Wax sealing jars is a traditional method used primarily to create an airtight seal, often for preserved goods like jellies or dry items. This process involves applying melted wax to the top of the jar.
Here's a general guide on how to wax seal jars, incorporating key steps for a successful seal:
Wax forms a solid barrier over the contents or lid of a jar, preventing air and moisture from entering. This helps extend the shelf life of non-refrigerated items.
Steps to Wax Seal Jars
Follow these steps for effectively sealing your jars with wax:
1. Prepare Jars and Contents
- Ensure your jars are clean, dry, and filled with cooled contents (if applicable, like jelly). The rim of the jar should be clean and free of any food residue.
2. Choose and Melt Wax
- Use food-grade canning or sealing wax (typically paraffin). Do not use candle wax.
- Melt the wax using a double boiler or a dedicated wax melting pot over low heat. Avoid melting wax directly over a flame or high heat to prevent fire hazards. Melt just enough wax for the jars you are sealing.
3. Apply the Melted Wax
The method of application depends on what you are sealing:
- Over a Lid: If using a standard canning lid, melt wax and dip the top of the jar (including the edge of the lid and the glass rim) into the melted wax. This creates a secondary seal over the existing lid.
- Directly Over Contents (Traditional Jelly Method): For items like jelly where the wax is the primary seal, pour a layer of melted wax directly over the cooled surface of the jelly. Pour about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. You can gently swirl the jar to help the wax coat the sides slightly as it sets.
4. Allow the Wax to Cool and Set
Place the sealed jars upright on a flat, stable surface. Allow the wax to cool completely and solidify without disturbing the jars.
5. Wait Before Moving Jars
Once the wax appears solid, it's important to give the seal ample time to fully harden and create a strong bond. Similar to canning, you're going to wait 24 hours before you move your jars. So just let it sit here until the wax is off. [As noted in the provided reference.] This waiting period is essential for the wax seal to set properly and ensures it won't crack or detach when the jars are handled.
Tips for Successful Wax Sealing
- Make sure the melted wax is hot enough to pour easily but not smoking.
- Ensure the surface the wax is applied to (lid or food surface) is cool and dry.
- Store wax-sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain the integrity of the wax seal.
- When opening, the wax seal will need to be broken or peeled away.
By following these steps, you can effectively wax seal your jars, utilizing a time-honored method for preserving various goods, and ensure the seal has properly set by allowing adequate cooling time as suggested.
