to pop off. Then use your plastic scraper to lift off the frozen wax bits.

Removing excess wax first will allow you to fully wash and sanitize the jar, leaving no left behind residue. Make sure to get all accessible wax out before washing.

Clean With Hot Water

One of the most effective ways to clean a Bath & Body Works candle jar is by using hot water. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil on the stove. While waiting for the water to heat up, gather some clean cotton balls or a soft clean cloth.

Once the water has reached a gentle boil, soak a cotton ball or the cloth in the hot water until fully saturated. Make sure the water is not too hot, you don’t want to crack the glass jar. Gently wipe the inside of the jar with the hot, wet cotton or cloth, making sure to remove all visible wax residue.

The heat from the water will melt any remaining wax, allowing you to wipe it away easily. Be very careful, as the jar will be hot after using the hot water. Run the jar under cool water to bring the temperature back down before handling further.

Repeat this process as needed until you have removed all built up wax and residue from the candle jar. The hot water should dissolve and loosen even hardened wax so it can be removed. Allow the jar to fully dry before replacing the candle or storing.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is another great cleaner that helps remove wax residue from candle jars. Make a paste by mixing a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable consistency. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to apply the paste all over the inside of the jar, coating the sides and bottom. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the baking soda to work on breaking down the wax.

Then take a clean cloth and gently scrub the jar, concentrating on areas with noticeable wax buildup. The abrasive texture of the baking soda will help scrub off the wax. Rinse the jar with hot water and dry thoroughly. Baking soda is a natural degreaser so it’s very effective at cutting through the oily wax coating.

Steam Clean

One effective cleaning method is to steam clean the candle jar. This softens any remaining wax to make scrubbing easier. To steam clean:

• Boil water in a kettle or pot.
• Remove the candle lid and place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the jar, sealing it completely.
• Carefully pour the boiling water directly onto the foil, filling the jar.
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the steam to melt the wax.
• Dump out the water and peel off the foil. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any leftover wax residue.

The steam from the hot water will heat up and liquefy any remaining wax stuck to the sides of the jar. Be extremely cautious when pouring boiling water to avoid burns. Allow the jar to fully cool before touching it.

Freshen Scent

If your Bath & Body Works candle has lost its signature fragrance, there are a couple DIY methods you can use to restore its scent:

Coffee Grounds – Place a few tablespoons of used coffee grounds in the bottom of the empty candle jar and let sit overnight. The grounds will absorb any strange smells and infuse the jar with a lovely coffee aroma.

Essential Oils – Add a couple drops of essential oils like vanilla, coconut, or your favorite Bath & Body Works fragrance to the melted wax before pouring into the container. The essential oils will provide a light scent when the candle is burned.

Avoid using too much coffee or oils, as you don’t want the scent to be overpowering. Start with small amounts and increase if needed.

Dry Thoroughly

After cleaning your Bath & Body Works candle, it’s important to let it dry completely before lighting it again or storing it away. Any leftover moisture can damage the candle or make it prone to growing mold or bacteria.

The best way to dry a candle is to let it air dry fully. Set the candle holder on a towel in a well-ventilated area where it won’t be disturbed. Let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow all water droplets to fully evaporate. An ideal spot is near a sunny window or under a ceiling fan.

You can also pat the exterior dry with a soft lint-free towel if needed. Gently blot any wet spots on the candle holder or lid. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can damage the candle’s surface or designs.

Do not re-light or store the candle away until it is completely dry. Water trapped in the wax can cause issues like sputtering flames or warped glass. Letting it dry out helps prevent any issues down the line and will keep your candle looking and burning its best.

Safety Tips

When cleaning Bath & Body Works candles, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips:

• Always make sure to let the candle jars cool completely before attempting to handle or clean them. Hot wax can cause burns.

• Work in a well-ventilated area. Some cleaning solutions like vinegar or baking soda can produce fumes.

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from hot wax.

• Keep cleaning solutions out of reach of children and pets.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish completely before cleaning.

• Avoid knocking over or jostling the jar during cleaning to prevent wax from spilling.

• Take care not to scratch or damage the jar during cleaning.

Staying safe will allow you to effectively clean your Bath & Body Works candles and enjoy them for a long time.

Maintaining Candles

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your Bath & Body Works candles burn cleanly and safely each time you light them. Here are some tips for keeping candles in top condition:

• Trim the wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks cause excess smoke and an uneven flame.
• Make sure wicks are centered in the wax pool as the candle burns down. Use wick stickers or pincers to straighten and center wicks.
• Store candles upright, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Keeping candles in a cool, dark place helps preserve the scent.

With proper care between uses, your Bath & Body Works candles will provide many hours of scent enjoyment and cozy ambiance.