Every container used for our candles had a life before we filled them with wax. They were flower pots, cookie jars, toothbrush holders, key bowls, product packaging, and even other candles! All manner of functional and decorative items with an untold number of stories and uses.

But what happens to these items when the flame is finally burned out? The last thing we want is for that container's story to end there. On this page you can find suggested ways to clean out the container and ideas for what you can do with them afterward.

Cleaning the Container

Our candles are made with a particularly sticky wax for performance and aesthetic purposes. However, this can make them unusually difficult to clean. But, using the following steps, you can get it spotless in no time.

Step 1

Using a spoon, butter knife, or similar tool, scrape out as much wax as you can. No need to go crazy getting every little bit out, that's what the next few steps are for!

These are all good enough!

Step 2

Place the container in some large pot or other vessel just in case the container shatters during this step. Every container we use is tested for heat safety up to and including being filled with boiling water, but anything is possible, so better safe than sorry!

Boil some water and pour it into the container to melt the remaining wax. Make sure to use enough water to fully submerge all the remaining wax!

Step 3

Let the water cool. Once it has, the melted wax will have collected in one of two places:

In a layer on top of the water. This can just be peeled away.

In small globs attached to the side and bottom of the container. Once you've poured out the water, these globs can be easily dislodged using your finger.

Step 4

If you wish to remove the wick tabs as well, first fill the bottom of the container with high-content rubbing alcohol. Then, let it sit for at least 12 hours, swirling it occasionally. This will loosen the glue holding the tabs in place.

After this, dump out the alcohol. The tabs, as well as the glue, should now come up fairly easily using a butter knife or similar tool. While doing this, do not use the edge of the container as a fulcrum for said tool to rest on! You may damage the container!

Step 5

Wash the inside of the container with soap, water, and some steel wool to remove any leftover wax residue.

Now What?

If you want to keep the container, the sky is the limit! Reuse it for it's clear and obvious purpose or let your imagination run wild!

If you don't want to keep it, you can always gift it, sell it, or donate it. You also have the option of returning it to us at any event for a discount on another one of our candles!