Melted wax in a glass case can sometimes leave a hard-to-remove wax residue on the bottom and sides of the glass after the wax has run out. Removing wax residue from glass containers will help you reuse them, whether for candles or other objects. You can remove wax residue by freezing it, melting it, or scraping it clean. See Step 1 for more information.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Freezing Candles
Step 1. Put the glass container in the freezer
This freezing method is best suited for small candle holders. Once your remaining wax has cooled to room temperature, place it in the freezer.
If you put the glass case in hot conditions, it may crack when the temperature changes. Make sure the glass container is cool enough to hold before freezing it
Step 2. Leave it for at least an hour
During freezing, the wax will begin to shrivel and fall off the sides of the glass case, making it easier to remove.
Step 3. Use a dull knife to remove the wax from the glass case
Remove the glass container from the freezer after about an hour, and try to remove the wax by tapping the container against the palm of your hand. Use your fingers or a dull knife to remove any excess wax from the glass case.
Step 4. Wipe the glass case to remove any excess wax
Remove any excess wax using a cotton ball previously soaked in baby oil or vinegar. Rubbing the glass container with a slightly damp tissue can also be as effective as using a cotton ball. You may need to expend a little effort, but your glass case will soon be clean again.
Method 2 of 3: Melting the Candle
Step 1. Bring the water to a boil
Bring the water to a boil on the stove or microwave while you prepare the candles. The water you use doesn't need to be completely boiling, it just needs to be hot enough to melt the wax. Think of it as if you were heating water to make tea that you weren't about to drink.
- Alternatively, you can also heat the glass container while washing the dishes. Run a little hot water, then soak the container in the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Or, heat the wax in a container with a hairdryer. Turn on the hairdryer on medium heat and direct the hot air at the wax until it melts.
- If you need to remove the wax from several containers at once, try putting them all in an oven at 80 degrees C. Place the containers on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and then place them in the oven for about 15 minutes to melt the wax.
Step 2. Cut the wax to make it looser
Use an old knife to make a few scratches on the wax residue that has accumulated at the bottom of the container you are cleaning.
Alternatively, you can use a fork to separate out a few lumps of wax or skip this step if the wax layer you are cleaning is thin enough
Step 3. Pour boiling water into the container containing the remaining wax
The wax inside should immediately melt and begin to float to the surface of the water.
Step 4. Let the wax cool
Allow the water and wax mixture to cool for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the wax will begin to harden slightly on the surface of the water, making it easy to remove.
Step 5. Remove the wax from the water using your finger
If any wax remains on the container, use a knife to pry it out of the glass case. By this time, the wax should be soft and easy to remove so you will find it easier to clean.
Step 6. Clean the glass case from the remaining wax
Soak a sponge in hot water and allow it to become damp. Then use it to clean the container from the remaining wax. You can also moisten a tissue and then use it instead of a sponge.
Spraying ammonia (such as window cleaner) onto the container can also help remove wax residue. Allow the ammonia to sit on the glass container for about 1 minute then wipe it off with a rag
Method 3 of 3: Scrape the Wax
Step 1. Find a tool that you can use to scrape off the wax
Suitable tools for removing wax from glass surfaces include a sharp razor or window cleaner. This tool is more suitable for use than a folding knife or other round knives that can scratch glass. You'll need to scrape the wax off carefully if you're cleaning wax from a surface that you can't heat or wipe off.
Step 2. Loosen the wax by applying moist heat
Soak a sponge in very hot water and try to moisten the wax and loosen it from the surface you are going to clean before scraping it off. Using this method alone, you may be able to successfully clean the wax so that you don't have to scrape it off again.
Step 3. Scrape slowly
Use gentle movements to avoid the knife you are using slipping, and leaving scratches on the glass surface. Continue scraping until all of the wax has been removed from the surface of the glass.
Step 4. Wipe the glass
Use a damp, warm cloth to remove any remaining wax on the surface of the glass. Waxes can leave residue that will cloud the surface, so you need to clean it thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can spray the surface of the glass with a wax cleaner and wipe it with a tissue or soft cloth. You may need to scrub it a few times to get it completely clean
Tips
- Lower-priced candles may use more oil-based wax, making them more difficult to clean. Try to choose a good quality wax so that the cleaning process will be easier.
- Place a few tablespoons of water in a glass container to prevent the melted wax from sticking.
- Perform the process of cleaning the wax residue on an old rag or newspaper so the wax won't get on your table.
- Use candle holders such as small vases or pencil holders or fill these containers with other decorations, and display them in your home after you clean them.
Warning
- Don't rub a sponge or tissue around the glass case while you're cleaning the wax, as the wax will spread. Be sure to use gentle movements when removing wax residue from the glass.
- Do not remove wax residue in your sink or bathroom tub. Wax can block your water flow. Be sure to always dispose of leftover wax in the trash.
What You Need
- Freezer
- Blunt knife
- cotton ball
- Baby oil or vinegar
- Pot to boil water
- Sponge or tissue
- Razor or window cleaner
