How to Keep Candle Wax from Sticking to Glass (Deep Freeze)

Are you tired of having to scrub wax off your glass candle holders? Have you ever wondered how to stop the wax from sticking in the first place?

There are ways to keep candle wax from sticking to the glass, like a deep freeze, boiling water, oven, or candle warmer. Each method has its pros and cons, and you should choose the one that best suits your situation.

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Credit: canva

And it’s much easier than spending hours trying to scrape off all the hardened wax. Keep reading for helpful tips on keeping candle wax out of your glass holders. 

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Glass holder. Credit: canva

Candle Wax Sticking to Glass

Candle wax sticking to glass can be a real pain. But it’s not all that uncommon, as a few factors can cause it to happen.

The leading causes of wax sticking to glass are temperature fluctuations, not keeping the candle holder clean, and using the wrong type of candle.

Temperature fluctuations can cause the wax to expand and contract, making it more likely to stick to the glass. Keeping the candle holder clean and debris-free can also help prevent wax from sticking.

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Candle in a glass holder. Credit: canva

How to Keep Candle Wax from Sticking to Glass

When to and Not to Want the Candle Wax to Stick to the Glass

Well, it depends on the situation. If you’re trying to create a specific aesthetic or using the candleholder for decoration, then you probably don’t want the wax to stick to the glass.

For the most successful container candles, wax-to-glass adhesion is essential to ensure the candle sticks to its container. By following this crucial procedure, you can be sure your beautiful candles stay put!

Most people probably prefer the candle wax not to stick to the glass, just because it can be painful to clean up and doesn’t look as nice.

How to Prevent

Here are the preventative measures when burning candles to avoid any potential messes.

  • One way to do this is by placing a few drops of vegetable oil or olive oil inside your glass holder before adding in your wick and melting down your wax. This will help create a barrier between the hot melted candle wax and the cool surface of your holder, making it easier for you to remove any drips or spills after use.
  • It’s also helpful to use tape or glue dots along the edges of your holder before pouring in melted-down wax so that any excess drips won’t be absorbed into the sides of your container and become difficult (or impossible) to remove later on. 
glass candle holder
Credit: canva

Removing the Wax from the Glass

How to Remove

Here are several easy tips for keeping your candle jars clean and wax-free. 

Use a Candle Warmer 

Removing wax from glass using a candle warmer is a pretty simple process.

A candle warmer is an excellent tool for removing wax from glass because the warmer’s heat is gentler than other methods, like boiling water.

  1. Place the glass container with the wax on the candle warmer.
  2. Turn the warmer on and let it heat up for a few minutes.
  3. Once the wax has started to melt, use a butter knife or something similar to scrape off the wax gently.
  4. Be careful as the glass will be hot.

Deep Freeze

This is a perfect choice for you if you need to get rid of the wax fast without using heat or excessive effort. Moreover, it’s simple and will save you valuable time!

  1. Put the glass container with the wax in the freezer for a few hours.
  2. The cold temperature of the freezer causes the wax to shrink and harden, making it easier to remove.
  3. Once the wax is frozen, you can use a butter knife or something similar to scrape off the wax gently.
  4. Be careful not to scratch the glass!

Boiling Water

This is the best method if you want to take away a large sum of wax or are dealing with glass that can’t handle high temperatures.

  1. Fill a sink or large pot with hot water, but not boiling.
  2. The heat causes the wax to soften and expand, making it easier to remove.
  3. Place the glass container with the wax in the water and let it sit for a few minutes.
  4. Once the wax has softened, use a butter knife or something similar to scrape off the wax gently.
  5. Be careful as the glass and water will be hot.

Oven

For those who prefer to avoid dampening the glass or wax, this method is ideal for quickly removing large amounts of wax.

  1. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature (around 200F)
  2. Place the glass container with the wax in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the wax has melted
  3. The heat causes the wax to melt and separate from the glass, making it easy to remove.
  4. Use a butter knife or something similar to scrape off the wax gently.
  5. Be careful as the glass will be hot.

All these methods can work; it depends on what you have on hand and what type of glass you are dealing with.

Remember to be gentle, take time while scraping off the wax, and always be careful with hot surfaces or containers.

Tips for Removing Wax without Damaging the Glass

  • Use a heat-safe bowl, like an oven-safe dish or glass container
  • Move the candle around, so the wax evenly melts off
  • If you’re using heat, do it slowly and cautiously to avoid damaging the glass
  • Be gentle when scraping off any excess wax from the sides of your holder. A butter knife or something with a blunt edge can work well
  • If you’re using water, use hot (not boiling) and be careful when handling the glass as it may still be hot
  • Place a towel or cloth along the edges of your holder to catch any drips while removing the wax
  • Once you have removed all the wax, wash the container with warm soapy water to get rid of any residue
  • For stubborn wax, use a specialized cleaner or wax remover. Read the directions and test it in an inconspicuous area before applying it directly to your glass holder.
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Credit: canva

FAQs

Why is my candle wax not sticking to the glass?

There are a few reasons your candle wax may not stick to the glass. Some possible causes include the following:

  • Using a candle made from a harder wax: Candles made from beeswax or soy wax tend to be harder and less likely to stick to the glass than those made from paraffin wax.
  • Keeping the candle holder clean: If you regularly clean the candle holder and keep it free of debris, this can help prevent wax from sticking to the glass.
  • Temperature control: Keeping the candle at a consistent temperature can help prevent the wax from expanding and contracting, making it more likely to stick to the glass.

What do you put at the bottom of a glass candle holder?

I usually put sand or small rocks. It helps to hold the candle in place and makes it look more elegant. Plus, it creates a nice ambiance when the candle is burning.

Should I heat my jars before pouring candle wax?

Yes, it would be best if you heated your jars before pouring candle wax.

Once the water has boiled, remove the jars from the pot and allow them to cool before pouring in the wax.

Does vinegar break down candle wax?

Vinegar can be an efficient and cost-effective cleaning agent to break down the substance, whether it is wax from a candle or another source. However, its efficacy depends on factors like the type of wax, the surface area where it has been applied, and the amount of wax present.

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