If you enjoy using candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, whether for summer entertaining, cozy winter nights, or just everyday relaxation, you’ve likely encountered the frustrating task of removing leftover wax from glass votives. Over time, melted wax can build up inside the holders, making them look cloudy, messy, and difficult to reuse.
Instead of struggling with stubborn wax or throwing away perfectly good candle holders, try this tried-and-true restaurant trick that makes cleaning votives simple and effortless! This method has been used in restaurants and event spaces for years to keep their candle holders looking fresh and clean without the hassle of excessive scrubbing.
Why Use This Cleaning Trick?
Many people attempt to clean out wax using warm water, a knife, or even freezing their candle holders, but these methods often leave behind residue or require a lot of effort. This restaurant trick, which relies on boiling water, is one of the most effective ways to completely remove wax from glass votives without damaging them.
By following this process, you’ll:
✅ Keep your candle holders looking like new.
✅ Save money by reusing votives instead of replacing them.
✅ Avoid clogged pipes caused by wax buildup in your drains.
✅ Reduce waste and make candle cleanup much easier!
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to cleaning glass votives with boiling water—the ultimate restaurant hack.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Glass Votives
This easy-to-follow method will help you clean out old candle wax without scrubbing for hours or damaging your glass votives.
Step 1: Let the Wax Cool and Harden
Before you begin, make sure the wax inside your candle holder has completely cooled. When wax is in a melted or soft state, it’s much harder to remove, and it can create a bigger mess. Letting the wax harden makes it easier to break apart and extract.
You can speed up the hardening process by placing the votive in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. If the wax is still slightly soft, give it more time to cool before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Break Up the Hardened Wax
Once the wax has fully hardened, take a butter knife or a dull kitchen tool and carefully press into the wax to break it up. If your candle burned evenly, the wax might come out in large pieces. However, if it has melted unevenly or left a thin layer at the bottom, it may require a bit more effort to remove.
Be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to crack or scratch the glass. If you’re struggling to remove the wax, don’t worry! The next step will take care of any stubborn bits left behind.
Step 3: Scrape the Sides of the Glass
Once the larger wax chunks are removed, use the knife to scrape any leftover wax from the sides of the votive. This ensures that only a thin residue remains before applying the boiling water trick.
Turn the glass upside down to dump out all the wax remnants before moving forward.
Step 4: Pour in Boiling Water to Melt Residual Wax
Now for the restaurant trick that makes all the difference—boiling water!
✅ Boil a small pot of water.
✅ Carefully pour the boiling water into each glass votive, filling it about three-quarters full.
✅ The heat from the boiling water will instantly start melting any remaining wax, causing it to rise to the surface.
✅ Let the votives sit for about 1-2 minutes to allow the wax to fully separate from the glass.
After waiting, you’ll notice a layer of melted wax floating on top of the water.
Step 5: Dispose of the Water and Wax Properly
Here’s a crucial step: Never pour melted wax directly down your drain!
Wax can harden inside pipes, leading to serious plumbing issues over time. Instead, follow these simple disposal methods:
- Option 1: Pour the waxy water into a disposable bowl or container. Let it cool, then strain out the solidified wax and throw it in the trash. Once the wax has been removed, the water can safely go down the drain.
- Option 2: Pour the hot waxy water outside in a safe area away from plants and drains.
- Option 3: If you prefer a mess-free option, place a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer over the sink and pour the waxy water through it. The wax will collect in the filter, and only clean water will go down the drain.
By following these steps, you’ll prevent future plumbing problems while keeping your votives spotless!
Step 6: Wipe Away Excess Wax and Soot
Once the water has been discarded, take a dry paper towel and wipe out any remaining wax residue. If there’s stubborn soot or discoloration, use a bit of dish soap and warm water to clean the inside of the votive.
For an extra shine, you can polish the glass with a microfiber cloth or vinegar solution to remove any lingering streaks.
Why This Trick Works Better Than Other Methods
Many people try different methods to clean out candle wax, but boiling water is the most effective. Here’s why:
🔥 Hot Tap Water – While warm tap water can melt some wax, it often isn’t hot enough to fully dissolve stubborn remnants. You’ll end up scrubbing more and working harder to get a clean finish.
❄️ Freezing the Votive – Some people freeze their candle holders to shrink the wax and make it pop out. While this method works, it’s not as reliable for thin wax layers or votives with uneven burns.
🔪 Chiseling Out Wax – Scraping with a knife can remove some wax, but it requires extra effort and can scratch the glass.
Using boiling water is the quickest and easiest way to clean votives without damaging them or spending too much time scrubbing!
Bonus Tip: Preventing Wax Buildup in the Future
Want to make cleaning your votives even easier next time? Try this prevention trick:
- Before lighting a new candle, coat the inside of the votive with a thin layer of cooking spray or vegetable oil. This creates a non-stick surface, making it much easier to remove wax later!
- Always trim your candle wicks before lighting to reduce excess soot and black stains inside the votive.
- Consider using candle inserts or tea lights instead of larger poured candles to make cleanup simpler.
Avoiding Clogged Pipes – A Pro Tip for Your Kitchen
Just like wax, cooking oils and grease can clog your pipes if poured down the drain. The best way to dispose of grease is similar to candle wax:
1️⃣ Allow the oil or grease to cool and harden.
2️⃣ Scrape off any solids and throw them in the trash.
3️⃣ Use a paper towel to wipe out excess oil before washing dishes.
This small change in your cleanup routine can prevent costly plumbing issues in the future!
Final Thoughts
Cleaning out candle wax doesn’t have to be a messy, frustrating chore. With this restaurant trick, you can quickly and efficiently remove wax from glass votives using boiling water, saving both time and effort.
Give this method a try and enjoy spotless, reusable votives for all your future candle-lit gatherings!
✨ Happy cleaning, lovelies! xo ✨
