Brooke Martin
Candles are a great way to set the mood, make your space smell nice, and create a cosy ambiance. But what happens when your favourite candle is almost finished? Instead of throwing it away, you can repurpose your old candles by making new ones! Repurposing old candles is a fun, creative, and sustainable way to reduce waste and get the most out of your favourite scents. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple process of transforming those leftover candle pieces into beautiful new creations.
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What You'll Learn
Melting old candle wax
Collecting and Sorting Candle Remnants
Start by gathering all the candle remnants you have, including half-used candles, broken candles, or small stubs. Remove as much dirt and old wicks as possible before proceeding to the next step.
Choosing a Melting Method
The recommended method for melting candle wax is the double boiler technique. This method ensures even melting without direct contact with the heat source, reducing the risk of burning or overheating. Place a heat-resistant bowl or pot over a pan of simmering water, and put the old candle remnants inside. Stir occasionally to ensure the wax melts evenly.
Alternatively, you can use a saucepan or pot directly over a stove burner, but be cautious and avoid applying direct heat to the wax to prevent it from flashing into a flame. You can also melt candle wax by placing the jar in a pot of boiling water, then carefully removing the jar and pouring out the melted wax.
Preparing the Container and Wick
While the wax is melting, prepare your new candle container or mould. Place the wick in the centre of the container, securing it with tape if needed. Trim the wick to an appropriate length, leaving about half a centimetre above the candle's surface for even burning.
Melting and Pouring the Wax
After the wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into your prepared container. Keep a small portion of the wax in the saucepan or pot to use for filling any dips that may form around the wick as the wax cools. Allow the wax to harden completely, which can take from a few minutes to a few hours.
Final Touches
Once the wax has hardened, your new candle is almost ready! Light the wick and enjoy your sustainable creation. Remember to trim the wick as needed for a clean and even burn.
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Choosing the right wick
The first step in choosing the right wick is to measure the diameter of your candle. The diameter of your candle will determine the size of the wick you need. If you're using a variety of vessel sizes, you will need different wicks for each. Generally, the larger the diameter of the candle, the thicker the wick will need to be.
The next step is to consider the type and amount of fragrance oil, dye, and other additives you plan to use. These will influence the type of wick you need, as well as the size. The more colour or fragrance you include, the thicker the wick will need to be. Different types of wax also require different types of wicks. For example, soy wax has a longer, slower burn time than paraffin wax, so a thinner wick may be best. If you're using a natural wax like soy or palm wax, you may want to use an ECO series wick. These are flat, coreless cotton wicks braided with thin paper filaments that provide stability and improve rigidity.
It's important to note that there isn't a one-size-fits-all wick, and you may need to experiment with different brands and sizes to find the best wick for your candle. You can purchase wick sampler kits to test out different wicks. When testing, be sure to perform a burn test to see how the wick performs with your candle size and wax type. Look out for signs of an incorrect wick size, such as excessive flickering, mushrooming (carbon build-up), or a deep melt pool.
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Adding colour and scent
Adding Colour
Firstly, when melting down the wax, avoid applying heat directly to the wax. This can alter its natural consistency. Instead, use a double boiler or place a glass mixing bowl inside a pan of hot water. Gradually increase the temperature to around 175-185°F, stirring constantly until the wax is completely molten.
When it comes to adding colour, there are a few options. You can use candle dye, which comes in liquid, chip or block form. One drop of liquid dye or one chip is enough to colour a pound of wax. If using a block, shave off pieces to reach your desired shade. You can also use crayons, which work well as they melt and unify with the rest of the wax. Avoid using food colouring, as this does not have the same effect.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to stick to a single colour and always remember to wear gloves when handling dye. You can test your colour by putting a couple of drops of wax on a white piece of paper, which will show the final shade.
Adding Scent
When it comes to scent, essential oils are a popular choice. You can use essential oils like rosemary, pine, or peppermint, or opt for fragrances specifically created for candles, which tend to have a stronger throw. If you want to keep your candles natural, essential oils are a good option, but they may not fill a room with fragrance as well as candle fragrances.
