Jessie Taylor
Candles are a source of light produced by the burning of a wick that is embedded in wax. The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is then drawn up the wick and vaporized, turning into a hot gas. When candles burn, they transition from a solid to a liquid state, and eventually to a gaseous state. This process can be observed when a candle is blown out, as a stream of gaseous wax particles is released. The wax can be seen to resolidify when the candle cools down, forming a puddle around the wick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State of matter | Solid, liquid, or gas |
| Solid state | Has a definite shape and volume |
| Liquid state | Wax melts into a little puddle around the wick |
| Gas state | Wax evaporates into gaseous wax particles |
| Melting | Requires a double boiler |
| Solidification | Wax cools and sets |
| Curing | Wax hardens into a semi-solid |
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What You'll Learn
Reusing candle wax
Removing Wax from Containers
To reuse candle wax, you first need to remove it from its container. One way to do this is by melting the wax. You can use a double boiler, which involves placing a can of wax in a saucepan of water, or melt the wax in the oven at its lowest setting. Always be cautious when handling hot wax. Another method is to place the container in the freezer, allowing the wax to shrink and pop out easily.
Combining Wax from Multiple Candles
If you're combining wax from multiple candles, ensure they are all the same type of wax. Different types of wax have different melting points and properties, so mixing them may affect the final product. Common types of wax include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and coconut wax.
Making New Candles
You can make new candles using the melted wax. Cut a piece of wicking that is 2 inches taller than your chosen container. Knot one end and thread the other through a wick tab. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the container. Pour the melted wax into the container, leaving a small space at the top, and let it harden for about an hour. You can add essential oils and dried flowers to create scented candles.
Creating Wax Sachets
Wax sachets are another option for reusing candle wax. Melt the wax and pour it into a small mold. Add essential oils and pressed flowers to create a beautiful, fragrant sachet. Allow the wax to harden, then remove it from the mold. These sachets can be used to scent drawers or closets.
Fire Starters
Wax can also be used to create fire starters for your fireplace or campfire. Combine wax flakes with cedar shavings and dried flowers or herbs. Place an egg carton on a sheet pan lined with wax paper and pour the wax and cedar mixture into the cups. These fire starters provide an easy way to get a cozy fire going.
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How to prevent wax from melting too quickly
While candles are a great way to fragrance your home, they can sometimes burn down too quickly. Here are some tips to prevent your wax from melting too fast:
Choose the Right Wax Type
Different types of wax have different melting points. Soy wax, for instance, melts at a higher temperature (49-82°C) than paraffin wax (46-68°C). Beeswax has an even lower melting point, at 62-65°C. If you want your candle to last longer, opt for a wax with a higher melting point, like soy wax or gel wax, which melts at 82°C.
Use a Smaller Flame
The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. Therefore, a smaller flame will melt the wax at a slower rate, making your candle last longer.
Avoid Drafts
A draft will speed up the burning of your candle, causing it to melt more quickly. Keep your candles away from open windows, fans, or air vents.
Use a Candle Warmer
Instead of lighting the wick, you can use a candle warmer to heat your candle gently and release its fragrance. This way, you can enjoy the scent without the wax melting too fast.
Repurpose Leftover Wax
If you have a candle that has burned down too far to be relit, you don't have to throw it away. You can repurpose the leftover wax by melting it down and pouring it into a mould to create new candles or wax melts. This way, you get more use out of the wax and prevent waste.
By following these tips, you can make your candles last longer and reduce waste, allowing you to enjoy your favourite fragrances for extended periods.
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The science behind candles
When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick, and this liquid wax is drawn up the wick by capillary action. The flame's heat then vaporizes the liquid wax, turning it into a hot gas. This gas is composed of hydrocarbon molecules, which begin to break down into molecules of hydrogen and carbon. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air to form water vapour, while some of the carbon burns to form carbon dioxide.
The colour of a candle flame is also indicative of the chemical processes occurring. The oxygen-rich blue zone is where the hydrocarbon molecules vaporize and break apart. Above this is a small dark orange-brown section, where there is relatively less oxygen. Here, the various forms of carbon continue to break down, and small, hardened carbon particles begin to form.
The process of candle-making also involves science. For example, when making a candle, the wax is melted and can be mixed with crayon shavings to add colour. The wax and fragrance oils do not chemically react with each other, but the fragrance oil "binds" to the wax. The wax then hardens into a semi-solid structure, which is part solid (wax) and part liquid (fragrance oil).
Candles can also be used to teach children about states of matter and how objects transition from one state to another under different temperatures. For example, a solid candle, when lit, melts into a liquid wax, and this liquid wax can be vaporized into a hot gas.
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How to remove wax from a jar
Removing wax from a jar is a simple process, but it requires some care to avoid accidents or damage to the jar. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Jar
First, decide if you want to keep the label intact. If so, you may want to choose a different method, as some methods can damage the label or make it hard to remove. Also, check if the jar has a metal wick holder, as this could pose a fire hazard during the process.
