Jessie Taylor
Melting down candles on a stove is a great way to recycle old wax and create new candles. It's a cost-effective method that allows you to customize your candles and even mix scents. However, it can be dangerous, so it's recommended to use an electric stove if possible, and only attempt this if you have experience. Before melting wax, it's important to know the flash point, or the temperature at which the wax will ignite. You can find this on the packaging. Always keep the wax temperature 30–50 °F below the flash point. You can melt wax using a double boiler, which can be purchased or made at home using a deep pan and a large bowl.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stove type | Electric stove |
| Stove top | Dangerous method |
| Flash point | Wax ignition temperature |
| Double boiler | Deep, wide pan and large bowl |
| Wax type | Paraffin, synthetic, soy, coconut, palm, beeswax, stearic acid, gelled mineral oil |
| Wax melting point | 100-145°Fahrenheit |
| Wax temperature | 30-50°Fahrenheit below flash point |
| Oven method | Preheat oven to lowest setting |
| Microwave method | Four minutes |
| Freezer method | Wax shrinks and pops out |
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What You'll Learn
Use an electric stove if possible
Using an electric stove is one of the methods to melt down candles. However, it is important to note that using a stove top is the most dangerous of all the melting methods. Therefore, it is recommended that you only use this method if you have plenty of experience with melting wax and candles. If you are a novice, it is best to opt for the microwave or oven method first.
If you choose to use an electric stove, ensure that it is electric and not gas, as the former is safer. Before you begin, find out the flash point of the wax, which is the temperature at which the wax will ignite. This information can usually be found on the side of the wax container or packaging. Your wax should always be at least 30-50 °F (−1–10 °C) below its flash point.
To melt the candles, set up a double boiler. You can purchase a specialised double boiler set at a kitchen store or supermarket, or you can make your own at home. For a DIY double boiler, you will need a deep, wide pan and a large glass or metal bowl that can fit inside the pan. First, boil some water in the pan, ensuring there is only enough water to cover the bottom of the pan by a few inches. Then, place the bowl containing the wax bits into the pan. Adjust the heat so that the water is barely boiling, preventing the bowl from falling over or bouncing around. If needed, place a weight like a plate or lid on top of the bowl.
While your wax is melting, prepare your new candle container with a wick. Once the wax has completely melted, use tongs to remove the bowl from the stove and pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Allow the wax to cool and harden, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the shape and size of your container.
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$54.9 $56.95
Prepare your new candle container with a wick
Preparing your candle container with a wick is a simple process, but it can be a little messy, so it's a good idea to prepare your area first. You'll need a few tools, string, and wax, and it's recommended to use a drying rack to hang your wicks on as they dry. Wrap the bars in foil to make cleanup easier.
There are several options for creating your wicks. You can use plain cotton string, but it's advisable to soak the string in wax first to give the wick structure and make it easier to light. You can use a Borax solution for this, or simply melt some wax. Almost any cotton cord will work, including string, embroidery floss, torn pieces of cotton cloth, clean mop strings, or a shoelace. Linen, hemp, and jute twine are also good options. If you're feeling creative, try cotton balls or waxed dental floss—just twist a piece of cotton as you pull it from the ball, or braid several strands of floss together to make a thick wick.
If you want to use wood wicks, trim a balsa wood stick to fit your container, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the container height. You can also use wooden dowels or thin strips of untreated wood, like oak, cherry, or birch. Remember to respect the direction of installation to optimize combustion—the V-shaped structure of the flattened face of the round wick should open towards the tip of the candle.
Once you have your wick, dip it into some melted wax and swirl it around until it's fully coated. Wear oven mitts or thick gloves to protect your hands, as the wax will be very hot. Lay the wick on a sheet of aluminum foil and let it dry for 5–10 minutes. Then, attach the wick to the bottom of your container with some wax. If you're using a metal wick, you can also use a metal wick sustainer tab to adhere it to the container.
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Melt wax in the oven
Melting wax in the oven is a safer alternative to using a stove. It is also a good option if your candle wax is in a jar with a narrow neck, making it difficult to pop out the wax.
