Brooke Martin
There are many ways to reuse old scented candles and their wax remnants. Before reusing the container, wash it out thoroughly with hot water and soap. You can melt the wax and pour it into a mold to create a new candle, or use it for other DIY projects such as wax melts, air fresheners, or fire starters. If you have several scented candles, you can combine their wax remnants by category, such as pairing fall scents like cinnamon and pumpkin, or florals like freesia, sweet pea, and lavender. You can also use leftover wax to polish wooden furniture, make hand creams with coconut or olive oil, or seal letters with a personal touch. Additionally, candle wax can be used to silence a squeaky door, as a paint for a canvas bag, or in art projects for children.
How to reuse old scented candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing wax from the jar | Place the jar in the freezer, then use a butter knife to pop the wax out. Alternatively, run hot water over the jar or place the jar in a larger pot filled with simmering water. |
| Melting wax | Place the wax in a double boiler or a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Heat the wax until it is completely melted. |
| Filtering wax | Position a strainer over a clean container and slowly pour the melted wax through the strainer to remove any impurities. |
| Combining wax from multiple candles | Ensure that all the wax is the same type. Consider the scents of the candles and whether they will meld well when combined. |
| Creating a new candle | Cut a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than the votive holder. Knot one end and thread the other end 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. Pour the melted wax into the votive holder, stopping 1/2 inch below the rim. Allow the wax to set for about one hour. |
| Other uses for wax | Wax can be used as a fire starter, to polish wooden furniture, to make hand cream, to seal envelopes, to silence squeaky doors, or as an air freshener. |
| Reusing the jar | Wash the jar thoroughly with hot water and soap. The jar can be reused as a drinking glass, plant pot, or for storage. |
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What You'll Learn
Melt wax and pour into moulds
Repurposing old candles is a sustainable and cost-effective way to make your own candles. You can melt the wax and pour it into moulds to create new candles or wax melts. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:
Preparing the Wax
First, remove the wax from your old candle jars. An easy way to do this is by freezing the candles and then using a small knife to scrape out the wax. If you are combining wax from several candles, ensure they are all the same type of wax. You can use scented or unscented wax, but if you are using multiple scented candles, make sure the scents complement each other.
Melting the Wax
Place the wax in a saucepan and melt it over low heat using a stovetop or a double boiler. If you are using unscented wax, you can add essential oils or fragrance oils to give it your desired scent. You can also add colour dyes to the melted wax if you want coloured candles. Stir well to evenly distribute the colour and scent.
Preparing the Moulds
While the wax is melting, prepare your moulds or containers. You can use jars, tins, teacups, votive glasses, or silicone moulds. Place a wick in the centre of each mould or container. Dip the wick in the melted wax to coat it and keep it in place. Use a wooden stick or pencil to hold the wick upright.
Pouring the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared moulds or containers. Stop pouring about half an inch below the rim to avoid spillage. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of your candles.
Finishing Touches
Once the wax has hardened, you can trim the wicks if needed. If you used moulds, carefully remove the candles from the moulds. Your new candles are now ready to be enjoyed!
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Create wax melts
If you have leftover wax from scented candles, you can reuse it to create wax melts. This is a great way to extend the life of your favourite candle scents and get creative. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own wax melts:
Preparing the Wax
First, you need to melt the leftover wax. You can do this by placing the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out easily. Alternatively, you can melt the wax by placing the candle jar in a preheated oven at its lowest setting or using a double boiler method on the stovetop. Fill a pot with water, ensuring the water line is above the remaining wax but below the tops of the jars, and simmer until the wax is fully melted. Always exercise caution when handling hot wax and use oven mitts if necessary.
Once the wax is melted, remove any old wicks with tongs and discard them. If you have multiple scented candles, it's important to melt and prepare them separately unless you intend to blend the fragrances.
Creating the Wax Melts
To create wax melts, you'll need a mould or vessel to pour the melted wax into. Silicone moulds are a popular choice, but you can also use dishes, jars, or even ice cube trays. Avoid using plastic as it may melt. Place a paper towel or cardboard box under your mould to catch any spills.
Carefully pour the melted wax into your chosen mould, filling it almost to the top. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. You can speed up this process by placing the mould in the freezer for a few hours.
Once the wax melts are solid, it's time to remove them from the mould. Gently pop them out, taking care not to break or damage the shape. Now, you can enjoy your homemade wax melts!
Customising Your Wax Melts
You can customise your wax melts by adding a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil to enhance the scent. You can also get creative by adding decorations, dried flowers, or colouring to your melts. If you're feeling crafty, you can use a bamboo skewer to etch designs onto the surface of the wax or embed small objects into the melts before they harden.
Remember, when working with hot wax, always prioritise safety. Take the necessary precautions and work with caution to avoid any accidents. Enjoy creating your unique wax melts!
