Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere, but they can be expensive and it's frustrating when you can't light them because of a short wick. Instead of throwing away your old candles, you can renew them by melting the wax and adding a new wick. You can even make your own wicks using cotton or paper, and add essential oils to create a personalised scent. In this article, we'll show you how to renew your candles and get the most from them.
Characteristics and Values Table for Renewing a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax warmer | Use a wax warmer or a double boiler to melt wax |
| Double boiler | Fill one pot with water, place a metal bowl/another pot inside, and put wax inside the second bowl |
| Wax | Use wax from the candle you're renewing, another old candle, or a small tealight/taper candle |
| Wick | Add a makeshift paper or wooden wick if the original wick is too short |
| Use a lighter/hair dryer to melt wax and expose wick | |
| Place a new wick beside the old one and push it into the candle | |
| Dip wick in wax to help it burn more slowly and evenly | |
| Trim wick to 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) long | |
| Scent | Add a few drops of scent to each jar for a more potent scent |
| Container | Use a jar or container that can withstand wax |
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What You'll Learn
Extending a candle wick with a paper wick
If your candle wick is too short to light, you can extend it by making a makeshift paper wick. Here's how to do it:
First, melt some candle wax in a wax warmer or double boiler. If you don't have a wax warmer, you can set up a double boiler by filling one pot with water and placing it on the boil. Then, place a metal bowl or another pot inside the first one so it's just touching the boiling water. Place the wax inside the second bowl and stir it until it melts. You can use wax from the candle you're fixing or from another old candle.
Next, take a scrap of paper and roll it up tightly to create your makeshift wick. Choose a thicker paper, such as notebook or copy paper, as it will burn more slowly. Avoid using coloured paper or magazine pages, as the ink fumes can be toxic. You can also use toilet paper or a paper towel if that's all you have. Make sure the wick is only about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) long, but it's okay to roll it longer if that's easier, as you can always trim it down later.
Now, dip your paper wick into the melted wax to coat it. This will help it burn more slowly and evenly. Use tweezers to hold the wick while you dip it, and then set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes or until the wax hardens.
Once the wax has cooled, use a lighter or hair dryer to soften the surface of the candle. You don't need to melt the wax all the way, just heat it up a little so it starts to soften. This will make it easier to press the wick into the candle.
Finally, press the wick into the candle wax. If you're using a paper wick, wrap it around the existing wick, then gently press just the very bottom into the softened wax. Light the wick and let it burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way across the surface of the candle. This is called a full or even wax pool and will prevent problems like tunnelling or losing the wick again.
By following these steps, you can extend the life of your candle and enjoy its fragrance for longer.
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Extending a candle wick with a wooden wick
If your candle wick is too short to light, you can add a makeshift wooden wick to burn off some of the wax. Here's how to extend a candle wick with a wooden wick:
Firstly, melt some candle wax in a wax warmer or double boiler. If you don't have a wax warmer, you can set up a double boiler by filling one pot with water and placing it on to boil, then placing a metal bowl or another pot inside the first one so it's just touching the boiling water, then place the wax inside the second bowl and stir frequently until it melts.
Next, take a thin, flat strip of wood to use as your new wick. You can use a wooden toothpick, a wooden popsicle stick (cut in half lengthwise and trimmed down to about 2 inches or less), or a small slice of wood. It's best to dip your wooden wick in the melted wax first, as this will help it burn more slowly and evenly. Use tweezers to carefully lower the wooden wick into the bowl with the melted wax, turning it back and forth to ensure it's completely coated. Remove the wick and let it cool for about 5 minutes or until the wax hardens.
Now, use a lighter or hair dryer to soften the surface of the candle. You don't need to melt the wax all the way, just heat it up a little so it starts to soften. This will make it easier to push the new wick into the candle. Place the wooden wick beside the old wick and push it deep down into the candle. If needed, tap it lightly with a mallet or hammer. Use sharp shears to trim the wick so it's only about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) long.
Finally, light the wick and let it burn until the wax melts all the way across the surface of the candle. Then, pour the melted wax into the same container you used to melt your wax earlier. Keep doing this until the old wick is long enough to use again.
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Melting wax in a double boiler
- Soy Wax: Popular among beginners due to its low melting temperature (120°F to 140°F) and eco-friendly properties.
- Beeswax: Requires more attention when using a double boiler as it has a higher melting point (145°F to 175°F). It is favoured for its clean burn and pleasant scent.
