Brooke Martin
If you're looking to repurpose old candles, melting and combining their wax is a great way to create new candles, wax melts, and fire starters. Before you begin, it's important to identify the type of wax your candles are made of, as different types of wax have different melting points and may not mix well together. Once you've sorted your wax scraps, you can melt them using a double boiler or a saucepan over low heat. After melting the wax, you can add scents or dyes, pour it into a new container with a wick, and let it set. With these simple steps, you can transform your old candles into something new and reduce waste.
Characteristics and values for melting and combining candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Paraffin wax, synthetic wax, soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, beeswax, stearic acid, gelled mineral oil |
| Wax combination | Generally ok to mix material origins (soy, paraffin, bee, etc.). Avoid mixing temperature/type (pillar/taper, container, wax melt). |
| Scent | Combine complementary scents. Avoid mixing conflicting scents. Add essential oils if desired. |
| Colour | Avoid mixing multiple colours unless desired result is a muddy brown. |
| Wick | Ensure wicks are centred and secured in the candle vessel before pouring melted wax. |
| Melting method | Use a double boiler or low heat on a stovetop to melt wax. |
| Moulds | Use small moulds of your choice, such as ice cube trays or muffin liners. |
| Additives | Include dried flowers, herbs, or spices in the wax for decorative and aromatic effects. |
| Cooling | Allow wax to cool and harden completely before removing it from the mould. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right wax types to combine
When combining candles, it is important to consider the type of wax you are using. Different types of wax have different melting points, so combining waxes with vastly different melting points may result in an uneven consistency. For example, waxes such as soy and paraffin can be mixed, but be aware that they melt at different speeds and will require stirring.
It is generally recommended to combine candles of the same type of wax. Common types of wax include paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax. If you are unsure of the type of wax your candles are made of, it is best to test a small amount of wax before combining it to ensure compatibility.
In addition to melting points, the temperature and type of wax can also affect the final product. For example, mixing pillar wax and container wax can result in a wax that is unsuitable for either purpose. Therefore, it is important to consider the intended use of your final candle product when choosing which wax types to combine.
Scented and dyed candles should also be considered carefully when combining waxes. While it is possible to combine scented waxes, the underlying smell of the recycled wax will influence the final fragrance. Similarly, combining dyed waxes may result in an unappealing colour, so it is recommended to remove any outer layers of dye or paint before melting.
Overall, choosing the right wax types to combine involves considering melting points, compatibility, intended use, and the potential impact of scents and dyes. Testing a small amount of wax before combining larger quantities can help ensure a successful outcome.
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Prepare your candle containers
To prepare your candle containers, start by choosing the right vessel. You can reuse old candle jars, tins, teacups, or votive glasses. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly with boiling water first. If you don't have any suitable containers, you can purchase fresh tins from a candle-making kit.
Once you've selected your container, it's time to place a new wick inside. Most wicks come with double-sided stickers. Peel off one side and place the sticker in the centre of your chosen container. If your wick doesn't have a sticker, you can use a wick tab, available at craft stores. Thread the wick through the wick tab and knot one end. Then, dip the wick and tab into the melted wax to coat them before pressing the tab to the bottom of the container.
If you're reusing old candle jars, you'll need to remove the leftover wax. One method is to freeze the candles, jar and all, and then use a small knife to scrape out the wax. Alternatively, you can place the candle jar in a sink and run hot water over it to melt the wax, which can then be poured out.
It's important to note that different types of wax have different melting points, so be cautious when melting wax directly in your chosen container. If you're melting wax scraps separately, you can use a double boiler method to avoid overheating. Place your wax scraps into a pot or bowl that fits inside a saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water and simmer until the wax is melted.
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Remove wax from old candles
There are several ways to remove wax from old candles. Here are some methods:
Freezing
Place the candle in the freezer for several hours or until the wax is frozen. The wax should pop right out of the container, but you can also use a butter knife to loosen it if necessary. Scrape off any residue, then clean the container with dish soap and warm water. You can also use a hair dryer on the "hot" setting to melt the wax, and wipe it out with a paper towel or rag.
