Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to set the mood or create an ambiance, but they often burn out before the wax runs out. Luckily, there's a way to remelt candles and create new ones, which is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. By following a few simple steps, you can turn your leftover wax into a brand-new candle with your desired scent and container. This process involves removing the wax from old candles, melting it down, adding scents or colours, and pouring it into a new container with a wick. With this method, you can give new life to your favourite scents and unique jars, creating a customised candle that fits your home aesthetic perfectly.
How to Remelt a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To recycle candle scraps and create new candles |
| Tools | Knife, spoon, saucepan, stove, freezer, chopstick, candle container, new wick, pencil/toothpick/popsicle stick, double boiler, microwave-safe container |
| Steps | 1. Remove leftover wax from the old candle using a knife or spoon. 2. Place wax bits into a can or saucepan. 3. Melt the wax on low heat. 4. Prepare a new candle container with a wick. 5. Pour the melted wax into the new container and let it set. |
| Tips | Use leftover wax from multiple candles to create a new scent. Ensure the wax is at least 30-50 °F below its flash point to avoid ignition. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing wax from old candles
Preparing the Old Candles
Start by gathering your old candles and deciding whether you want to separate the wax by colour or scent. If you're only working with unscented candles of the same colour, you can skip this step. If you're mixing different types of wax, ensure they are compatible, as some waxes play well together, like wax and soy, while others may not blend as easily.
Removing the Wax
Now, it's time to remove the wax from the old candle jars or containers. The easiest method is to freeze the candles and then use a small knife or spoon to gently pry and scrape out the wax. If your candles have melted into fragile candlesticks, place them in the freezer for a few hours, and then gently remove the wax with a chopstick or a similar gentle implement.
Melting the Wax
Place the wax shavings or chunks into a can or a microwave-safe container. If using a can, place it in a saucepan with water at a gentle boil. Avoid a rolling boil, as this may cause the can to bounce around. If using a microwave, follow the appropriate safety guidelines for your container.
Once the wax is melted, you can add essential oils to give it your desired scent, or leave it unscented. You can now pour the melted wax into moulds to create wax melts or fire starters, or you can use it to make new candles.
Creating New Candles
To make new candles, prepare your chosen container, such as a jar, tin, or teacup, and place a new wick inside. Hold the wick in place and carefully pour the melted wax into the container. Allow the wax to set completely before trimming the wick and enjoying your new candle.
Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with hot wax and open flames. Now you can enjoy your recycled and customised candles!
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Choosing a container for the new candle
Choosing a container for your new candle is an important step in the process of remelting a candle. The container you choose will depend on your personal preferences, as well as the amount of wax you have to work with.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to selecting a container. You can opt for a simple jar, tin, or votive glass, or get creative and choose a teacup, miniature vase, ramekin, crystal cup, or short mason jar. Antique stores and thrift stores are excellent places to find unique containers.
When choosing a container, it's important to consider the size. If you have a significant amount of wax, you may need a larger container such as a 28 oz jar. On the other hand, if you have multiple smaller pieces of wax, you might want to use a smaller container or even an ice cube tray to make wax melts.
Another factor to keep in mind is the type of wax you are using. If you are melting down old candles, it's best to use the same type of wax in your new candle. For example, if you're using soy wax, combine it with other soy candles.
Additionally, if you're planning to add a wick to your new candle, ensure that the container is suitable for holding a wick in place. You can use a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick to hold the wick in place while the wax sets.
Overall, choosing a container for your remelted candle allows you to get creative and customize your candle to fit your aesthetic and decor. Whether you opt for a simple jar or a unique vintage teacup, the possibilities are endless!
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Melting wax in a saucepan
Next, remove the wax from your old candle jars. You can do this by freezing the candles and then using a knife or spoon to scrape out the wax. Alternatively, if your candles have melted into fragile candlesticks, freeze them for several hours, then gently pry the wax with a chopstick or similar implement. Place the wax bits into the saucepan, being mindful of how much wax you have—a larger amount may require a bigger saucepan.
Now, turn the stove on to a low heat setting. You want the water to be barely boiling so that it's hot enough to melt the wax without causing the container to bounce around. If your setup is stable, you can place something weighted, like a plate or lid, on top of the saucepan to keep it in place. While the wax is melting, prepare your new candle container with a wick.
Once the wax has melted, turn off the stove and wear oven gloves to handle the saucepan. Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container, securing the wick in place. Allow the wax to set completely before handling your new candle.
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Adding scents to unscented wax
To remelt a candle, you will need a container for your new candle, such as an old candle, a teacup, or a short mason jar. You will also need a new wick, which you can tie to a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick placed across the top of the container. Next, using a knife or spoon, remove the leftover wax from your old candle and place the wax bits into a can. Turn the water down so it is barely boiling and place the can into a saucepan, being careful not to let it fall over. While the wax is melting, prepare your new candle container with the wick.
Adding Scents to Unsent Wax
When adding scents to unscented wax, it is important to use the right type of fragrance. Fragrance oils are synthetic scents that can be purchased from craft stores. Essential oils are another option, which are highly concentrated scents produced using plants, leaves, and flowers. They offer aromatherapy benefits and are more potent than fragrance oils, so a little goes a long way.
To add the scent to your wax, first, light your candle and let about an inch of wax melt around the wick. Then, blow out the candle and add 3-4 drops of your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil. If you want a richer scent, you can add several more drops. Use a toothpick to stir the wax, starting with small circles close to the wick and working your way outwards. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely, which will enable the oil to settle into the wax and deeply absorb the scent. Finally, relight your candle and enjoy the fragrance!
It is important to note that most waxes will not hold more than 12% fragrance. Store-bought candles typically contain around 6% fragrance, while premium candles can contain up to 10%. To optimize scent throw and stability, it is recommended to use between 6-10% fragrance in your candle mixture. Additionally, make sure to use the right size and type of wick for your container and wax type, as this can also affect the scent throw.
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Setting the wax in its new container
Next, place a new wick inside your chosen container. Most wicks come with double-sided stickers. Peel off one side of the sticker and place the wick in the centre of your container, securing it with the sticker. Place a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick across the top of the container and fold the wick over it. This will keep the wick in place while you pour in the melted wax.
Now, carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Hold the wick in place as you pour to ensure it remains centred. Take care not to spill the hot wax. Once you have filled the container, allow the wax to cool and set completely. This may take a few hours.
If you want to add a scent to your candle, you can use essential oils. If you are using unscented candle wax, add the essential oil of your choice after melting the wax and stir well before pouring it into your container. You can also create decorative wax melts using an ice cube tray as a mould. Simply pour the melted wax into the ice cube tray compartments and let it set before popping out the wax cubes.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle wax can be remelted using a stove, microwave, or double boiler. If using a stove, place the wax in a saucepan and melt it over low heat. If using a microwave, crumble the wax into a microwave-safe container and heat. If using a double boiler, fill a deep, wide pan with water and place a large glass or metal bowl containing the wax into the pan.
One method is to freeze the candle jars and then use a knife to scrape out the wax. Another method is to place the jars open-side-up in a shallow pan or baking sheet, pour boiling water into the pan, and let it sit for about an hour.
You can use a jar, tin, teacup, votive glass, or any other container that fits your desired aesthetic.
Place a new wick inside the container, with the end of the wick secured across the top of the container using a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick.
If you are recycling a mix of different candles, consider whether the scents will complement each other and whether you are okay with the colours combining. Wax and soy candles can be melted down together but will melt at different speeds and require stirring.
