Chloe Adams
There are many ways to melt and reuse old candle wax. The most popular way to melt wax at home is by using a double boiler, which uses steam as a heat source. Another method is to melt the wax in a microwave, which is faster than using a double boiler. The type of wax also determines the melting temperature, with soy wax melting at around 49-82°C, paraffin wax at 46-68°C, beeswax at 62-65°C, and gel wax at 82°C. Once the wax is melted, it can be poured into moulds to create new candles or wax melts. Leftover wax can also be used for fire starters, as a seal for letters, or as a fragrance on a warmer. Candle jars can be reused for storage, decoration, or as a plant propagator.
Characteristics of melting a candle to reuse:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting methods | Double boiler, Microwave, Jug/Bowl over hot water |
| Melting tools | Two pans/a pan and bowl, Microwave-safe container, Jug/Bowl |
| Melting temperature | Depends on wax type, e.g., Soy wax: 49-82°C, Paraffin wax: 46-68°C |
| Filtration | Optional, but helps remove dirt and debris |
| Moulds | Ice-cream trays, Tea cups, Mixing bowls, Candy moulds |
| Wick | Natural cotton string or purchased wicks |
| Additional uses | Fire starters, Wax seals, Fragrance, Storage, Plant propagation, Home decor |
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What You'll Learn
Melting wax in a double boiler
To melt wax using a double boiler, first, fill a large pan with water—just enough so that the water does not touch the upper container, as it is better if the upper container is heated by steam rather than water. Place the pan on your hob or hotplate to heat the water. Next, place your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug, ensuring that any chunks of wax are no bigger than an inch wide. Then, put the smaller container with the wax into the larger pan and heat over medium heat until the wax has completely melted.
It is important to note that the type of wax you are using will determine its melting point. Soy wax, for example, melts between 49-82°C, while paraffin wax has a lower melting point of 46-68°C. Beeswax melts at 62-65°C, and gel wax has a higher melting point of 82°C. Ensure that you do not heat the wax above 390°F to prevent it from catching fire.
Once the wax is totally liquefied, you can proceed to pour it into a mould or container. Before pouring, check that the tray or mould is clean and dry. Remove the smaller container from the double boiler and wipe off any water on its surface with a rag or paper towel. Slowly pour the wax into the tray to avoid air bubbles, ensuring that any dirt remains at the bottom of the melting container. If filtration is needed, heat the wax to between 374°F and 401°F before pouring it through a strainer.
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Melting wax in a microwave
Prepare the Workspace and Materials:
Before you begin, gather your materials. You will need a heat-resistant glass or ceramic container that is microwave-safe. Additionally, you will want an apron to protect your clothing and paper towels to cover the work area. Calculate the amount of wax you need and measure it accordingly.
Adjust Microwave Settings:
Place the wax beads or chunks into your chosen container. Ensure the container is uncovered. Adjust your microwave's power wattage to 20% or 10%, as most microwaves default to full power, which is not ideal for melting wax.
Heat the Wax:
Position the container with wax slightly towards the side of the microwave, rather than in the middle. Start with short intervals of heating, setting the timer for ten seconds. Remove the container after each interval and stir the wax to ensure even heat distribution. Repeat this process as needed until the wax reaches the desired consistency, similar to syrup or runny honey.
Maintain Wax Temperature:
Once the wax is fully melted, you can begin your intended use, such as creating new candles or wax melts. Keep in mind that the wax may start to solidify if left for too long. To regain the ideal consistency, place the wax back in the microwave for short intervals of ten seconds, stirring after each interval.
Add Colour and Fragrance (Optional):
If you are creating scented candles or coloured wax melts, ensure the wax cools down to 70°C before adding colour and fragrance oils. Stir well to combine, and always follow the recommended amounts to avoid overuse.
Safety Precautions:
Always monitor the temperature of the wax to prevent overheating. Do not exceed a temperature of 80°C. Additionally, be cautious when handling hot wax to avoid burns.
