Jessie Taylor
Boiling a candle is a useful way to salvage leftover wax from a candle that has burned down too far to be relit. To do this, you can place the candle in a small pot, which is then placed inside a larger pot filled with water. The water is then heated until the wax melts. This method can also be used to boil water in an emergency, although it is not the most efficient method, as candles do not produce a lot of energy.
Boiling a candle
A candle can be boiled in water to melt the wax. This can be done to clean out a candle jar or to enjoy the fragrance.
Boiling water using a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pot | Use a pot with a thin bottom and narrow shape. A pot with a cover is preferable as the increased pressure will raise the water temperature more quickly |
| Burner | A metal burner or grate is placed between the pot and the candle. The candle flame should be as close to the bottom of the pot as possible |
| Candle | Candles with multiple wicks burn hotter. The candle flame should be as close to the bottom of the pot as possible |
| Wicks and wax | Candles burn down quickly, so adding more wax and a longer wick can help keep the flame close to the bottom of the pot |
| Firestarter | Flint, matches, a lighter, or another source of fire is needed to light the candle |
| Fuel source | A small source of fuel placed between the candle and the pot can increase the amount of energy the candle puts out |
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What You'll Learn
How to boil water with a candle
Boiling water with a candle is possible but may not be the most efficient method. Candles produce less energy compared to the amount of energy required to boil water. They also burn incompletely, which may cause the object being heated to be covered in black soot.
If you want to boil water using a candle, you can try the following method: create a ring of small rocks around the candle, about 3 inches tall, so the flame from the candle reaches the bottom of your pot. The rocks should be uneven to allow oxygen in while also acting as a windbreak. Place your pot of water on top of the rocks. Tea lights can also be used, as the aluminium cups they sit in can help preserve the candles' shape.
It may take a long time to boil the water this way, and there are more fuel-efficient methods available, such as camping stoves and lightweight gas canisters. However, candles can be useful in emergency situations when no other heat sources are available.
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How to reuse candle wax
There are several ways to reuse candle wax. Firstly, you must melt the wax and remove it from its current vessel. You can do this by placing your candle in a small pot, which you then place inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, so it may take some waxes longer to melt than others.
Once the wax is melted, remove old wicks with tongs and discard them. You can then pour the melted wax into a new mould. One idea is to make your own votives. To do this, cut a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than your votive holder and knot one end. Thread the other end through a wick tab and tie it around a wooden skewer. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder and rest the skewer on the rim. Pour the melted wax into the votive holder, stopping half an inch below the rim. Leave it to set for about an hour.
Alternatively, you can place the jar or candle holder in the freezer. This will make the wax shrink and pop out easily. You can also melt the wax in the oven by preheating it to the lowest temperature setting and placing the jar inside, but be sure to remove any labels or stickers first. Never put a jarred candle in the microwave, as the discs that attach the wick to the holder are made of metal.
Another way to reuse candle wax is to make wax sachets. You can also add the wax to a candle warmer or use it to make new candles.
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How to boil a candle in water to make your home smell nice
Boiling a candle in water is not a safe option as it is a fire hazard. However, you can melt wax in a double boiler over high heat to make your own candle—this method ensures the wax melts without the risk of burning. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own candle to make your home smell nice:
Step 1: Prepare the wax
Weigh the wax flakes using a kitchen scale. The amount of wax you use will depend on the size of your container. As a general rule, fill your container twice with wax flakes. You can use soy wax or beeswax. Soy wax holds onto scent better, but it is harder to work with. Beeswax has a natural honey scent but does not hold additional fragrances as well as soy.
Step 2: Melt the wax
Place the wax flakes in the top pot of your double boiler and heat until the wax reaches a temperature of 185 °F (85 °C).
Step 3: Add essential oils
Once the wax has melted, stir in your favourite essential oils. You can customise the scent by mixing different oils together. Some popular scent options include:
- Citrus: Lemon, grapefruit, or orange
- Vanilla
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Cedarwood
- Ylang-ylang
- Vetiver
- Frankincense
- Lemon balm
Step 4: Pour the wax into a container
Take the double boiler off the heat and let the wax cool down to 185 °F (85 °C). Then, pour the wax into your chosen container. Make sure your container is heatproof by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. If the container cracks, choose a different one. Suitable containers include metal, ceramic, or glass vessels such as a bowl, mug, or cup.
Step 5: Let the wax harden
Let the wax harden for 24 hours.
Step 6: Trim the wick
Finish by trimming the wick with a pair of scissors.
Other ways to make your home smell nice
If you are looking for alternative ways to make your home smell nice without burning candles, try using room sprays, linen sprays, or diffusers. You can also boil water on the stove with essential oils, spices, dried flowers, and herbs to fill your home with a natural fragrance.
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How to boil water with a candle in an emergency
Boiling water with a candle is not the most efficient way to boil water, but it can be done in an emergency. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to boil water with a candle in an emergency:
Firstly, gather your supplies. You will need a candle, with multiple wicks being preferable as they burn hotter. You will also need a source of fire such as flint, matches, or a lighter, and a metal burner or pot to place over the candle. If you have access to one, an additional fuel source, such as shredded tinder and wax, can increase the amount of energy the candle puts out.
Next, prepare your setup. Place the candle on a stable surface and light it. If you are outdoors, create a windbreak with rocks to prevent the wind from blowing out the candle. Place the metal burner or pot directly over the candle flame, ensuring there is as little distance between the burner and the flame as possible to maximize heat transfer. Place your water inside the burner or pot.
Now, be patient. Boiling water with a candle can take a long time, up to an hour or more, depending on the ambient temperature and the volume of water. Check on your setup periodically, ensuring that the candle is still lit and that the water is gradually heating up.
Finally, once the water has reached a boil, carefully remove the burner or pot from the top of the candle. Use the boiled water for cooking, making coffee or tea, or simply for drinking.
While boiling water with a candle is possible, it is important to note that candles are not the most efficient heat source. They may leave your cookware covered in soot, and there are safer, more effective alternatives, such as lightweight camping stoves or gas canisters.
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How to boil water with a candle without making a mess
Boiling water with a candle is possible but challenging, especially in cold or windy conditions. It is a good skill to have in an emergency, as candles can be used to boil water collected from a river or stream, or to melt snow for drinking purposes.
To boil water with a candle without making a mess, you will need:
- A source of fire to light the candle, such as flint, matches, or a lighter
- A candle
- A pot or metal can to hold the water
- Additional fuel sources, such as shredded waste paper or used wax, to increase the heat of the fire
- A windbreak to protect the flame, such as a ring of small rocks or a blanket
First, create a windbreak to protect the candle flame from being blown out. You can use a ring of small rocks or build a fort with tarps or spare blankets to trap and condense the heat. Place the candle in the centre of the windbreak and light it with your source of fire.
Next, place the pot or metal can of water directly over the candle flame. The closer the pot is to the flame, the faster the water will boil. You can also place a small source of fuel, such as a bare metal can filled with shredded tinder and wax, between the candle and the pot to increase the heat.
Keep an eye on the candle and pot, and be prepared to add more fuel to the fire if needed. Boiling water with a candle can take a long time, so patience is key!
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