Before you begin, remove any labels or stickers from the jar. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. Place the jar inside the oven. The wax will melt at some point during this process, so it is important to keep an eye on it. Once the wax has melted, carefully remove the jar from the oven and scoop out the wax.
Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may take some waxes longer to melt than others. It is important to note that the flash point, or the temperature at which the wax will ignite, is different for each type of wax. Make sure your oven temperature is at least 30-50°F below the flash point of the wax you are using. You can find the flash point on the side of the wax container or packaging.
If you are melting wax from multiple candles, make sure they are all the same type of wax. You can then reuse the melted wax to make new candles or wax melts. Simply pour the melted wax into a mould of your choice and let it harden. You can also add a few drops of essential oil and some pressed flowers to make floral wax sachets.
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Use a microwave for softer wax
While melting candles on a stove, it is advisable to use an electric stove instead of a gas stove as the latter is more dangerous. Using a stove top is the riskiest method of melting wax. It is recommended to only use a stove if you have plenty of experience with melting wax and candles.
If you are new to melting wax, it is safer to use the microwave or oven method for your first few attempts. However, do not put a jarred candle in the microwave as the discs that attach a wick to a holder are made of metal.
To use the microwave for softening wax, crumble the wax into a bowl. If it is difficult to break the candle with your hands, use a knife to slice it into smaller pieces. Place the bowl uncovered in the microwave and set the timer for 4 minutes. The wax will not melt but will soften. Take the bowl out and stir the wax while taking its temperature. Make sure you are familiar with the flash point of your wax, which is the temperature at which the wax will ignite. Use a standard thermometer to check the temperature of the wax. If the wax is too hot, let it cool down to a safe temperature. You can use a fork's prongs to press the wax into the bowl's side and break it up, making it easier to melt in the microwave.
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Add fragrance oils
Melting down candles on a stove can be dangerous, so it is recommended that you only attempt this if you have plenty of experience with melting wax and candles. Before you begin, make sure you have a fire extinguisher and know how to operate it.
When melting wax on a stove, it is recommended to use a double boiler. You can buy a specialised double boiler set or make your own at home with a deep, wide pan and a large glass or metal bowl that fits inside.
Once you have set up your double boiler, you can add your wax. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may need to adjust the heat on your stove accordingly. Keep in mind that your wax should always be at least 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit below its flash point, which is the temperature at which it will ignite. You can usually find the flash point of your wax on the packaging.
Now, let's move on to adding fragrance oils. It is important to use high-quality fragrance oils specifically designed for candle-making, as other types of oils may not be safe to burn. The amount of fragrance oil you use will depend on the weight of your wax. A good rule of thumb is to use about 6-10% fragrance oil by weight of the wax. For example, if you're using 1 pound (16 ounces) of wax, you'd typically use around 1 to 1.6 ounces of fragrance oil.
To add the fragrance oil, use a dropper to add the desired number of drops to your melted wax. You can also add essential oils and carrier oils, such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, to create a more complex scent. The best time to add fragrance oil is during the cooling stage, just before pouring the wax into its container. This helps to preserve the fragrance molecules, as exposing them to high temperatures for too long can cause them to break down and result in a weaker scent. Stirring the wax for too long can also cause the fragrance oil to settle at the bottom, so be sure to only stir for a short time.
After adding your fragrance oil, simply pour the wax into your desired mould and let it harden. You can also add pressed flowers or herbs to create decorative elements. Once your candle has cooled and set, it's ready to be burned and enjoyed!
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Frequently asked questions
Using a stove is the most dangerous method for melting down candles. An electric stove is safer than a gas stove, but it is still risky. Only melt candles on a stove if you have plenty of experience.
You will need a deep, wide pan and a large glass or metal bowl that will fit inside the pan. You should also have a thermometer to check the temperature of the wax.
First, boil water in the pan. Place the wax bits into the bowl and put the bowl in the pan. Ensure the water is hot enough to melt the wax, but not a rolling boil, as this will cause the bowl to bounce around. Remove the bowl from the pan with tongs when the wax has melted.
Make sure you know the flash point of the wax, which is the temperature at which it will ignite. The wax should be at least 30-50°F below its flash point. Have a fire extinguisher ready.
You can pour the wax into small moulds of your choice and add a few drops of essential oil to make your own scented candles.
