Brooke Martin
Candles are a great way to set the mood, but what happens when they burn out? Instead of throwing them away, you can give your candles a second life by redoing them. Redoing candles is an eco-friendly and sustainable practice that allows you to get the most out of your purchase. In this process, you can melt down the leftover wax and create a new candle with a fresh wick. You can even get creative and experiment with different colours and fragrances by combining wax from multiple candles. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily master the art of candle recycling and enjoy your favourite candles all over again.
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What You'll Learn
Melting wax from old candles
Freezing:
One method to separate the wax from the container is to freeze the candle. Place the candle jar upside down in the freezer for 24 hours. The cold temperature will cause the wax to harden and shrink, making it easier to remove. After freezing, use a butter knife or a spoon to gently pop out the wax. You can also try stabbing the candle in the middle with the knife and twisting it to break the wax into small chunks.
Boiling Water:
Another method is to use boiling water to melt the wax. Fill a pot or large bowl with boiling water and carefully place the candle container in the water, ensuring that the water does not get inside the jar. You can also place the pot on a heat-safe surface and pour boiling water around the candle, avoiding the jar. Let the jar sit in the hot water until the wax softens and melts.
Oven:
You can also use the oven to melt the wax. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting and remove any labels or stickers from the candle jar. Place the jar upside down on a pan and put it in the oven for about 15 minutes. After removing from the oven, hold the container with a towel or pot holder and wipe the inside with a paper towel.
Double Boiler:
The double boiler technique is a safe way to melt the wax. Place the candle in a small pot and then put that pot inside a larger pot filled with simmering water. Different types of wax have different melting points, so adjust the temperature accordingly.
Microwave:
If there are still small bits of wax left in the container, you can try using a microwave. Place the jar in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Afterward, wipe away the remaining wax with a paper towel.
Once the wax is melted or removed, you can reuse it for various purposes, such as making new candles, wax melts, or scented sachets. Remember to choose the right type of wick and consider factors like fragrance, colour, and burn time when creating new candles.
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Choosing the right wick
There are many variables to consider when choosing the right wick. Firstly, the type of wax you are using will determine the type of wick you need. Different waxes have different densities, melting points, and heat requirements, so the wick must be able to burn the wax effectively. For example, beeswax, which has a hard and sticky consistency, pairs well with Cotton Braid wicking. Harder-to-melt viscous waxes, such as single-pour paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax, may require a larger wick size. On the other hand, softer waxes with lower melting points may work better with wicks that have a lower temperature threshold, such as ECO wicks, which are primed with vegetable wax and work best with soy wax.
Secondly, the size of your candle matters when choosing a wick. If your candle is 3.5" in diameter or less, a single wick will suffice. However, for candles larger than 4" in diameter, it is recommended to use multiple wicks to ensure even burning and prevent the wick from drowning in wax. The height of your candle is only relevant if it is taller than a pre-tabbed wick, in which case you will need to create custom wicks with spooled wicking and tabs.
Additionally, consider the fragrance and additives you are using, as these can affect the burn performance of your candle. A wick that is too small will result in an under-wicked candle, where the wax in the middle tunnels without reaching the edges. Conversely, a wick that is too large will produce an over-wicked candle, characterised by a tall, continuously flickering flame, excessive carbon buildup, and increased soot.
To determine the right wick, it is recommended to perform a burn test with at least three different types of wicks to see which one gives the best results with your candle size and wax type. You can also use resources like wick charts and guides to help you choose a starting point for your testing. Remember, choosing the right wick is a process of experimentation, and testing is the only way to truly determine the best wick for your candle project.
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Combining wax from scented candles
When combining wax from scented candles, it is also important to consider the type of wax. Different types of wax have different melting points, so some waxes may take longer to melt than others. Popular wax types include paraffin wax, soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax. Soy wax, for example, has a lower melting point than beeswax and is easy to work with, while beeswax has a higher melting point and provides a natural honey scent. Coconut wax has a high melting point and a smooth texture, but it should be added slowly to avoid separation.
Before melting the wax, it is important to prepare your candle vessels. You can reuse old candle jars, just make sure to clean them with boiling water first. If you are using a new vessel, you can use fresh tins from a candle-making kit. Most wicks come with double-sided stickers. Place the sticker in the centre of the candle vessel and thread the wick through a wick tab. Tie the free end around a wooden skewer. Dip the wick and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder.