- Coconut Wax: Known for its luxurious texture and eco-friendly characteristics, coconut wax has a low melting point (around 100°F to 120°F) and blends well with essential oils.
Now, let's go through the steps of melting wax in a double boiler:
Step 1: Prepare the Double Boiler
If you have a dedicated double boiler, use that. If not, you can easily make your own with two pots or a pot and a metal/glass bowl. Fill the bottom pot or larger pan with water and place it on the stove to heat. The second pot or bowl should rest on the sides of the first pot without touching the bottom to avoid scorching the wax.
Step 2: Add the Wax
Place your wax in the second pot, bowl, or a heat-safe container that fits inside the larger pot without touching the water. You can use wax from your old candles or purchase new wax specifically for this project.
Step 3: Stir and Monitor
As the wax begins to melt, use a wooden or heat-safe spatula to stir occasionally, ensuring even melting. Keep the water in your double boiler at a gentle simmer to prevent overheating and burning the wax. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, as different types of wax melt at varying temperatures.
Step 4: Add Colour and Fragrance (Optional)
Once the wax has melted, you can add your desired colour and mix thoroughly. If you wish to add a fragrance, remove the wax from the heat first and gently stir it in. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always refer to your wax supplier's instructions.
Safety Precautions:
- Always melt wax in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes.
- Do not leave the double boiler unattended, as overheating or other accidents may occur.
- Avoid using too much water, as you want the heat to transfer through steam rather than direct contact with water.
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Softening the surface of the candle with a lighter or hair dryer
Softening the surface of a candle with a lighter or hair dryer is a great way to renew your candles. This method can be used to fix a candle wick that is covered in wax. If your wick is buried just under the surface of the wax, you can use a spoon or a butter knife to carefully scrape away the wax until the wick is exposed.
You can also use a lighter or hair dryer to melt the wax. To do this, simply hold the flame of the lighter, or the nozzle of the hair dryer, close to the wax and allow the heat to soften the surface. You don't need to melt the wax all the way, just heat it enough so that the wax starts to soften. This will make it easier to push the wick into the candle. If you are using a hair dryer, start on a high heat and then switch to low heat once the wax begins to melt.
If you are using a lighter, be careful not to burn yourself or the surrounding area. It is also important to pour any excess wax into a separate heat-safe container. This will help to prevent any mess or fire hazards.
Using a lighter or hair dryer to soften candle wax is a quick and easy way to renew your candles and enjoy their fragrance again.
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Dipping a cotton cord into melted wax
To renew a candle by dipping a cotton cord into melted wax, you will need a wax warmer, double boiler, or oven, as well as a cotton cord and a container for the renewed candle.
First, melt the wax in a wax warmer, double boiler, or oven. If using a double boiler, fill one pot with water and place it on the stove to boil. Then, place a metal bowl or another pot inside the first one so that it is just touching the boiling water. Place the wax inside the second bowl and stir frequently until it melts. If using an oven, preheat it to its lowest setting and place the jar of wax inside, removing any labels or stickers first.
Once the wax is melted, it's time to prepare your cotton cord. Cut a length of 100% cotton cord that is 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) longer than the height of your candle jar. Take 2-3 cotton threads and twist them together, then dip them in the melted wax. Tie a small weight, such as a paperclip, to the waxed string to ensure the wick stays centred and goes all the way through the candle.
Now, you can dip the cotton cord into the melted wax. Remove the cord from the wax and allow it to cool and harden. If needed, repeat this step a few times to build up the wax coating on the cord.
Once the cord is sufficiently coated with wax, it's time to assemble your renewed candle. Place the cord in your chosen container, making sure it is centred and secure. Slowly pour the melted wax into the container, being careful not to disturb the cord. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before lighting your renewed candle.
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Frequently asked questions
If the wick is completely covered, replace it with a new wick. If the wick is still visible but too short, add a makeshift paper or wooden wick to burn off the wax. If the wick is just under the wax surface, use a spoon or knife to scrape away the wax, or melt it with a hairdryer or lighter.
Melt some candle wax in a wax warmer or double boiler. Dip the new wick in the wax, then press it into the candle. If using a paper wick, wrap it around the old wick. If using a wooden wick, place it beside the old wick and push it into the candle.
Take a scrap of paper and roll it up tightly.
Fill one pot with water and place it on to boil. Sit a metal bowl or another pot inside the first one so it's just touching the water. Place the wax inside the second bowl and stir until it melts.
You can use wax from the candle you are renewing, or from another old candle.
