The Trick To Know When Rescuing A Candle In A Broken Glass Jar

If you've ever ordered a candle online only to have it show up with the glass jar completely shattered, you know the heart-wrenching pain. But even though its glass holder is destroyed, the actual candle is likely still in tiptop shape — and still perfectly usable. Before you toss it in the trash, we found an easy trick for safely removing that candle from its broken shell so you can still light it up.

As a candle lover, you've probably had your share of mishaps, whether it's a broken wick that needs rescuing or a part of the candle is tunneling. As long as the candle isn't damaged and regardless of where the candle comes from, there's no reason you still can't use it. Before getting started, gently remove the broken glass from around the candle, and make sure to wear protective gloves. If your new candle is stuck to the glass and refuses to budge, try using a hammer to gently tap on the glass pieces until the candle is free. Then, you'll pop your new candle into an old holder.

For those who reuse their old candle jars around the house, you're halfway there toward salvaging your candle from the depths of despair. Grab one of the old candle jars that's roughly the same size and remove any leftover wax. The first option for doing this is to stick it in the oven on a cookie sheet at around 220 degrees Farenheit. The old wax clump should fall right out. Or, melt it even more and then pour the liquid wax into a silicone cupcake holder for making candle wax melts. Then, grab your new candle and put it into the old jar.

The second option is to put the old jar in the freezer for several hours or even overnight. As the wax gets colder, it makes it easier to take out. Tip: Put the new candle in the freezer too because some people think freezing a candle can extend its burn time. When you take the jar out of the freezer, hold it upside down and gently bang it on top of a towel on a counter. The leftover wax should come right out. Now, grab your new candle and pop it into the old jar.