Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to set the mood or create a cosy atmosphere, but they often reach the end of their life before the wax runs out. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as a lumpy mess that won't hold a flame or wax scraps that result from dropping a candle. However, there are ways to refresh your candles and make your candle-buying habits more eco-friendly. You can melt and reshape old candle wax to make entirely new candles, which is especially useful for creating natural citronella candles to repel bugs. This involves harvesting the used wax, separating it from its container, and melting it down before reshaping it into a new candle.
Characteristics and Values Table for Refreshing Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why refresh candles? | To save money and reduce waste |
| When to refresh candles | When they have burned down so far that they can't be lit |
| How to refresh candles | By melting and reusing the leftover wax |
| Types of wax | Paraffin wax, synthetic wax, soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, beeswax, stearic acid, gelled mineral oil |
| Methods to melt wax | Oven, stovetop, microwave |
| Tools needed | Pot, water, tongs, sink, freezer, chopstick/popsicle stick, electric kettle, stovetop |
| Time needed | About an hour of active work and at least 24 hours of resting time |
| Precautions | Do not use knives or sharp objects to remove wax from glass holders; do not microwave jarred candles |
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What You'll Learn
How to melt candle wax
Melting candle wax can be dangerous if you're not careful, so it's important to take precautions. Never let the temperature of the wax exceed 250° F (80° C). Avoid direct heat, such as placing the wax directly in a pot over the stove, and never leave melting wax unattended. Keep melted wax away from children and pets. Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot items, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire. Do not use water to extinguish a wax fire.
There are several methods you can use to melt candle wax:
- Double boiler: This is the most popular way to melt wax at home. Fill a large pan with water and place it on your stove or hotplate. Put your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug, and place this inside the larger pan. Heat the water over medium heat until the wax has melted.
- Microwave: Pour your wax into a microwave-safe container, such as a ceramic or glass dish. Heat the wax in the microwave for one minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80° C.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. Place the wax in an oven-safe container, removing any labels or stickers first. Once the wax is melted, scoop it out and reuse it.
- Wax melter: A wax melter is a special appliance designed for melting wax. Most models are electric and have temperature control features. Place the wax in the melter, plug it in, and set the temperature. The wax will melt quickly, so keep an eye on it. Once melted, open the spigot at the bottom to let the wax flow into a container.
- Hair dryer or heat gun: This method is useful for melting just a small layer of wax to fix issues like tunneling or buried wicks. Turn on your heat gun or blow dryer to high heat and hold it about 6 inches above the surface of the wax. Use a wick dipper or toothpick to gently prod any unmelted wax stuck on the sides.
Remember to always be cautious when melting candle wax, and follow the specific instructions for your chosen method.
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Removing wax from candle jars
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer for several hours or overnight. The wax will freeze and shrink, making it easier to pop out of the container. After removing the jar from the freezer, use a butter knife or spoon to loosen and scrape away any remaining wax. Finally, clean the container with dish soap and water to remove any residue. This method is simple and effective, especially for soft waxes such as soy wax.
Boiling Water
This method is useful if you have multiple containers to clean at once. First, use a butter knife or spoon to scrape away as much wax as possible. Then, place the candle jar(s) upside down on a rimmed baking pan lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Heat the oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (or its lowest setting) and place the pan with the jars inside. The oven will melt the wax, which will then drip onto the pan. After removing the jars from the oven, wash them with soap and water.
Double Boiler
Place the candle inside a pot or large metal bowl on a heat-safe surface. You can use a folded dish towel to keep the jar stable. Pour boiling water into the pot around the candle, ensuring the water does not get into the candle jar. Allow the jar to sit in the hot water until the wax softens. Then, remove the jar from the water, and use a butter knife or spoon to pop out the wax. Finally, wash the jar with soap and water.
Hair Dryer
This method is useful for spot-treating areas with stubborn wax. Ensure you are working on a heat-safe surface and protect your hands with an oven mitt. Direct the hot air from the hair dryer onto the sides and bottom of the jar. The heat will soften the wax, allowing you to scrape it away with a butter knife or spoon.
Remember, always be cautious when handling hot items and use appropriate protective gear, such as oven mitts. Additionally, never use a sharp object to remove wax from thin glass, as it may scratch or weaken the glass, leading to breakage.
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Reusing candle wax
If you want to remove the wax from the vessel, a good first step is to put the candle in the freezer. This will cause the wax to shrink, and it will pop right out when you remove it from the freezer. You can then melt the wax and use it for a new project. If you want to melt the wax while it's still in its vessel, you can place the jar in a preheated oven at its lowest setting. However, it's important to remove any labels or stickers first, and never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax from a glass holder, as it may scratch or weaken the glass.
