To reuse a candle jar, stop burning at about 1/2 inch of wax, let it cool, then freeze the jar for a few hours and pop the wax out with a butter knife (or pour in hot water and lift off the floating wax once it cools). Remove the wick tab, wash the jar in warm, soapy water, and use it for pens, brushes, cotton swabs, matches or a small plant.
What you need
- A finished candle jar (about 1/2 inch of wax left)
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
- Butter knife or spoon
- Freezer or a kettle of hot water
Step by step
- Stop at 1/2 inch and let it cool. Stop burning the candle when about 1/2 inch of wax remains, and let the jar cool completely.
- Loosen the wax. Freezer method: put the jar in the freezer for a few hours until the wax shrinks slightly. Hot water method: set the jar in the sink and pour in hot (not boiling) water, leaving room at the top; the wax melts, floats and hardens into a disc as the water cools.
- Remove the wax and wick tab. Pop out the frozen wax with a butter knife, or lift off the cooled wax disc and pour away the water. Pry off the metal wick tab.
- Wipe out residue. Wipe out any remaining wax with a paper towel. Throw wax away with household trash; never pour wax down a drain.
- Wash the jar. Wash the jar by hand in warm, soapy water and dry it. To remove the label, soak it in warm, soapy water and peel it off; rub off any adhesive with a little cooking oil, then wash again.
- Give it a new job. Use the jar for pens, makeup brushes, cotton swabs, matches, hair ties or a small plant with a layer of pebbles at the bottom. We suggest non-food uses.
Can I use the leftover wax?
Leftover scented soy wax can be broken into pieces and used in a wax warmer designed for wax melts. Otherwise, put it in household trash.
Moon phase dates
Planning a ritual around the lunar cycle? Exact new and full moon times in Central Time are listed by month. Moon phases by month · Moon phase guide
Related candles
- Fresh Start candle (Clean Cotton): for new chapters and sunday resets.
- Gratitude candle (Vanilla Bean): for counting what is good.
Candle safety basics
- Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every lighting.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and extinguish it before you sleep or leave the room.
- Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, then let the candle cool fully before relighting.
- Place the jar on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from children, pets, drafts and anything that can catch fire.
More detail: Candle care & safety · FAQ
More guides
- How to set an intention with a candle
- A simple new moon candle ritual
- A full moon release ritual
- How to burn a candle safely and evenly
For ambiance and spiritual practice. Not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition.