Maddie James
There are many ways to melt the end of a candle, and it's a useful skill to have if you want to make your own candles, reuse wax, or simply get wax out of a jar. The most popular way to melt wax is the double boiler method, which involves using steam as a heat source to melt your wax. Another option is to use the microwave, but you must be careful as the container may not be microwave-safe. If you're melting wax to make a new candle, you can melt the wax in a tin can placed in a pot of water on the stove over low heat. Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a new container and let it cool before burning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Double boiler, microwave, boiling, electric wax burner, tea light |
| Container | Tin can, glass bowl, pouring jug, microwavable container, glass jar |
| Temperature | 70°C (when adding colour), 65°C (when adding fragrance), do not exceed 80°C |
| Uses of melted wax | Fire starters, wax melts, votive candles, scented sachets, gift-worthy floral wax sachets, new candles |
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What You'll Learn
Using a double boiler
- Prepare the double boiler: Fill a large saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove to heat.
- Place your wax in a smaller heat-safe container, such as a pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, or smaller saucepan.
- Put the smaller container in the larger saucepan: Ensure that the bottom of the smaller container does not touch the water.
- Heat over medium-low heat: Keep the water at a gentle simmer to gradually melt the wax. Avoid boiling the water, as this can cause uneven heating and increase the chances of burning the wax.
- Stir occasionally: Use a wooden or heat-safe spatula to stir the wax occasionally to encourage melting and ensure even melting. Do not stir aggressively, as this can introduce air into the blend, impacting the final candle quality.
- Monitor the temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. Most wax should be heated to around 185°F before adding any fragrance or dye.
- Add fragrance and dye (optional): Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat. If desired, add your chosen fragrance oil and stir thoroughly. Typically, the wax should be around 185°F when adding fragrance. However, always check the instructions from your wax supplier. When it comes to dye, typically, more dye darkens the colour. Different waxes also take on colour differently. For example, soy wax is milky and will appear more muted, while paraffin wax is clearer and will closely match the colour.
- Pour the wax: After adding your colour and fragrance, stir to ensure the oil is well-dispersed. Then, pour the wax blend into your chosen container at a steady rate. Avoid introducing too much air into the blend.
Tips:
- Always stay near the double boiler at all times to avoid overheating or accidents.
- Ensure proper ventilation when melting wax to avoid inhaling any fumes.
- Choose the right wax for your candles: Different types of wax melt at different temperatures and behave differently. For example, soy wax is a popular choice for beginners as it melts at a low temperature and is less prone to burning. Beeswax, on the other hand, has a higher melting point and requires more attention when using a double boiler.
- Avoid using too much water in the larger saucepan. Ensure the water level is just high enough so it does not touch the smaller container. It is better if the wax is heated by steam rather than direct contact with water.
- If using a bowl in a pan setup, ensure that steam can escape. If not, steam can build up pressure and cause an explosion.
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Melting in the microwave
Melting wax in the microwave is a popular method as it is faster than using a double boiler. However, you must be careful as your candle container may not be microwave-safe.
Firstly, scoop out the leftover wax and put it in a microwave-safe container. Ceramic and glass dishes are usually fine, but you should check for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels on the packaging.
Place the bowl or jug of wax in the microwave and heat for one minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80°C. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Once the wax is melted, you can pour it into a new container. If you are making a new candle, you can add a wick base to the bottom of the container with hot glue. You can then pour the wax into the container and let it cool for eight hours before burning.
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Reusing wax for new candles
Harvesting the Wax
First, you need to separate the wax from its container. This can be done by placing the candle jars in a shallow pan of boiling water for about an hour. Alternatively, you can place the candle jars directly on a stovetop or wooden cutting board. Fill the jars with hot water, leaving some space below the rim, and let them sit for an hour. The heat will melt the wax, making it easier to remove.
Melting the Wax
To melt the harvested wax, you can use a double boiler method. Place the wax in a saucepan and melt it over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave if you're melting small amounts of wax. Ensure that no metal bits are present before putting the wax in the microwave to avoid fire hazards.