Once your vessel and wick are ready, you can melt your wax. This can be done by placing the wax in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer and remove the old wicks with tongs. You can also melt the wax in the oven by placing the jar in the oven at the lowest setting. Once the wax is melted, simply pour it into your prepared vessel. Allow the wax to cool and set, which should take about an hour.
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Removing wax from the jar
Removing wax from a jar is a simple process. Firstly, decide whether you want to melt the wax or harden it. Melting the wax is a good option if you want to reuse the wax in a new candle. To melt the wax, place the jar in a small pot, and then place that pot inside a larger one filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, so it may take some waxes longer to melt than others.
Alternatively, you can harden the wax in order to pop it out of the jar. To do this, place the jar in the freezer overnight or until the wax has hardened and shrunk. Then, use a spoon to pop out the wax, or chip it out in chunks. Be careful not to use a knife or sharp object, as this may scratch or weaken the glass.
If you are melting the wax, once it has melted, remove the old wicks with tongs and throw them away. Then, pour the wax into a new mould to make a new candle. If you want to add a wick, cut a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than the votive holder, knot one end, and thread it through a wick tab. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of the holder and rest the skewer on the rim. Pour the melted wax into the votive holder, stopping half an inch below the rim. Leave it to set for about an hour.
If you are reusing the jar, once you have removed the wax, you can clean the jar with hot water to remove any remaining wax drippings. You can then reuse the jar for a number of purposes, such as a drinking glass, plant pot, or storage for small objects.
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Reusing candle containers
Removing Wax from Containers
Before reusing a candle container, it's important to remove the leftover wax. There are several ways to do this:
- Freezer Method: Place the container in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. The wax will harden and shrink, making it easier to pop out or chip out in chunks with a spoon.
- Oven Method: Remove any labels or stickers from the container. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting and place the container inside. Once the wax is melted, remove the container from the oven and scoop out the wax.
- Double Boiler Method: Place the candle container in a small pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a simmer to melt the wax. This method is safer than melting wax directly in the oven or microwave.
Cleaning the Container
Once the majority of the wax has been removed, use hot water to clean the container. You can also use liquid paraffin to help release any remaining wax from the jar. Be sure to remove any old wicks and metal wick tabs with tongs.
Reusing Ideas
After cleaning, your candle containers can be reused in a variety of ways:
- Plant Pots: Ceramic and concrete containers are perfect for propagating plants and herbs. Just add a few small rocks at the bottom for drainage before adding soil.
- Storage: Glass containers with lids are great for storing small objects like paper clips, rubber bands, or even dog treats.
- Drinking Glasses: Some candle containers can be reused as stylish drinking glasses, but be sure to clean them thoroughly.
- New Candle Containers: You can reuse glass jars and small mugs as containers for your homemade candles.
Candle-Making Tips
If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own candles using the leftover wax from your old candles. Here are some tips:
- Choose the Right Wick: Select a wick that is suitable for the type of wax, the diameter of the container, and the desired burn time. ECO and hemp wicks are popular choices for their eco-friendliness and clean burn.
- Melt Wax Safely: Always melt wax using a double boiler or oven method to avoid starting a fire. Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from containers, as it can scratch or weaken the glass.
- Fragrance and Colour Blending: When combining wax from multiple scented or coloured candles, consider how the fragrances and colours will blend. Trial and error may be necessary, but similar scents and colours tend to work best together.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to remove wax from a jar. One way is to place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out. Another method is to melt the wax by placing the jar in the oven at the lowest temperature or in a pot of simmering water. Then, scoop out the wax with a spoon.
First, melt the old wax in a double boiler or oven. Next, prepare a new wick by cutting a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than your votive holder. Knot one end and thread the other through a wick tab. Dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then press the tab to the bottom of your holder. Finally, pour the melted wax into the votive holder and let it stand until it sets.
The type of wick you should use depends on the diameter of the container, the type of wax, fragrance, colour load, and burn time. Popular options include ECO candle wicks, which are ideal for waxes with a lower melting point, and hemp wicks, which are made from organic hemp and beeswax.
Yes, but consider how the fragrances will blend in the new candle. For example, wax infused with citrus oils may not mix well with wax infused with lavender oil.
Leftover candle jars can be reused for various purposes. Some ideas include using them as drinking glasses, plant pots, or storage for small objects like paper clips or rubber bands.
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