Jessie Taylor
There are many reasons to remelt a candle. Perhaps you have a unique jar that you can't part with, or you want to avoid wasting wax. Maybe you want to create a romantic atmosphere or try something new with candle-making. Whatever the reason, recycling candle scraps to make new candles is a fun and eco-friendly activity. With a few simple steps, you can give your old candles new life, customise your scents and colours, and even make thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
Characteristics and Values Table for Remelting Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Jar, tin, teacup, votive glass, crystal cup, vase, ramekin, mason jar, etc. |
| Wax Type | Soy, beeswax, paraffin, or other leftover candle wax |
| Method | Microwave, stovetop, oven, double boiler |
| Temperature | Below the flash point of the wax |
| Time | About 1 hour of active work and at least 24 hours of resting time |
| Scents | Essential oils or complementary scented candles |
| Molds | Ice cube tray, muffin tin, or jar/container of choice |
| Wicks | Cotton or paper wicks |
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What You'll Learn
Using a microwave
Firstly, you need to find a microwave-safe container. Ceramic or glass containers are usually fine, but it is always worth checking for "microwave-safe" or "heatproof" labels on the packaging. Some containers will have symbols on the back to indicate that they are safe to use in a microwave, such as a symbol of a dish with wavy lines above it.
Next, crumble or chop the wax into smaller chunks and place them into the bowl. The smaller pieces will be easier to break up with your hands. You can also use the prongs of a fork to press the wax into the side of the bowl and break it up, which will make it melt faster in the microwave.
Now, place the bowl in the microwave and heat in short bursts, starting with one- or two-minute intervals, then stir. Continue with 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the wax is fully melted. Keep your eye on the wax while it's in the microwave. If at any point you think the wax is getting too hot, take it straight out of the microwave.
Once the wax is completely melted, remove it from the microwave and set it aside on a safe, even, and heatproof surface to cool.
You can add your desired colours and fragrance/essential oils to the mix when the wax reaches the 70°C mark. Stir your ingredients together to ensure they're blended with the wax.
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Using a stove
If you are using a stove, you should opt for an electric stove over a gas stove, as it is safer. Before you begin, find out the flash point of the wax you are using. This is the temperature at which the wax will ignite, and it should be listed on the side of the wax container or packaging. Your wax should always be at least 30-50°F (or -1 to -10°C) below its flash point.
You will need a double boiler, which you can either buy or make yourself. To make your own, take a deep, wide pan and a large glass or metal bowl that will fit into the pan. Fill the pan or the bottom half of your double boiler halfway with water. Then, place the wax scraps into the top half of your double boiler (a pot or bowl) and nest it inside the pan, ensuring that the bowl does not touch the water or the bottom of the pan. Set the stove to medium heat.
As the water simmers, the wax will melt, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the amount and type of wax. Once the wax is melted, remove the bowl with oven gloves and allow it to cool before proceeding with your project.
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Using a double boiler
Remelting candle wax using a double boiler is an efficient and economical way to melt wax for candle-making. It is a two-pot setup where a larger base pot contains simmering water, and a smaller pot fits inside it to melt wax gradually. This method is useful because wax is extremely messy and can ruin pots and pans if heated directly in them.
- Prepare the double boiler: Start by filling your large pot with about 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the wax: Place a heat-safe container, such as a pouring pitcher, a clean coffee can, or a smaller saucepan, on top of the pot, making sure it rests comfortably without touching the water. Pour your candle wax into the container. Natural waxes such as beeswax are a good option as they melt evenly without separating or giving off toxic chemicals. Different waxes melt at different temperatures, so knowing the correct temperature for your specific wax is essential.
- Stir and monitor: As the wax begins to melt, stir it occasionally with a wooden or heat-safe spatula to ensure even melting. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. When the wax is melted, add colour (if desired) and mix thoroughly.
- Add fragrance: If you are adding fragrance, remove the wax from the heat and gently stir in the fragrance. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always check your wax supplier's instructions.
- Pour the wax: After adding your colour and fragrance, stir for two minutes to ensure the oil is well-dispersed in the blend. Then, pour your wax blend into the container at a steady rate.
By following these steps, you can confidently melt wax without burning it, ensuring your candles look and smell amazing every time.
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Removing wax from jars
One method is to freeze the candle jar, which causes the wax to shrink, making it easier to remove. Place the candle jar in the freezer for several hours or overnight. Once the wax is frozen, it should pop right out of the container. If not, use a butter knife to loosen it and scrape off any residue.
Another method is to use boiling water. Place the candle on a protected surface and fill the jar with boiling water, leaving an inch of space at the top. The boiling water will melt the wax, causing it to float to the surface. Let the water cool completely before removing the wax and straining the water. Be careful not to pour wax down the drain, as it can clog.
A third method is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and place the candle jar upside down on the foil. Put the baking sheet in the oven and keep a close eye on it. After about 15 minutes, the wax should pool on the foil. Remove the pan from the oven and let the candle jar cool before cleaning with soap and warm water.
For small amounts of remaining wax, you can use a microwave or a hairdryer. Place the jar in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then wipe away the wax with a paper towel. Alternatively, use a hairdryer to heat the wax and soften it for removal.
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Adding scents
Secondly, it is important to be mindful of the amount of scent you are adding. Adding too much scent can be a fire hazard and may negatively impact the hot throw of your candle. A few drops of essential oil or scented oil are usually enough to fragrance your candle. You can also use old perfume samples, just be mindful of the underlying smell of the recycled wax.
If you are combining multiple scented candles, consider whether the scents will complement each other. For example, an orange blossom candle and a vanilla candle may work well together, whereas a pumpkin pie candle and a floral candle may be too overpowering. You can also add other elements to your candle, such as dried flowers or herbs, to enhance the scent and create a unique look.
When adding scents to your remelted candle, it is also important to consider the colour of the wax. If you are combining multiple coloured waxes, they may mix to create a muddy brown colour. This may not be desirable, so consider sorting your wax scraps by colour before adding scent.
Finally, always be cautious when working with hot wax. Use a double boiler or a saucepan with hot water to melt your wax, and never leave it unattended. Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into your mould or container.
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Frequently asked questions
You can melt candle wax using a microwave, an electric stove, or an oven.
You can use a microwave-safe container, a saucepan, or a can.
You can use melted candle wax to make new candles, wax melts, or fire starters.