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Using leftover wax for fire starters
Leftover candle wax can be reused in many ways, one of which is making fire starters. Here are some ways to do this:
Using an egg carton
Using an egg carton is a popular method for making fire starters. Start by filling each section of the carton with some lint or cotton. You can also add wood shavings, small pine cones, twigs, dried herbs, or spices. Then, pour melted wax over the top and allow it to set. When you're ready to light your fire, tear off a segment and strike a match. The cardboard catches fire easily, the lint helps it burn steadily, and the wax fuels the flame for longer.
Using a muffin tin
Place muffin liners into a muffin tin. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, paper towel or paper strips, and wick into the liners. Reheat your wax to 65.6°C (150°F) and pour it into the mould, leaving some paper towel sticking out. Let the wax cool overnight before using it to start your fire.
Other methods
You can also dip pine cones into the wax or cut cardboard into small pieces and dip half into the wax. Then, place the wax-covered cardboard into an envelope with some junk mail. These fire starters are great for camping.
Melting the wax
To melt the wax, you can use a double boiler or the microwave method. For the double boiler method, fill a large pan with water and place it on your hob. Put your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug, and place it in the large pan. Heat over medium heat until the wax has melted. Alternatively, you can pour the wax into a microwave-safe container and heat it in the microwave in 2-minute intervals until it's fully melted.
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Using wax as a seal for letters
Wax can be melted and reused in several ways, including as a seal for letters. This method of sealing letters with wax adds a personal and nostalgic touch, especially if you are using scented wax.
There are two main types of wax used for wax sealing: traditional wax and supple wax. Traditional wax is the same type of sealing wax used historically by royalty. However, it is brittle and therefore not suitable for mailing. Supple wax, on the other hand, is more flexible and can withstand the rough handling of the postal system. It comes in various forms, such as wax sticks with or without wicks, wax sticks for glue guns, and wax sealing beads.
To use leftover candle wax as a seal for your letters, melt a small amount of wax onto the fold of the envelope. You can melt the wax using a double boiler, a microwave, or a glue gun. If using a glue gun, insert the wax stick into the gun and bring it to temperature. Place the gun on a piece of foil to catch any drips or strings. If using a double boiler, fill a large pan with water and place it on a heat source. Put your wax in a smaller heat-proof container and place it in the large pan. Heat the wax until it melts. You can also melt the wax directly in the microwave, but ensure you use a microwave-safe container.
Once you have melted your wax, slowly pour it onto the envelope, creating a shape just a little smaller than your stamp head. Firmly press your sealing stamp into the wax and hold it for a couple of seconds before leaving it to harden for about a minute. Gently remove the stamp. If you feel some resistance, leave the wax to cool for a little longer.
You can also create unique marbling effects by using different colours of wax or mixing colours. However, if it is important that the colours do not mix, you may need to dedicate a glue gun to each colour or use a melting spoon.
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Removing wax from candle jars
Next, fill the jar with hot water. The water should be slightly below boiling temperature to avoid the risk of burning yourself. Leave the jar to soak for about an hour. The wax will float to the top and harden, making it easy to remove.
Once the water has cooled, remove the wax disc that has formed on top. You can then remove the wick and any excess wax, and wash the jar with warm water and soap.
Now that the jar is clean, you can repurpose it for storage or as a vessel for a new candle. If you want to use it for a new candle, ensure you clean the jar thoroughly to avoid old fragrances mixing with new ones, which could create a negative chemical reaction.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular way to melt candle wax is by using a double boiler. This method uses steam as a heat source to melt the wax.
First, fill a large pan with water and place it on a hotplate or hob. Next, place your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or jug and put this inside the larger pan. Heat over a medium heat until the wax has melted.
Yes, you can melt candle wax in the microwave. However, you should be careful that the container is microwave-safe, especially if you are melting leftover wax from a candle.
The ideal temperature depends on the type of wax. Soy wax melts at around 49-82°C, paraffin wax at 46-68°C, beeswax at 62-65°C, and gel wax at 82°C.
Leftover candle wax can be used for a variety of things, including making new candles, sealing envelopes, or as a fire starter.
