How Do You Get Wax Out Of Candle Glass?

Candles are a popular household item, with 70 percent of American households using candles according to the National Candle Association (https://candles.org/facts-figures-2/). As candles burn down, wax can drip down the sides of the glass holder and stick to the surface. Over time this buildup of wax can become difficult to remove. Cleaning the wax off candle holders is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Visually, wax residue can detract from the look of the holder. Functionally, wax buildup can make it difficult to place a new candle properly and get it to burn evenly. This article will overview various simple methods for getting wax out of candle glass holders.

Fill With Hot Water

One of the easiest methods for removing wax from glass candle holders or containers is by filling it with hot water. The heat from the water will melt and soften the wax, allowing it to release its grip on the glass surface. According to research by Architectural Digest, hot water is an effective DIY solution for cleaning wax residue from glass.

When using this method, it’s important not to make the water too hot, as this could potentially crack or break the glass. Start with warm water and gradually increase the temperature as needed to melt the wax. Allow plenty of time for the hot water to penetrate and loosen the wax buildup before attempting to wipe or scrape it away. The longer the candle holder soaks, the easier it will be to remove all traces of wax.

Pouring hot water into the container and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes is generally sufficient to soften most of the wax residue. For particularly stubborn spots, you may need to use a sponge, soft cloth, or plastic scraper to gently dislodge the melted wax. The hot water will turn the wax into a moveable fluid that can be dumped out and rinsed away with ease.

Freeze Candle Holder

One effective method for removing wax from a glass candle holder is to freeze the holder. As the wax freezes, it becomes brittle and chips off from the glass more easily. To freeze the candle holder:

Place the glass candle holder in the freezer overnight. Allowing it to freeze for several hours makes the wax extremely rigid and easy to break off.¹

After leaving the holder overnight, remove it from the freezer. Gently tap the glass holder on the counter or table to knock off pieces of the frozen wax. The frozen brittle wax will chip and flake off, leaving behind a clean glass surface.

Freezing takes advantage of wax’s change in consistency at cold temperatures. As it freezes, the wax shrinks and loses its adhesive grip on the glass holder. This allows it to pop off the glass cleanly after freezing overnight.

Use a Hair Dryer

One effective method for removing wax from candle holders is to use a hair dryer. As explained on the Hair Dryer Method – Wax Removal page, the heat from the hair dryer melts the wax, allowing it to be easily scraped off the glass surface with a plastic scraper (http://www.pysanky.info/Wax_Removal/Hair_Dryer.html). The wax will soften as the heat is applied, so you can gently scrape it away. It’s important to watch for buildup of heat on the glass as you’re applying the hot air. Move the dryer around to evenly heat and soften the wax.

An article on the How To Get Wax Out Of Glass Jar site also recommends using a hair dryer, citing it as an effective, environmentally friendly method that avoids harsh chemicals (https://storables.com/furniture-and-design/interior-design-trends/how-to-get-wax-out-of-glass-jar/). The heat from the dryer melts the wax so it can be wiped or scraped away before it solidifies again.

Boiling Water

One effective way to remove wax from a candle holder is by using boiling water. As mentioned in this Architectural Digest article, pouring boiling water into the jar will quickly melt the hardened wax. The high temperature of the water liquefies the wax so it can easily pour out of the container.

The advantage of this method is that boiling water melts the wax rapidly without having to wait for it to soften over time. Once the wax melts, simply pour out the hot water and wax mixture from the jar. The wax will float to the top of the water, making it easy to separate. This technique is fast and effective for removing even stubborn built-up wax.

One precaution with this method is to be careful about thermal shock cracking the glass. Glass crackles and breaks when exposed to sudden temperature changes. To prevent cracking, make sure to pour the boiling water slowly and avoid pouring it directly on cold glass. Allow the glass to warm up gradually as the hot water melts the wax. Check the temperature and refrain from immediately rinsing the jar with cold water after pouring out the hot water. With some care, boiling water can quickly clear wax for reuse of the candle holder.

WD-40

WD-40 dissolves candle wax effectively and safely.[1] Simply spray the WD-40 directly onto the hardened wax and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. The solvents in WD-40 will break down the wax so it no longer adheres to the glass surface.[2] After letting it soak, take a paper towel and wipe the softened wax away. The glass should then be clean and wax-free. WD-40 is handy for removing wax from glass candle holders, votive holders, jars, and more. It’s an easy solution that takes little effort.

Vinegar

Vinegar is often recommended as a home remedy for dissolving candle wax due to its acidity. White vinegar can break down the oils and grease left behind by melted candle wax. To use vinegar, fill the glass container with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Let the glass soak overnight, allowing the vinegar solution time to dissolve the wax. In the morning, scrub the glass with a sponge or brush to remove any remaining wax residue. The acidity of the vinegar will help break the wax down and make it easier to remove. According to sources like The Spruce, vinegar is an effective and non-toxic way to get melted wax out of glass candle holders or other containers.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be an effective abrasive for scrubbing off wax buildup. The gritty texture of baking soda helps scrub away the wax. To use it, make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. The recommended ratio is 1/4 cup baking soda to 3/4 cup hot water. Stir thoroughly until the baking soda is fully dissolved in the water ^[1]. This will create a gritty paste.

Apply the baking soda paste directly to the wax buildup. Using a clean cloth, scrub the paste over the wax in a circular motion. The abrasive texture of the baking soda will help scrape off the hardened wax. Scrub gently but firmly. As the wax loosens, wipe it away with a clean cloth. Reapply more paste as needed until all of the wax is removed. The baking soda method can be used on glass, carpets, furniture, and fabrics ^[2]. Just adjust the paste consistency as needed for each surface.

Goo Gone

Goo Gone is another household product that can help remove wax from glass candle holders. The active ingredients in Goo Gone work to dissolve wax, making it easier to wipe away.

To use Goo Gone, apply a generous amount directly to the wax residue inside the candle holder. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to give the formula time to break down the wax.

Once the wax appears loosened, take a soft cloth and wipe the inside of the glass to remove the wax. You may need to apply a bit of elbow grease. The wax should wipe away much easier after soaking with Goo Gone.

After removing the wax, be sure to rinse out the candle holder with warm soapy water. This will remove any Goo Gone residue left behind.

With its wax dissolving properties, Goo Gone is an effective homemade solution for getting wax out of glass candle holders. Just remember to rinse thoroughly after using.

Prevention Tips

There are some simple tips you can follow to help prevent candle wax from sticking and building up in glass holders:

Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking, which leads to more wax drippings. Use sharp scissors to trim wicks straight across.

Choose candle holders with wider openings than the candle diameter to allow more air circulation. This prevents wax pooling at the base of the glass.

Put foil or a small plate under pillar candles as they burn to catch any wax drips. Replace foil as needed.

Consider using bobèches, which are metal disks with a hole in the middle to place around a candle. They catch extra wax and center the flame in the holder.

Place your candle on a candle plate or use a protection spray like Wax-Off to guard your surfaces.

Keep wicks centered as the candle burns down to prevent wax build up on the glass interior walls.