You'll know it's time to say goodbye to a candle when 1/4 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. Burning a candle past this point can damage the container or even the surface it's sitting on. We suggest removing your crystal when 75 percent of the crystal is showing, which totally coincides with the same time you hit the period where 1/2-1/4 inch wax is remaining. But once you’ve burned through your candle, we highly suggest reusing and up-cycling your jar. You’ve put your intentions into this jar, used it as a vessel for your manifestations, why get rid of it?
There are a variety of different ways you can clear out wax residue: boiling method, freezing method, bake method, etc. For me, the boiling water method has always worked best. Essentially, you pour boiling water into the candle jar, which melts the wax and allows it to float to the surface, where it can be easily removed once it solidifies again.
- Prepare the Jar: Put the candle on a surface protected with a towel. Remove as much of the leftover wax as possible with a knife or spoon. This will make the boiling water method more effective.
- Boil the Water: Bring water to a boil in a separate pan or tea kettle.
- Pour the Boiling Water: Wearing oven mitts or using a towel to protect your hands, carefully pour the boiling water into the candle jar, filling it almost to the top; leave approximately 3/4 of a inch. The hot water will melt the residual wax, causing it to float to the surface.
- Let it Sit: Allow the jar to sit for several minutes. As the water cools, the wax will solidify and float to the top, forming a soft layer.
- Remove the Solidified Wax: Once the wax has solidified, you can easily pick it out with your fingers or a spoon. If there’s still some wax residue on the sides of the jar, you can scrape it off with a knife or repeat the boiling water process.
- Clean the Jar: Empty the water from the jar and wipe it down with paper towels or a cloth to remove any remaining wax or soot. We recommend can washing it with soap and water to ensure it’s completely clean.
DO NOT:
Put your jar in the microwave! There is metal at the base of your wick and even if that is removed, it is not recommended to put your jar in the microwave.
Pour excess wax down the sink! Even when mixed with water, it will harden in the pipe and create a blockage. Never use your sink to clear out the wax.
Need some ideas? Here are a few ways you can up-cycle your candle jars:
- Intention Jars - You can write your intentions on small pieces of paper and put them in your intention jar to solidify the intention. We do this regularly. It’s a beautiful full circle moment to re-read them at the end of the year to see all you have manifested and how your intentions have grown.
- Vase - Candle jars are the perfect size for a mini floral arrangement. We even place some crystals at the base for additional support. We typically use clear quartz, amethyst and rose quartz.
- Planters - For specific plants, you could convert these into a planter. Succulents work best with our jar types.
- Storage - While you can store almost anything in the jar, we use our candle jars to store crystals, bath salts, etc.