Choose Your Method
There are several methods to remove wax from a jar, each with its advantages and considerations:
- Freezing: Place the jar in the freezer for about an hour or until the wax is frozen. Remove the jar from the freezer, turn it upside down, and gently tap the bottom. The frozen wax should slide out easily. This method is best for jars with about an inch of wax left, as it relies on the wax shrinking when frozen to separate it from the jar.
- Boiling Water: Boil some water and carefully pour it into the jar. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to rise to the surface. Allow the water to cool, then remove the hardened wax from the top. Be careful not to spill hot water, and do not pour wax down the drain; dispose of it in a bin.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to between 150 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the jar upside down on a sheet of aluminum foil on a baking pan and put it in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Stay nearby in case of any issues, as wax can overflow and drip inside your oven. Once the wax has melted, carefully remove the pan and the jar from the oven using oven mitts.
- Microwave: Fill the jar with water and microwave it for up to two minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as some wicks have metal holders that could be a fire hazard. The wax will melt and rise above the water. Let the jar and wax cool, then remove the wax with a spoon or knife.
Final Steps
Once you've removed the wax, you may need to clean the jar with dish soap to get rid of any leftover candle marks. If you want to reuse the wax, you can do so to make new candles or use it in wax melt warmers.
Remember to always put safety first and choose the method that best suits your specific situation and equipment.
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The different types of wax
Candles have been a beloved part of our lives for centuries, filling our spaces with soothing scents and creating an inviting atmosphere. However, not all candles are made the same, and the type of wax used in a candle can significantly influence its burning time, scent dispersion, and overall quality. Here are some of the different types of wax commonly used in candles:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is one of the most popular types of wax for candles and has been widely used since its emergence during the Industrial Revolution in the 1850s. It is derived from petroleum, making it inexpensive, versatile, and widely available. Paraffin wax has a good scent throw, meaning it can carry strong fragrances, which makes it ideal for scented candles. It also comes in various melting points, allowing candle makers to create different types of candles, from votives to pillars and container candles. However, paraffin wax tends to produce more soot than some other types of wax, and it is not the most eco-friendly option.
Soy Wax
Soy wax, made from soybean oil, has become a popular choice for those who care about the environment. It is biodegradable, renewable, and burns cleaner than paraffin wax, producing less soot. Soy candles typically offer a longer burn time than paraffin candles and are known for their slow, steady burn. Soy wax is also a good option for creating candles that come in vessels, such as tealights and votive candles. However, the soybean industry has some concerns about deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides, and soy wax can be sensitive to temperature variations, sometimes resulting in a bumpy surface.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a newer option for candle-making, but it is gaining popularity due to its luxurious properties. It is harvested from coconuts, a sustainable crop, and it burns slowly and cleanly with minimal soot production. Coconut wax is excellent at holding fragrance, providing a strong scent throw. Its softness and low melting point make it suitable for blending with other waxes, such as soy or beeswax, to create high-quality candles. However, coconut wax can be more expensive than some other types of wax.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a completely natural wax produced by honeybees. It is non-toxic, safe for indoor use, and known for its ability to purify the air by releasing negative ions that reduce allergens and airborne toxins. Beeswax is a good option for those seeking natural, eco-friendly alternatives to paraffin wax. However, it is important to note that beeswax may have varying performance characteristics compared to other wax types.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is another natural wax derived from rapeseed oil. It is a renewable, vegan-friendly, and environmentally conscious choice, as it burns cleanly with minimal soot production. Rapeseed wax is also compatible with essential oils and natural fragrances, making it a preferred option for creating organic, eco-conscious candle products. However, rapeseed wax may be more expensive due to the rigorous sourcing and extraction process.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is unique for its ability to create crystalline and feathered textures, adding a decorative touch to candles. It burns slowly and cleanly and is harder, making it suitable for freestanding candles like pillars. However, one of the main concerns with palm wax is its contribution to the deforestation of palm trees.
Gel Wax
Gel wax is a unique type of wax that provides transparency to candles, allowing for embedded objects or layered designs. It is often used for creative, decorative, or artistic candles and has a higher melting point than traditional wax candles. However, gel wax has a propensity to overheat, which can cause thin glass vessels to crack or break, and it is not natural or biodegradable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles do resolidify. When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick, and this liquid wax is drawn up through the wick. When the flame is extinguished, the liquid wax will cool and resolidify.
When a candle burns, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The flame's heat vaporizes the liquid wax, turning it into a hot gas, and breaks down the hydrocarbons into molecules of hydrogen and carbon.
Candles melt due to the heat generated by the flame. The heat melts the solid wax, which is a phase change from solid to liquid.
Yes, you can relight a candle after blowing it out. When you blow out a candle, you can see a stream of gaseous wax particles (which may look like smoke). You can relight the candle by placing a match in this stream of particles; you don't need to touch the wick.
The time it takes for a candle to resolidify depends on various factors, such as the type of wax, the ambient temperature, and the size of the melted area. In general, it takes about an hour for the wax to solidify enough to be stable, but it may take longer to fully harden.
