Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but what happens when they burn out? Instead of tossing them out, you can repurpose both the wax and the container in a variety of ways. Repurposing candle jars is eco-friendly and adds a touch of creativity and charm to your home. From melting the wax to make new candles or wax melts to using the containers as plant pots, drinking glasses, storage containers, or even as a stylish way to serve food and drinks, there are plenty of ways to give new life to old candles.
Ways to repurpose a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse candle wax to make new candles | Melt the wax and pour it into a mould with a new wick |
| Make wax melts | Melt wax, mould into small pieces, and put in a wax melter |
| Waterproof canvas bags | Melt beeswax and paint on the canvas |
| Reuse candle jars as plant pots | Clean out the wax and add soil and a plant |
| Reuse candle jars as storage | Store toothbrushes, makeup brushes, snacks, spare change, etc. |
| Reuse candle jars as glassware | Use to serve drinks or desserts |
| Reuse candle jars as decorations | Fill with fairy lights or use as a vase for flowers |
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose candle wax for DIY projects
Repurposing candle wax is an excellent way to get into DIY and create something new and useful. Before you start, you'll need to melt the wax and remove it from its container. To do this, place the candle in a small pot and fill a larger pot with water. Bring the water to a simmer and place the small pot inside. Different types of wax have different melting points, so you may need to wait longer for some waxes to melt. Once the wax has melted, use tongs to remove any old wicks.
Now that you have your melted wax, you can get creative! Here are some ideas for DIY projects using repurposed candle wax:
Make a New Candle
This is a great way to recycle your old wax and create a new, eco-friendly candle. You can buy wicks online or in craft stores. Simply prepare your container by placing the wick inside and securing it with double-sided tape. Then, pour in the melted wax and let it set completely. If you're using unscented wax, you can add essential oils to give it your desired scent. You can also get creative with the container, using a jar, tin, teacup, or votive glass.
Wax Melts
Wax melts are easy to make and can be used in a wax melt burner to fill your home with your favorite scent. Melt your wax scraps in a double boiler, then pour the melted wax into a mold. You can use an ice cube tray, small candy molds, or the bottom of a mini muffin pan. If you're using a sheet pan, line it with parchment paper first. Allow the wax to cool completely before popping the wax cubes out and using them in your burner.
Waterproof Canvas Bags
If you have a canvas bag, you can use your melted wax to help the fabric resist water. Simply paint the melted wax onto the canvas with a paintbrush. Keep in mind that colored wax will stain the canvas, and scented wax will scent your bag. Also, be sure to use a paintbrush that you don't mind getting wax in, as it will be difficult to remove. Apply a thin layer of wax that will absorb into the fabric. The bag may feel stiff at first, but it will become more flexible with use.
Fire Starters
Fire starters are a fun and useful DIY project to make with repurposed candle wax. Gather your supplies, including a muffin tin and paper muffin liners. You can add herbs, spices, dried flowers, and cedar shavings to your fire starters for a cozy glow in your fireplace. Break the herbs and spices into small pieces and place them in the muffin liners. Then, carefully pour the melted wax into the liners, ensuring that your additives stay in place. Let the wax set completely before using your fire starters.
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Make wax melts
If you have leftover candle wax, you can easily repurpose it to make wax melts. This is a great way to enjoy your favourite scent without having to buy new wax melts. Plus, it's a simple DIY project that doesn't require much equipment. Here's what you need to do:
First, make sure your candle is completely cooled and that there are no embers left on the wick. You can blow out the candle and wait a minute or so for it to cool down. Then, remove the wick by pulling it out gently or using a pair of tongs. If you want to reuse the container, you can clean out the leftover wax by placing the jar in the freezer. The wax will shrink and pop out easily, or you can run hot water over it to melt the wax.
Next, you'll need to melt the leftover wax. You can do this by placing the candle in a small pot and then putting that pot inside a larger pot filled with simmering water. Do not microwave your candle, as many candles have metal at the base of the wick. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the fragrance.
Once your wax is melted, carefully pour it into a mould. You can use a silicone mould or any kind of dish or jar, but avoid using plastic as it may melt. You can also add pressed flowers or dried flowers to create a decorative touch and enhance the fragrance. Allow the wax to harden, and then remove it from the mould.
