Jessie Taylor
Candles are great, but they don't last forever. When your favourite candle has burned down so low that it can no longer be lit, it's time to get creative. Instead of throwing out the leftover wax, you can melt it down and reuse it to make new candles. This process is cost-effective, easy, and customizable. You can even mix different scents to create a unique fragrance. There are several ways to melt down candles, including using a double boiler, placing the candle in the oven, or freezing the candle and then popping the wax out. Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a new container with a wick and let it cool. So, before you toss out your old candles, consider giving them new life by melting them down and making your own unique creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method to melt wax | Double boiler technique |
| How to use a double boiler | Place wax scraps in the top half of a double boiler, fill the bottom half with water, and set to medium heat |
| Alternative method | Place the candle in the freezer, then stab it with a butter knife to crack the wax out |
| Removing wax from a jar | Run hot water over the jar |
| Wax types | Paraffin wax, synthetic wax, soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, beeswax, stearic acid, gelled mineral oil |
| Wax melting points | 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit |
| New candle container | Old candle, crystal votive holder, teacup, miniature vase, ramekin, crystal cup, short mason jar |
| Wick holder | Toothpick, pencil, popsicle stick |
| Cooling time | 30 minutes to a few hours |
| Curing time | 24 to 48 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Using a double boiler
Firstly, gather your equipment. You will need a heat source such as a stove or hot plate, a pot of water, and a smaller container that will fit inside the pot, such as a pouring pitcher, glass bowl, or smaller saucepan. The smaller container should be heat-resistant and able to withstand the temperature of boiling water (185°F - 212°F).
Next, fill the larger pot about halfway with water and place it on the heat source to heat. While the water is heating up, prepare your wax by cutting it into smaller pieces if necessary and placing it in the smaller container. You can also add colour to your wax at this stage if desired. Place the smaller container with the wax inside the larger pot of boiling water. Ensure that the water level is not too high, as you want the steam to heat the wax rather than the water.
As the wax begins to melt, occasionally stir the unmelted components to encourage melting. Do not stir too aggressively, as this can introduce air into the blend, impacting the final candle quality. Monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer and remove it from the heat once it reaches 185°F - 190°F (85°C - 88°C).
Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove the smaller container from the double boiler, using oven mitts or potholders as it will be very hot. Place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet. If you are adding fragrance to your wax, do so now, stirring gently for about two minutes to ensure the oil is well-dispersed.
Your wax is now ready to be poured into a mould or container to create a new candle. Remember to stay near your double boiler at all times during the process and be careful when handling hot containers to avoid any accidents.
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Removing wax from the jar
Removing wax from a jar is a simple process, but it requires some caution. One method is to place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and easily pop out once the jar is removed from the freezer. This method is recommended over attempting to chip the wax out with a knife or sharp object, as this may scratch or weaken the glass.
Another method is to melt the wax. Before melting, it is recommended to rub liquid paraffin on the wax, as this can help release it from the jar. To melt the wax, place the jar in a small pot, then place the small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so the time required to melt the wax may vary.
If you are using a bowl to melt the wax, ensure that it nests inside the saucepan without touching the water or the bottom of the pan, so the water is simmering beneath it. Set the heat to medium and allow the wax to melt, stirring occasionally with a wooden implement to ensure even heating.
Once the wax is melted, remove the jar from the heat. If the jar doesn't have a spout, consider transferring the wax to a glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Slowly pour the wax into another container, leaving at least half an inch of space at the top.
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Preparing a new container
Once you have selected your container, it is important to prepare it properly. Place a wick in the centre of the container and secure it in place. You can use a pencil, a toothpick, or a popsicle stick for this purpose. Fold the wick over the chosen object so that it stays in place. Ensure that the wick is centred and secure before proceeding to the next step.
If you are using a new container, it is essential to clean it thoroughly before use. Remove any labels or stickers, and rinse the container with warm water to eliminate any dust or residue. It is also advisable to sterilize the container by boiling it in water for a few minutes or using a sterilizing solution. This step will ensure that your new candle is free from any contaminants.
Additionally, consider the size of your new container and the amount of wax you plan to use. Leave at least half an inch of space at the top of the container to allow for the wax to expand and prevent overflow. If you are using multiple containers, ensure they are all prepared in the same manner.
Finally, once your container is prepared, you can proceed to melt your wax. Follow the instructions for melting wax safely, and then carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before removing the pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick and trimming the wick to the appropriate length.
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Melting and pouring wax
Once you have your wax scraps, you can begin the melting process. The safest method is to use a double boiler, which involves placing the wax in a bowl or the top half of a double boiler, and then setting that inside a saucepan of simmering water. The exact amount of water isn't important, but it should be enough to cover at least halfway up the bowl or boiler. Never put a jarred candle directly in the microwave.
Turn the heat to medium and allow the wax to melt, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even heating. This should take anywhere from five to ten minutes, depending on the amount and type of wax. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Once melted, use tongs to remove the container from the heat and then carefully pour the wax into your chosen moulds or candle containers.
If your wax has a gritty appearance, you may want to strain it before pouring to remove impurities and ensure your finished candles burn cleaner. You can then reuse the wicks from old candles, or purchase new wicks online.
When pouring the wax, leave at least half an inch of space at the top of the container. This will ensure that your candles don't overflow as they cool. Place your candles in a warm spot and leave them undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours to cure. Allowing them to cool down slowly will prevent cracking, although they will still burn fine if they cool too quickly and crack.
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Curing the new candle
Curing a candle is necessary, but the amount of time a candle needs to cure varies depending on factors such as the type of wax and fragrance oil used. The curing process allows the wax to harden into a semi-solid state, while the fragrance oil binds to the wax.
The time it takes for a candle to cure can range from 24 hours to several weeks or even months. Some candle makers believe that the most hardening occurs within the first two weeks after pouring, while others claim that curing times do not matter. However, it is generally recommended that candles are left undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours to fully set.
During the curing process, the lid debate is a controversial topic. Curing with the lids on is favoured by those who prioritize fragrance control and protection from dust and debris, which can ruin a batch. This method also minimises exposure to environmental variables such as light and air, which can degrade the fragrance oil's integrity. On the other hand, curing with the lids off promotes better air circulation, allowing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to dissipate quickly and potentially speeding up the curing process.
To cure a candle, place it in a relatively warm spot so it cools down slowly, preventing splitting and cracking. The ideal curing location depends on the environment, scale of operation, and fragrance load. A dusty environment or an area with high air variability may benefit from curing with lids on to protect the scent, while a pristine, controlled space may favour lidless curing to accelerate the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Place your wax scraps into a pot or bowl that is filled halfway with water. Set it on the stove and place the container of wax scraps inside. Allow your wax to melt, stirring occasionally.
You can place the jar or candle holder in the freezer. The wax will shrink and easily pop out once removed from the freezer.
You can reuse the wax to make new candles. You can also use it to make wax melts, votive candles, or scented sachets.
Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to use caution when handling hot wax and always melt wax in a well-ventilated area.