To add scent, stir your chosen oil into the melted wax. You can also add dried flowers, crushed herbs, cinnamon sticks, or cloves for added scent and decoration.
Once you have added your colour and scent, simply pour the wax into a container and allow it to cool. You can reuse the original jar or choose a new heat-safe container with an open mouth, such as a metal can, shot glass, teacup, or mason jar. Don't forget to position your wick before the wax hardens!
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Preparing the container
Choose the Right Container
First, select a suitable container for your new candle. You can reuse an old candle container or choose a new one. Ensure that the container is heat-resistant and can withstand the pouring of hot wax. It should also be the appropriate size for the amount of wax you have.
Clean the Container
If you are reusing an old candle container, it is important to thoroughly clean it before using it again. Start by removing any leftover wax from the container. This can be done by freezing the container and then using a butter knife to loosen and pop out the wax. Alternatively, you can melt the wax by placing the container in boiling water or using an electric candle warmer. You can also try filling the container with hot soapy water and letting it soak before scrubbing the inside clean. Make sure to remove any old wicks and trim the new wick to the appropriate length, leaving about half a centimetre above the surface of the candle.
Prepare the Wick
Place the wick in the centre of the container, ensuring it is secure and does not move around. You can use a long, thin object like a pencil or a straw, placing it over the container with the wick draped over it. Optionally, you can use a piece of tape to hold the wick in place.
Choose the Right Wick
Consider the type of wax you are using, the diameter of the container, the desired fragrance and colour, and the burn time you want to achieve. Different types of wicks are available, such as ECO candle wicks, hemp wicks, and flat FX wicks, each with unique properties and benefits.
Prepare for Pouring
Once your container and wick are ready, prepare for pouring the wax. Place the container on a level surface and ensure that the surrounding area is protected from any potential spills. Have your melted wax ready, and if desired, add colour dyes or fragrance oils, stirring well to distribute them evenly.
Remember to exercise caution when handling hot wax and always supervise the process to ensure a safe and successful candle-making experience.
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Removing wax from containers
Freezing
Place the candle jar in the freezer for at least an hour or, preferably, overnight. The wax will shrink and harden, making it easier to remove. Once the wax is frozen, take the jar out of the freezer and turn it upside down. The wax should pop right out. If it doesn't, use a butter knife, wooden popsicle stick, or similar tool to gently chip away at the wax.
Boiling Water
Boil a saucepan of water on the stove. Place the room-temperature jar on a flat, heat-safe surface and pour boiling water into the jar, covering the wax residue. Allow the hot water to sit for a few minutes to soften the wax. Pour the water into the sink, being careful not to pour wax down the drain. Use a dishcloth or old sponge to wipe away any remaining wax.
Hairdryer
Hold your candle jar with an oven mitt. Turn a hairdryer on to a warm setting and use it to heat the candle's wax from the sides and bottom. Once the wax is soft, lift or scrape it out with a butter knife. After removing the wax, clean the jar with warm water, soap, and a sponge to remove any lingering wax residue.
Double Boiler
Place the candle jar in a double boiler with low heat. Once the wax has melted, pour it into a disposable container. Wipe the inside of the jar with a paper towel. If there is still wax residue, wash the jar by hand with warm water and soap.
Remember to never use a knife or sharp tool to remove wax when the glass is hot, as it could damage or break the container. Always exercise caution when handling hot water and wax to avoid burns.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need old candles, a heat source, a heat-resistant bowl or pot, a pan of water, a new container, and a new candle wick.
Use the "double boiler" method. Place a heat-resistant bowl or pot over a pan of boiling water. This ensures the wax doesn't come into direct contact with the heat source, reducing the risk of burning or overheating.
ECO candle wicks are ideal for waxes with a lower melting point. Hemp candle wicks are best for beeswax candles. Flat LX wicks minimise soot, smoke, afterglow and mushrooming.
Yes, you can add colour dyes or fragrance oils to the melted wax. Be sure to stir well to evenly distribute the colour and scent.