Now you have your very own wax melts! You can use them in a wax melter to fill your home with your favourite scent. Enjoy your creation and the cosy atmosphere it brings.
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Use jars as storage
Repurposing candle jars is a great way to be environmentally friendly and add a touch of creativity to your home. Here are some ways you can use them for storage:
Bathroom storage
Candle jars can be used to store items typically found in the bathroom, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, and toothbrushes. You can also use them to store cosmetics and bathroom essentials, such as makeup brushes, keeping them within reach and organised.
Kitchen storage
Larger candle jars are perfect for storing spices, sugar, salt, and other small items like paper clips or buttons. You can also use them to store breakfast goodies such as overnight oats, smoothies, or parfaits in the fridge. Just make sure to clean the jars thoroughly and remove any wax residue before using them for food storage.
Entryway storage
A large candle jar can be placed by your entryway to keep your keys, wallet, and other essentials in one convenient spot.
Planters
Candle jars can be reused as planters for small houseplants, succulents, or herbs. Just clean out the wax, add some soil, and pop in your plant. You can also regrow food scraps like green onions, celery, leafy vegetables, and bean sprouts in your jars by placing the scraps in water and letting them get a little sunlight.
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Create new candles
Creating new candles from old ones is a great way to repurpose your candle remnants. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Removing Wax from Old Candles
Firstly, you need to remove the wax from your old candles. There are several methods to do this:
- Freezing: Place the candle jar in the freezer. Once the wax is frozen, it will be easier to pop out.
- Hot Water: Fill a pot or bucket with very hot water and place the jar in it. The wax will melt and float to the top. Remove the jar and dump out the water.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. Place the jar inside, ensuring any labels or stickers are removed first. Once the wax is melted, scoop it out.
Melting Wax for New Candles
Once you have removed the wax, you can melt it down to create new candles. Here are some tips for this process:
- Double Boiler: Use a double boiler to gently melt the leftover wax. This ensures even heating and prevents scorching.
- Additive Options: If you have unscented wax, you can add fragrances or essential oils to create scented candles. You can also add dried flowers, herbs, or cedar shavings for decorative and aromatic touches.
- Molds: Choose molds for your new candles, such as small candy molds, mini muffin pans, or silicone molds. You can also use a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and break up the wax once it has cooled.
Adding Wicks
To turn your melted wax into new candles, you will need to add wicks. Here are some suggestions:
- Purchase wicks specifically designed for candle-making.
- Consider using candle-making kits, which provide instructions and necessary supplies, including wicks.
Creating new candles from old ones is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to reduce waste. With these steps, you can experiment with different waxes, fragrances, and decorative elements to design unique candles that suit your personal style and preferences.
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Waterproof canvas bags
Firstly, ensure your canvas bag is clean and dry. You can use a lint roller to remove any debris or strings. Then, test the wax on an inconspicuous piece of the bag, as the treatment might change its colour and texture. You can rub the wax directly onto the canvas or melt it and use a brush to spread it. If you're melting the wax, boil some water in a pot and place another pot inside with the wax in it. Once melted, let it sit for a couple of minutes before using it.
When applying the wax, pay extra attention to the bottom of the bag, as well as the crevices, seams, zippers, and areas under buttons. If you want to waterproof the inside of the bag too, turn it inside out and repeat the process using less wax. The bag may become stiff, but this will lessen over time with use.
You can also use old candle wax to make new candles, wax melts, or balms. If you want to make a new candle, you'll need to buy a new wick. You can melt down the old wax in a double boiler and pour it into a container with the new wick. If you're using scented wax, you can blend it with oil and use it to polish wood or put it in drawers for a nice smell.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to do this. One way is to run hot water over the wax, which will melt and can then be poured out. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out. Another method is to place the jar in the oven at a low temperature, and once the wax has melted, scoop it out.
Leftover wax can be reused in several ways. You can melt it down and use it to make a new candle, wax melts, or fire starters. You can also add fragrance to create a room scent, or use it to polish wood. If you have a canvas bag, you can melt the wax and paint it on to make the fabric water-resistant.
Empty candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways. They can be used as plant pots, storage containers, or even as drinking glasses. They can also be used for decorative purposes, such as table decorations or to hold sweets.