Once the wax is melted, you can reuse it in a variety of ways. You can make your own candles by purchasing candle-making supplies like wicks and a container for melting the wax. You can also use the wax to make fire starters, wax melts, or floral wax sachets. If you're combining the remnants of several candles, ensure they are all the same type of wax.
When melting wax, it's important to note that different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can melt the wax by placing the vessel in simmering water or using a double boiler technique. Always exercise caution when handling molten wax to avoid starting a fire or burning yourself.
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Making new candles from old wax
Step 1: Melt the Old Wax
First, you'll need to melt the leftover wax from your old candles. You can do this using a double boiler method, where you place a heat-safe container with the wax inside a pot of boiling water. Alternatively, you can place the old candle jar in the oven at its lowest setting to melt the wax. Always make sure to follow safety precautions when working with hot wax. Do not heat wax over a direct heat source, as it can catch fire.
Step 2: Prepare the Container and Wick
While your wax is melting, prepare your container for the new candle. You can reuse old candle jars or opt for a different container, such as a thick glass punch bowl or a vintage teacup. Place an old pencil or a similar object in the centre of the container and drape your wick over it. Secure the wick in place with tape if needed. If you're using a plain votive holder, cut a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than the holder, knot one end, and thread it through a wick tab. Then, dip the wicking and tab into the melted wax to coat them before pressing the tab to the bottom of the holder.
Step 3: Pour the Wax
Once your wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into your prepared container. Leave a little bit of wax in the saucepan to use later. It may take a few minutes to a few hours for the wax to harden, depending on the amount and type of wax.
Step 4: Fill in the Dip
Once the wax is almost completely hard, you'll notice a dip around the wick. Melt the extra wax you set aside earlier and pour it into this dip to create a smooth surface. Allow this wax to harden completely.
Step 5: Enjoy Your New Candle
Once the wax has completely hardened, your new candle is ready to use! Light the wick and enjoy your refreshed candle. You can also decorate your new candle or add scents to create a unique and personalised creation. Remember to always burn candles responsibly and follow candle care guidelines.
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Eco-friendly candle recycling
Recycling candles is an excellent way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some eco-friendly tips for candle recycling:
Choose Compostable Candles
When purchasing candles, opt for those made with natural and compostable wax, such as soy, beeswax, coconut, or other plant-based waxes. These candles are free of synthetic materials and can be safely composted at home or in your garden. Look for brands like Candle Pearls™, which are known for their eco-conscious, compostable candles.
Reuse Candle Containers
Most candle containers, such as glass jars and metal tins, are recyclable. However, it's essential to clean them thoroughly before recycling. Remove any leftover wax by melting it or placing the jar in the freezer to pop out the wax. Then, wipe away any residue and ensure the jar is pristine before placing it in the appropriate recycling bin. Tin candles are generally accepted at local recycling centres, while glass jars made of borosilicate glass should be taken to commercial recycling plants.
Repurpose Leftover Wax
Instead of discarding leftover wax, you can repurpose it for DIY projects. Melt the wax and remove it from its container, then use it to create new candles, wax melts, or even floral wax sachets. You can also add it to a candle warmer or make your own votives by pouring the melted wax into a holder with a new wick.
Support Sustainable Brands
When buying new candles, support brands that prioritise sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Look for companies that use natural, non-toxic ingredients, recyclable or reusable packaging, and compostable wax. Some brands, like Arbor Made, offer refillable candle jars and zero-waste refills, reducing waste and the need for constant repurchasing.
Compost or Bury Wax
If you have leftover wax that you cannot repurpose, consider adding it to your compost pile or burying it in your garden. Natural waxes will break down over time, enriching your compost with organic material. This is a much better alternative to discarding wax in the trash, where it can take a long time to decompose.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your candles while also caring for the environment and reducing waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the candlesticks in the freezer for several hours and then gently pry the wax out with a gentle implement, such as a chopstick.
Place the jar in the oven at the lowest setting, removing any labels first. Once the wax has melted, scoop it out and reuse it. Alternatively, place the jar in the freezer to shrink the wax so that it pops out easily.
Boil water and pour it into the jar, leaving a bit of space below the rim. Leave for about an hour. The old wick will usually fall out after soaking, but you may need to use tongs to remove it.
You can melt and reshape the wax to make new candles. If you're combining wax from several candles, make sure they are all the same type. You can also make wax sachets or add the wax to a candle warmer.
Make sure to trim your wick and prevent tunnelling, which can cause candles to burn unevenly and leave you with a lumpy mess.