Hot Water
Place the candle jar in a sink and run hot water over it. The wax drippings will melt and can be easily washed away. Alternatively, place the candle on a heat-safe surface and pour boiling water into the container, leaving room at the top. The boiling water will melt the wax, and it will float to the top of the water. Let the water cool, then remove the wax. Strain the water to get rid of any small wax bits. Do not pour wax down the drain, as it can create a clog.
Double Boiler
Place the candle in a small pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so some waxes may take longer to melt. Once the wax is melted, remove old wicks with tongs and dispose of them.
Oven
Wash your pot and hold it with an oven mitt. Turn on your hair dryer to the "hot" setting and direct the hot air to the sides and bottom of the pot. The wax will melt and can be easily removed.
When removing wax from old candles, it is important to note that different types of wax may react differently to heat. It is recommended to only combine the remnants of candles if they are all made of the same type of wax.
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Melt wax and add scents
Melting and combining candles is an excellent way to repurpose old candle wax. Before you begin, it's important to note that different types of wax have different melting points, so it may take some waxes longer to melt than others. It's also important to ensure that the waxes you are combining are compatible. While mixing material origins (such as soy, paraffin, or beeswax) is generally acceptable, mixing temperature/type (pillar/taper, container, wax melt) is not recommended. Additionally, if the waxes are scented or dyed, it is suggested to refrain from mixing them as the colours may combine into an unappealing shade, and the scents may not complement each other.
To melt the wax, you can use a double boiler method. Place your wax scraps into a pot or bowl that will serve as the top half of the double boiler. Fill a saucepan or the bottom half of the double boiler halfway with water and place the container with wax scraps inside, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Bring the water to a simmer, and the wax will gradually melt.
Once your wax is melted, you can add scents to create your desired fragrance. Essential oils are a popular choice for scenting candles. If you're making a citronella candle, add five to ten drops of citronella oil to the melted wax and stir well. You can also get creative and experiment with other scented oils or even old perfume samples. Just be mindful of the underlying smell of the recycled wax and how different scents will combine. For instance, a pumpkin pie candle combined with a floral candle may result in an overpowering, confusing fragrance. On the other hand, a pumpkin pie candle mixed with a smoky leathery whiskey candle might create an intriguing aroma.
If you're using unscented wax, adding a few drops of essential oil can enhance your candle-making experience and final product. You can also add dried flowers, herbs, or spices to your melted wax for a more complex and natural scent. Get creative and experiment with different combinations, but always ensure that the scents complement each other.
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Pour wax into moulds
When melting and combining candles, the moulds you use will depend on the type of candle you want to make. If you're making a new candle, you can reuse an old candle jar, or use a tin, teacup, votive glass, or even a muffin liner. If you're making wax melts, you can use an ice cube tray as your mould.
Before pouring your wax, prepare your moulds. If you're reusing old candle jars, clean them with boiling water first. If you're using a new wick, place it in the centre of your mould, using double-sided stickers to keep it in place. If you're using a metal wick, peel off one side of the sticker and place the wick in the centre of your mould, then stick the metal base of the wick on top. If your wick doesn't stand up straight, brace it.
Once your wax is melted, you can add scents if you want to. If you're making citronella candles, for example, add five to 10 drops of citronella oil to the melted wax and stir. You can also add other scented oils, such as old perfume samples, but be mindful of the underlying smell of the recycled wax. If you're using unscented wax, you can add essential oils to create your preferred scent.
Now you're ready to pour your wax into the moulds. If you're making a candle, pour the wax into your mould, holding the wick in place, then let the wax set completely. If you're making wax melts, carefully pour equal amounts of wax into each compartment of your ice cube tray. Let the wax sit for a couple of hours until it has fully set before removing the wax cubes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, separate the wax from the containers they are stuck to. You can do this by freezing the candles and then using a small knife to scrape out the wax. Next, melt the wax by placing it in a saucepan or bowl and setting it over a pot of simmering water. You can then pour the melted wax into a new container, holding the wick in place, and let it set.
It is generally recommended to only combine the same type of wax. However, some people say that mixing wax types is fine, as long as they are not mixing temperature/type (pillar/taper, container, wax melt). For example, beeswax and coconut wax can be combined but tend to crack as it cools.
Yes, you can add scented oils, such as citronella oil, to melted wax to make a fragranced candle. You can also add dried flowers or herbs.
