Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they can be wasteful. To reduce waste, it is important to know how to properly extinguish and clean them, as well as how to reuse or recycle candle wax and jars. This can be done by melting the wax and removing it from the jar, reusing the jar for storage or planting, or recycling the jar and wax separately.
How to Not Waste a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevent tunneling | Let the candle wax melt to the edge of the jar on the first burn |
| Prevent smoking | Keep the candle away from wind or drafts |
| Best way to extinguish | Use a candle snuffer |
| Reuse wax | Melt and pour into a mold, or use a wax warmer |
| Clean wax from jars | Freeze and pop out, or melt in hot water, or use an oven |
| Reuse jars | Store small items, plant succulents, make new candles |
| Recycle jars | Glass is 100% recyclable, wash first to remove contaminants |
| Recycle wax | Reuse in new candles, or dispose of small amounts in general waste bins |
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What You'll Learn
- Prevent wax tunneling by letting the candle melt to the edge of the jar on its first burn
- Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer to avoid wax splatter
- Reuse candle jars for storage, as mini planters, or to make new candles
- Remove wax from jars using the freezer, hot water, or oven method
- Recycle candle jars and wax remnants to reduce waste
Prevent wax tunneling by letting the candle melt to the edge of the jar on its first burn
Candle tunneling is when a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This is visually unpleasant and leads to wasted, unburnt wax. It also means you are missing out on the full burning and scent potential of your candle.
To prevent candle tunneling, ensure that the wax pool reaches the edge of the candle vessel on the first burn. This will prevent the formation of a memory ring, which is a precursor to tunneling. If you forget to do this, you can use a hairdryer to heat the top layer of wax until it melts and smooths out.
If you are making your own candles, there are a few extra steps you can take to prevent tunneling. Firstly, ensure you are using the correct wick for your jar size. A wick that is too small may not have enough power to burn the wax from edge to edge. Secondly, use an appropriate wax type for the type of candle you are making. Some waxes are harder and have a higher melting point, making them more suitable for warmer climates, pillar candles, or melts. Conversely, softer waxes are more appropriate for container candles and cooler climates. Finally, do not overload your candle with thick, viscous fragrance oil, as this can make the wax harder to burn through.
If tunneling does occur, there are several ways to fix it. One method is to use a heat gun to blast the edges of the unmelted wax. Alternatively, you can use tin foil to create a dome around the top of your candle, reflecting the heat back onto the unmelted wax and causing it to liquefy and join the melting wax pool. If the tunneling is too far gone, you may need to replace the wick completely.
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Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer to avoid wax splatter
To avoid wax splatters, it is recommended to extinguish candles with a candle snuffer. This tool has a long handle with a bell-shaped end. To use it, simply hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end over the flame. Keep it in place until the candle goes out.
Using a candle snuffer is a safe and effective way to put out a candle, especially for candles in deep containers or lanterns where the wick is hard to reach. It is also useful when you want to minimise smoke and prevent wax from splattering onto surrounding surfaces.
Blowing out a candle, for instance, can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially burning your skin or damaging nearby objects. It can also result in a large plume of smoke, which can be unpleasant and may even set off smoke alarms.
Another alternative to a candle snuffer is a wick dipper. This tool works by bending the wick into the wax pool to extinguish the flame. It is simple to use and prevents smoke, as well as coating the wick with wax to make it easier to light the next time.
Therefore, to avoid wax splatters and for safety, it is best to extinguish candles with a candle snuffer or a wick dipper.
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Reuse candle jars for storage, as mini planters, or to make new candles
Reusing candle jars is a great way to reduce waste and get more use out of the container. Here are some ways to reuse candle jars for storage, as mini planters, or to make new candles:
Storage
Once your candle jar is cleaned out, you can use it to store small items such as jewellery, buttons, coins, spices, candy, or even non-perishable beauty products. You can also decorate your jar with paint, stickers, or ribbons to make it more attractive.
Mini Planters
Candle jars can be used as mini planters for small plants that don't require much soil or water, such as succulents or cacti. To use the jar as a planter, add a natural form of drainage to the bottom of the jar, such as a layer of rocks or pebbles. Then, add soil and your plant of choice. You can also use candle jars as rooting containers for your propagated plant cuttings.
Make New Candles
You can also use your old candle jars to make new candles. First, remove any remaining wax from the jar using the freezer or hot water method. Then, wash the jar with warm water and soap to remove any residue or soot. Once the jar is clean and dry, you can add a new wick and pour in melted wax. You can melt old wax from previous candles or purchase new wax and wicks online.
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Remove wax from jars using the freezer, hot water, or oven method
Freezer method
Place the candle jar in the freezer overnight. The wax will freeze and peel off the sides of the jar. In the morning, take the container out of the freezer and flip it upside down—the lump of wax should pop right out. If it doesn't, use a spoon or butter knife to press down on one corner of the wax to lift and remove.
Hot water method
Boil water and pour it into the candle jar, leaving at least an inch of space at the top. The wax will melt and float to the surface of the water. Let the jar cool for a few hours. Once the wax has hardened, you can simply pop it out. Keep in mind that the water may spill out of the jar while doing this.
Oven method
Preheat your oven to between 150 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the candle jar upside down on a sheet of aluminium foil on a baking pan. Stay close in case of any mishaps. After about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and take the jar out using an oven mitt. Let the jar cool before cleaning with soap and warm water.
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Recycle candle jars and wax remnants to reduce waste
Recycling candle wax and jars is an excellent way to reduce waste. It is important to separate the wax from the jar before recycling either. Here are some ways to do this:
Freezer method
Place the jar in the freezer overnight or until the wax is frozen. Take it out and use a butter knife or a spoon to pop out the wax in one piece. You may need to tap the jar gently to loosen the wax.
Hot water method
Boil water and pour it into the jar, filling it to the top. The hot water will melt the wax, making it float to the surface. Let the water cool completely, then remove the wax layer.
Bain-marie method
Place the jar in a bowl of barely simmering water to melt the wax without getting the jar dangerously hot. Alternatively, place the candle in a separate pot and slowly pour boiling water around it, making sure the water doesn't go into the jar. Once the wax has melted, pour it into something you're going to throw away, like an empty crisp packet.
Oven method
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place the candle jars right-side-up on it. Place the baking sheet in the oven. After about 15 minutes, the wax should be melted. Remove the sheet and, using oven mitts or a dishtowel, handle the hot jars carefully.
Once you have removed the wax, you can reuse it to make new candles or wax melts. You can also use the leftover wax in a wax warmer to fill your home with fragrance.
After removing the wax, wash the jar with warm water and soap, using a sponge or bottle brush to scrub the inside. Rinse well and dry. You can also remove the label by soaking the jar in warm water and dish soap or baking soda for 10 to 15 minutes, or using a hair dryer to heat and loosen the adhesive.
Now that your jar is clean, you can recycle it with the rest of your glass waste. You can also choose to reuse the jar in a variety of ways, such as storing small items, planting succulents, or even making new candles!
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Frequently asked questions
On the first burn, let the candle wax melt to the edge of the jar. This prevents tunneling and wasted wax.
Don't blow out your candle. The best way to extinguish a candle is with a candle snuffer.
There are several methods to clean wax out of a candle jar. One method is to put the jar in the freezer overnight and then use a butter knife or spoon to pop out the wax. Another method is to boil water and pour it into the jar, filling it to the top. The hot water will melt the candle wax and make it float to the surface.
Candle wax can be reused to create new candles. First, melt the remaining wax by placing your candle in a small pot. Place the small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Once the wax is melted, remove old wicks with tongs and toss them out. Then, follow the steps for making a new candle.
