The BEST Method for Removing Wax From Glass Candle Holders

There have been a few times in my life when I have come up with an idea that I must immodestly say is so brilliant, that I should really win some sort of award. I know I will never win an award, however, because my ideas aren't really going to do anything to solve world hunger, cure cancer, or promote world peace. They are ideas that help solve some frivolous domestic problem I am having.

Like many people, I have thrown away many glass candle holders just because I didn't want to bother with cleaning the used wax out of them. I had tried all the usual methods -- scraping away chip by chip, swirling hot water into the holder, putting it in the freezer, etc.

A couple of days ago, I came up with my method, and I am very excited about it. And it's the first instance I can think of in which my degree in science has equipped me to solving a practical problem.

Here are the directions:
1. Fill the candle holder with water

2. Microwave this until the water is boiling vigorously and the wax has completely melted. I microwaved the candle holder pictured below for 4 minutes. It normally takes about 1 minute to boil a mug of water in my microwave, but I had to microwave the candle holder below for about 4 minutes. Midway through, you may want to stir it a bit to loosen the wax at the bottom of the candle holder. You want the wax to be in a liquid state. I know there's that rule of not microwaving metal, and there is a bit of metal at the bottom of the wick. It's such a small piece though, that I wasn't afraid to microwave it, and there were no sparks or fires when I did this step. If you don't believe me or are too frightened, don't use this method.

3. Remove the candle holder from the microwave and give it one last stir to loosen any wax bits on the bottom and sides that haven't already floated.

4. Leave undisturbed for a few hours or overnight. The wax, being less dense than the water, will float to the top. Once the wax cools and hardens completely, you can just pop it out.

Here are some pictures of what the process looks like. PLEASE be cautious when handling the hot candle holder with the hot wax/water.

 Here is what it looks like after I took it out of the microwave. As you can see, the wax has floated to the top. This was is rather dark, so it's easy to see. When I tried this method with white candle wax, it's difficult to see the wax floating to the top. Don't worry -- it'll be there.

Here it is after I let it sit overnight.

Now you can pop the wax right out! Easy as pie. 

 Yes. You'll still need to wash the candle holder, but it's not so bad. I just rub some canola oil in there to bind with the wax, and then wash it with soap which will bind to the oil-wax.