Brooke Martin
There are many ways to refurbish old candles. If you're looking to repurpose the wax, you can melt it down and pour it into a new mould with a wick to create a new candle. You can also use the wax to make fire starters, wax melts, or even paint it onto a canvas to make it waterproof. If you're looking to repurpose the candle container, you can clean it out and use it for storage, drinking glasses, or plant pots. Old candles can also be used around the house, for example, to silence a squeaky door hinge, as a makeshift wine cork, or to prevent drawers from sticking.
How to refurbish old candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting wax | Use a double boiler, a pot with some water, or an electric candle warmer |
| Removing wick | Use tongs to remove the old wick |
| Drying wax | Let the wax dry as much as possible before reusing it |
| Combining wax | Combine wax from different candles to create a unique scent or layer the wax for a candle that smells different as it burns |
| New container | Wash the container with hot water and soap before reusing it |
| New wick | Cut a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than the votive holder, knot one end, and thread through a wick tab |
| Moulding wax | Pour the wax into small moulds, add essential oils or flowers, and let it harden |
| Wax melts | Put leftover wax into a wax melter to create homemade wax melts |
| Waterproofing | Rub wax on fabric or canvas to waterproof it |
| Air freshener | Cut or break the remaining candle into pieces and put them in an old sock or nylon to freshen up a closet or car |
| Alternative uses | Use wax as a lubricant for squeaky doors, hinges, drawers, or stuck zippers |
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What You'll Learn
How to melt down old candle wax
To melt down old candle wax, you will need to set up a double boiler. This involves placing a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. The amount of time it takes for the wax to melt depends on the type of wax and how much wax there is. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternatively, you can use an electric candle warmer, which will heat the candle from the bottom, and then pour out the melted wax.
If you are looking to melt the wax in a container, you can heat some water to boiling and pour it into the container. The wax is lighter than water, so it will melt and float to the top. As the water cools, the wax will solidify, and you can take it out.
Another method is to place the container in the freezer. This allows the wax to shrink and easily pop out when removed from the freezer.
Once the wax is melted, remove the old wicks with tongs and prepare your new candle container with a wick. You can place your wick in the centre of your container of choice and then place a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick across the top and fold the wick over it.
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Removing wax from candle containers
Alternatively, you can use an electric candle warmer to melt the wax from the bottom of the container, or place the container in an oven that has been preheated to its lowest setting. Once the wax is melted, use tongs to remove any old wicks and discard them. If there is only a small amount of wax in the jar, you can simply run hot water over it to melt and remove the wax.
After removing the old wick, pour the melted wax into a new container with a new candle wick, or into a mold of your choice if you are making wax melts or sachets. If you are reusing the candle container, be sure to wash it thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove any remaining wax before pouring in your new candle.
If you are combining wax from multiple candles, it is important to ensure that they are all the same type of wax. Different types of wax have different melting points, so combining different types of wax may result in an uneven melt.
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Making new candles from old wax
Firstly, you'll need to remove the wax from your old candles. You can do this by melting the wax. Do not use a microwave for this, as the metal discs that attach the wick to the candle can be dangerous. Instead, use a double boiler, or a small pot placed inside a larger pot filled with water, to melt the wax gently. You can also heat water to boiling and pour it into your old candle container, allowing the wax to float to the top as it cools. Remember to remove any old wicks with tongs.
Once you have your melted wax, you can begin to prepare your new candle. You'll need a new wick, which you can cut to size and secure with aluminium foil at the bottom of your chosen container. Be sure to leave enough wick at the top to light your candle. You can also make your own wicks by following online tutorials.
Now, simply pour your melted wax into your chosen container, leaving the wick in place. If you're using wax from scented candles, you can create a layered candle with different scents, or combine waxes that complement each other.
Allow your new candle to cool and set, and then it's ready to use! You can also get creative with moulds and add-ins like dried flowers to create unique, gift-worthy candles.
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Using old candles for art projects
Old candles can be used in a variety of art projects. Here are some ideas:
Wax Painting
Melt down your old candles and use the wax as paint. Simply use a paintbrush to apply the wax to a canvas. Keep in mind that coloured candles will stain the canvas, and scented candles will leave a scent. You can also rub a block of wax onto the canvas and then melt it with a hairdryer or heat gun.
Watercolour Art
Give a child a white candle and some paper and have them "draw" a picture on the paper. They won't be able to see the drawing until they add some watercolour to the paper, and the picture will come to life. This activity can also be adapted for two children to exchange secret messages.
Wax Discs
Melt down old candles and pour the wax into small moulds to create discs for candle warmers. You can also add essential oils and dried flowers to create a beautiful, scented wax disc.
Homemade Wax Melts
If you have unscented wax, you can add a new fragrance and create homemade wax melts. Simply melt the wax, mould it into small pieces, and put it in a wax melt burner. You can use candy moulds, mini muffin pans, or a sheet pan.
Wine Bottle Stoppers
If you have a bottle of wine that needs a stopper, heat a one-inch candle end in the microwave for three seconds on high. This will soften the wax enough to stick it in the bottle as a romantic-looking stopper.
Waterproofing
Old candle wax can be used to waterproof items such as bags or shoes. Simply rub the wax onto the fabric, leaving a thin layer, and then melt it with a hairdryer or heat gun.
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Repurposing old candles for household fixes
If you're looking to repurpose your old candles for household fixes, there are several creative ways to do so. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Repurpose the Wax
One of the most common ways to repurpose old candles is to melt down the wax and give it new life. You can melt the wax using a double boiler, a pot of simmering water, or an oven. Just make sure not to use a microwave, as this can be dangerous due to the metal discs in some wicks. Once melted, you can pour the wax into a new container with a new wick to create a new candle. You can even combine wax from multiple candles to create unique scents or a large candle.
Waterproofing and Protection
Candle wax can be used for various household fixes due to its waterproofing and protective properties. For example, you can use it to waterproof something you've written on with a marker by simply rubbing the wax over the writing. This is especially useful for packages you're sending or your child's school supplies. The wax will repel water, but you'll still be able to see through it.
Additionally, you can use candle wax to protect your shower grout from growing mold, mildew, and other stains. Simply rub the wax between the tiles, and it will create a protective barrier.
Lubrication and Squeak Prevention
The waxy residue left on candle jars can be used to lubricate stuck drawers or zippers. Simply rub the wax on the desired area, and it will help the components slide more easily. Similarly, you can use candle wax to prevent squeaky doors. Take the door off its hinges and rub the wax on the hinges to prevent the components from rubbing against each other and causing that annoying sound.
Air Freshener
If you have a scented candle that you've used up, you can prolong its scent by cutting or breaking the remaining candle into pieces and placing them in an old sock or nylon. Hang this in your closet or car for an instant air freshener.
These are just a few ways to repurpose old candles for household fixes. With a bit of creativity, you can find many more uses for those leftover candles!
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Frequently asked questions
To refurbish old candles, melt the wax and pour it into a mould. You can make a new candle by melting the wax and pouring it into a container with a new wick.
You can melt wax by placing the candle in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Alternatively, you can use an electric candle warmer or oven.
You can make a new candle, wax melts, or get creative and use the wax for art projects, waterproofing, or lubrication.
Wash out the old candle jar with hot water and soap before reusing it. You can use it for storage, a drinking glass, or a plant pot.
