The invention relates to a method for recovering isooctyl thioglycolate from cauldron bottom residues. Reduction reaction is conducted at 20-30 DEG C with 20-30 parts by mass of cauldron bottom residues, 3-7 parts by mass of metal powder and 10-50 parts by mass of acid as raw materials. According to the method, isooctyl thioglycolate distillation cauldron bottom residues are reduced to generate isooctyl thioglycolate, the yield of isooctyl thioglycolate is increased remarkably, environment pollution caused by cauldron bottom residues is reduced, and distillation cauldron bottom treatment cost is reduced greatly.