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Make your own fire starters
To make your own fire starters, you'll first need to melt and remove the wax from your old scented candles. To do this, place the jar in the freezer, allowing the wax to shrink and easily pop out. You can also place the candle jar in a small pot, which is then placed inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, and once the wax is melted, remove the old wicks with tongs.
Next, you'll need to gather your supplies, which can include:
- A muffin tin and paper muffin liners
- Small pinecones, star of anise, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, or other herbs and spices
- A wick
- Cardboard egg cartons
- Dryer lint
- Wood shavings
- Twigs
- Wax paper
Once you have your supplies, line the muffin tin with the paper liners. Add various items such as small pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and herbs to each of the liners. You can also add a wick to each. Then, carefully pour the melted wax into the filled muffin liners, ensuring that the herbs and spices stay in place. Let the wax set completely before using the fire starters.
Alternatively, you can make fire starters by dipping cotton balls, cardboard, or pine cones in melted wax. You can also place dryer lint in each egg cup of a cardboard egg carton, cover it with melted wax, and light the carton when you want to use it.
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Clean out the candle jar
To clean out the candle jar, you can try the following methods:
Melting the Wax
First, remove any labels or stickers from the jar. Then, prepare the wax by rubbing liquid paraffin on it, as this can help release it from the jar. Next, melt the remaining wax by placing the candle jar in a small pot. Place the small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so the time taken for the wax to melt may vary. Once the wax is melted, remove the jar from the pot and pour out the liquid wax.
Freezing the Wax
Place the jar in the freezer. This will cause the wax to shrink, and it should easily pop out when you remove the jar from the freezer.
Running Hot Water
According to Kathy LaVanier, president of the National Candle Association (NCA), "Wax drippings can be removed from most candle holders by running hot water over them." Therefore, you can try placing the jar under hot running water to melt the wax, which can then be poured out.
Using the Oven
Preheat the oven to its lowest setting and place the jar inside. Once the wax is melted, remove the jar from the oven and scoop out the wax.
Once you have removed the wax from the jar, wash it thoroughly with hot water and soap to get rid of any remaining wax or residue. Now, your jar is ready to be reused!
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Make a new candle
Making new candles from old scented candles is an easy and eco-friendly way to reuse old materials. It's also a great way to get creative and experiment with different colours, scents, and shapes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make new candles from old scented candles:
Step 1: Collect and Sort Candle Remnants
Start by gathering all the leftover wax from your old scented candles. You can use scented wax from multiple sources, but consider how the different fragrances will blend in your new candle. Combine wax with similar scents or create a layered candle for a unique olfactory experience as it burns. Remove as much dirt and old wicks as possible.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
Place the wax remnants in a heat-resistant container, such as a metal melting pot or bowl. Use a double boiler technique to safely melt the wax. Fill a pan with water and place the container with the wax inside. Heat gently until the wax is completely melted. You can also use an electric candle warmer to melt the wax.
Step 3: Filter the Wax (Optional)
Once the wax is fully melted, you can optionally filter it to remove any impurities. Place a strainer over a clean container and slowly pour the wax through the strainer.
Step 4: Prepare Your Moulds or Containers
While the wax is melting, prepare your moulds or containers for the new candles. You can reuse old candle containers or use glass jars, small mugs, or silicone moulds. Place the wicks in the centre of the moulds or containers, ensuring they are centred and upright. You can reuse old wicks if they are in good condition and of appropriate length, or purchase new wicks. Trim the wicks to about half a centimetre above the surface of the candle.
Step 5: Add Colour and Fragrance (Optional)
If desired, add colour dyes or fragrance oils to the melted wax. Stir well to evenly distribute the colour and scent. Be creative and experiment with different combinations.
Step 6: Pour the Wax
Once the wax is completely melted and any desired colours or fragrances have been added, carefully pour it into your prepared moulds or containers. Ensure that the wicks remain centred and upright.
Step 7: Let the Wax Cool and Harden
Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of your candles. Be patient and let the wax harden fully before removing the candles from the moulds or leaving them in the containers.
Now you have beautiful new candles made from your old scented candles! Enjoy your creations and feel good about reducing waste and being environmentally friendly.
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Frequently asked questions
To remove wax from a jar or candle holder, place the jar or holder in the freezer. Once the wax is frozen, it should pop right out. Alternatively, you can run hot water over the wax to melt it, or place the jar in an oven set to a low temperature.
There are many ways to reuse old candle wax. You can melt it down and use it to make new candles, wax melts, or fire starters. You can also use it for non-candle projects, such as wax seals for letters, art projects, or to waterproof a canvas bag.
Before melting your old candles, consider which scents will work well together. For example, you could pair fall scents like cinnamon and pumpkin, or florals like freesia, sweet pea, and lavender.