Preparing the Wick
Cut a piece of wicking, available at craft stores, about 2 inches taller than your chosen container. Knot one end and thread it through a wick tab, which can also be purchased from craft stores. Secure the wick by tying the free end around a wooden skewer.
Creating the New Candle
Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them. Remove any excess wax and press the tab to the bottom of your chosen container. Rest the skewer on the rim of the container. Now, carefully pour the melted wax into your container, stopping about half an inch below the rim. Allow the wax to set, which typically takes about an hour.
Additional Tips
- Always ensure that you are using the same type of wax when combining remnants from multiple candles.
- You can add dye, essential oils, or fragrances to your melted wax before pouring it into the mold to create scented or coloured candles.
- Get creative with your containers! You can use jars, tins, teacups, or any vessel that is heat-safe.
- Always be cautious when working with hot wax, as it can cause scalding burns.
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Removing wax from the jar
There are several ways to remove wax from a candle jar, and most of them are easy to do at home. Here are some of the most common methods:
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer for an hour or overnight. The cold will cause the wax to shrink and harden, making it easier to pop out of the jar. If the wax doesn't pop out on its own, use a butter knife or spoon to help loosen and remove it. This method is especially useful if you have multiple candles to handle at once.
Boiling Water
Boil some water and pour it into the candle jar, filling it about halfway or leaving an inch of space at the top. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to rise to the surface. Let the water cool completely, then remove the wax from the jar. Be careful not to pour the wax down the drain as it can clog your pipes.
Oven
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the candle jar upside down on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Put the baking sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes, until the wax has melted and pooled on the foil. Remove the jar from the oven using an oven mitt, and let it cool before cleaning with soap and warm water.
Microwave
If you only have a small amount of wax left in your jar (about 1.5 inches or less), you can use the microwave method. Fill the jar with water and microwave it for about two minutes. Keep an eye on the candle while it's in the microwave, as some wicks have metal holders that could be a fire hazard. Once the wax has melted, let the jar cool, then remove the wax with a spoon or butter knife.
Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
Place the jar on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Direct the hair dryer or heat gun at the lowest setting towards the wax until it softens and starts to melt. Wipe away the melted wax with a paper towel or cloth, repeating as needed until all the wax is removed.
Once you've removed the wax from your candle jar, you can wash it with soap and water to get rid of any residue. You can then reuse the jar for storage, decor, or even to make new candles!
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Making scented fire starters
To make scented fire starters, you'll need to melt the wax from your chosen candle. One way to do this is by placing the candle jar in boiling water on the stove, softening the wax, and then pouring the softened wax into a separate pan to fully melt it. You could also use a microwave or a wax melter.
Once your wax is melted, you can add your chosen scent and any decorative touches. Essential oils can be used to scent the wax, and dried flowers, herbs, and spices can be added for decoration and to enhance the scent. Be careful with your choice of essential oils if you have pets, as some can be toxic to dogs.
If you're using a wick, cut a 2-inch length of cotton wick and place it in the centre of your mould before pouring in the wax. You can also use dryer lint as a substitute for a wick, which will help the fire starter burn.
For moulds, you can use a muffin tin, egg cartons, or paper moulds. If using an egg carton, place it on a sheet pan lined with wax paper and fill each cup with cedar shavings, dried spices, and herbs. If using a muffin tin, line the tin with paper liners and fill each one with bay leaves, mini pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried rosemary, and whole spices.
Finally, pour your melted wax into the moulds, making sure the items are at least partially submerged in the wax. Let the wax cool and then remove the fire starters from the moulds. Store them in a tin or jar until you're ready to use them.
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Frequently asked questions
The double boiler method involves using steam as a heat source to melt wax. First, fill a large pan with water and place it on a hob or hotplate to heat. Next, place your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug. Put your smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug in the large pan and heat over medium heat until your wax has melted.
Pour your wax into a microwavable container. Place your bowl or jug of wax in the microwave and heat for 1 minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80°C.
Add a few inches of water to a pot, place the jar inside, and set it on a burner. Once it reaches a boil, use sturdy tongs or a hot pad to grab the container and pour out the melted wax.
