Jessie Taylor
Candles are a popular purchase for home décor, with their atmospheric low light and rich, relaxing fragrances. However, burning candles results in leftover containers and wax. Fortunately, there are ways to make your candle habit more environmentally friendly. Both candle wax and containers can be reused or recycled. This paragraph will explore the different ways to reuse candles, from cleaning and refilling old containers to melting and repurposing leftover wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle wax reusability | Candle wax can be reused for DIY projects, such as wax melts, tea lights, and fire starters. |
| Candle jar reusability | Candle jars, typically made of glass or aluminum, can be reused for storage or recycled. |
| Refillable candles | Some companies offer refillable candles, allowing customers to reuse the same candle jar with new wax refills. |
| Environmental impact | Reusing and recycling candle wax and jars can make the candle hobby more environmentally friendly. |
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What You'll Learn
How to clean candle jars for reuse
Candle jars are often made of glass or aluminium and can be reused or recycled. Before reusing your candle jar, you need to clean it. Here are some ways to clean wax out of a candle jar:
Using Boiling Water
Fill the jar with boiling water and let it cool. The hot water will melt the wax residue, which will float to the top. Once the water has cooled, empty the jar and wipe it with a kitchen towel to remove any remaining wax. Then, wash the jar with soap and warm water.
Freezing
Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will harden and shrink, making it easy to remove. Then, clean the jar with soap and warm water.
Using a Bain-Marie
Place the jar in a saucepan and pour boiling water around it. Once the wax has softened, scrape it out with a butter knife.
Using a Hairdryer
Hold the jar with an oven mitt and turn on your hairdryer to hot. Direct the hairdryer to the sides and bottom of the jar. Once the wax is soft, lift or scrape it out with a butter knife.
Soaking in Warm Water
Remove the lid and let the open candle jar sit in warm water for 30 minutes. The wax will come loose and can be easily removed.
After cleaning your candle jar, you can reuse it as a storage container for small items such as paper clips, rubber bands, coins, or cotton balls. You can also use the leftover wax to make new candles or wax melts.
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Removing wax from candle jars
Candle containers are usually made of glass or aluminium and can be easily recycled. However, if you want to reuse your candle jar, you'll first need to clean it. Here are some ways to remove wax from a glass jar:
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will harden and shrink, making it easier to remove. Once frozen, you can use a butter knife or spoon to break up and remove large chunks of wax. Then, clean your jar with soapy water.
Boiling Water
Fill the container with boiling water and let it cool. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the top. Once cooled, carefully pour out the water and the wax. Then, wash the jar as usual.
Oven
Place the jar upside down on a rimmed baking pan lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Heat the oven to 180°F (82°C) and put the pan in the oven. The wax will melt and can be poured out. Wipe the jar with a paper towel to remove any remaining wax.
Double Boiler or Bain-Marie
Create a bain-marie by placing your jar in a saucepan and surrounding it with boiling water. Ensure that the jar is not fully submerged and that the water does not enter the jar. The wax will soften and can then be scraped out with a butter knife or spoon.
Microwave
If you have a microwave-safe jar, you can place it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to melt the wax. Be careful when handling the jar as it will be very hot.
Remember, never pour wax down the drain. Always dispose of it in a bin once it has hardened. Additionally, paraffin wax must not come into contact with hot water as it can cause a strong reaction.
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Using leftover wax to make wax melts
Leftover candle wax can be reused to make wax melts. This is a great way to reduce waste and create a wonderful home smell without the need for a lit flame.
To make wax melts from old candle wax, you will need to heat the wax and pour it into moulds. You can use silicone moulds, or even an ice cube tray. If you want to get creative, you can add colouring and fragrances to your wax melts. You can also use leftover wax melts to make new candles.
Before reusing your candle wax, you will need to remove it from its container. You can do this by heating the jar in a bain-marie, or by placing the jar in the freezer for a few hours, which will make the wax easier to remove. Be careful not to get paraffin wax too hot, as it can have a strong reaction to hot water.
Once you have removed the wax, you can melt it down and pour it into your chosen moulds. You can add fragrance oils or essential oils to create your desired scent. Be aware that if you are melting two different types of wax, it is best to keep them separate unless you are happy to blend the scents.
Once your wax melts have solidified, you can bag them up and store them or give them as handmade gifts. Wax melts can be placed in drawers, wardrobes, or cupboards to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
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Making fire starters from wax flakes
Candles are often purchased for home décor, providing atmospheric low light and fragrances. However, burning candles results in leftover containers and wax, which can be reused or recycled. Candle wax, in particular, is ideal for reuse as its quality does not diminish after the first use.
One way to reuse candle wax is to make fire starters. Fire starters are useful, especially for those who enjoy camping or have a fireplace. Here is a step-by-step guide to making fire starters from wax flakes:
Materials:
- Wax flakes (leftover candle wax)
- Cardboard egg cartons or paper egg cartons
- Dryer lint or wood shavings/sawdust
- Old crock pot (optional)
- Twigs
- Double boiler
- Old muffin tin, toilet paper or paper towel rolls (optional)
Method:
- Collect your leftover wax flakes in a container, such as an old crock pot, and melt them.
- Prepare your egg carton by placing dryer lint or wood shavings/sawdust in each egg cup. You can also use an old muffin tin, toilet paper, or paper towel rolls as a mould.
- Pour the melted wax over the lint or wood shavings in the egg carton. You can also dip items like pine cones or cardboard strips directly into the wax and let them harden.
- Allow the wax to cool and solidify.
- Once set, break off an egg cup from the carton and light it to start a fire.
These fire starters are easy to make and can be a fun, useful, and inexpensive gift for campers or those with a fireplace. They are also a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle leftover candle wax, making your candle habit more environmentally friendly.
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Refillable candle options
While candles are not inherently reusable, there are ways to reuse and recycle candle wax and jars. For example, leftover candle wax can be reused to make wax melts, tealights, or even new candles. Candle jars can also be reused or recycled.
If you're looking for refillable candle options, you might want to consider Arbor Made. Arbor Made offers refillable candles with various scents, including vanilla and pine, and seasonal options. Their candles are made from 100% soy wax and do not contain harmful ingredients. The packaging is recyclable, and the wax burns evenly across the container. You can purchase refills for their candles, reducing waste and the cost of buying a new candle.
Another option for refillable candles is to buy candles that come in jars or containers that can be reused. Candle containers are typically made of glass or aluminium, both of which can be easily recycled or reused for other purposes. Before reusing a candle jar, it's important to clean it by removing any leftover wax and washing it with soap and water.
Some people also choose to make their own candles using refillable jars or containers. This allows you to choose your desired wax, fragrance, and wick, creating a customised candle that can be refilled or reused.
Overall, refillable and reusable candles are a more environmentally friendly option, reducing waste and the need to constantly purchase new candles. They also offer the convenience of being able to order refills and continue using the same jar or container.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles are reusable. You can melt the remaining wax and use it in a variety of ways, from adding it to a candle warmer to making new candles or wax melts.
There are several ways to clean wax from a glass jar. You can fill the container with boiling water and leave it to cool. The water will melt the wax residue, which will float to the top. Once cooled, empty the water and scrape out the wax with a spoon or butter knife. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to harden and shrink, making it easier to remove.
Leftover candle wax can be reused in several ways. You can melt it down and add essential oils and dried flowers to make fire starters or wax melts. You can also use it to make new candles by purchasing wicks and wax refill kits online.
