Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they can be costly and wasteful. Fortunately, there are many ways to reuse broken candles and their wax. This can be done by melting the wax and creating a new candle, wax melts, or even using the wax to waterproof canvas bags. Broken candle jars can also be reused for storage, as plant pots, or as a stylish addition to your kitchen or bathroom.
Ways to reuse broken candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting the wax | Use a bain-marie, double boiler, oven, or electric candle warmer |
| Removing wax from the jar | Place the jar in the freezer, then use a butter knife to pop out the wax; alternatively, fill the container with boiling water and let it cool, then pour out the water and the wax |
| Reusing the wax | Make new candles, wax melts, wax sachets, tealight candles, or votives; use the wax to waterproof canvas bags or seal envelopes |
| Reusing the jar | Use as a plant pot, toothbrush holder, glassware, container for food, storage for small items like hair accessories, office supplies, or art supplies, or as a jewellery box |
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What You'll Learn
Make a new candle by melting wax and pouring it into a mould
If you have multiple broken candles, you can melt the wax and pour it into a mould to make a new candle. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, remove the leftover wax from the old candle containers. This can be done by melting the wax gently in a double boiler or bain-marie, or by using an electric candle warmer. You can also place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting, but be sure to remove any labels or stickers first. Never put a jarred candle in the microwave. Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into a container to separate it from the old candle container.
Next, prepare your mould. If you are using a mould made of glass, metal, or another material that can handle high temperatures, you can preheat it in the oven at 120–140 °F (49–60 °C). Place the mould on a cookie sheet to warm while your wax is melting. If your mould is made of a heat-sensitive material, do not preheat it. Instead, make sure it is at room temperature before pouring in the hot wax.
Now, melt the wax. This can be done in a double boiler or bain-marie, or by using a candle warmer. You can also melt the wax in a small pot placed inside a larger pot filled with simmering water. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 °F (38 to 63 °C), so use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Once your wax is melted, it's time to add the wick. Cut a piece of wicking that is 2 inches (5 cm) taller than your mould. Knot one end and thread it through a wick tab, which can be purchased from craft stores. Tie the free end of the wick around a wooden skewer. Dip the wick and tab into the melted wax to coat them, then remove and press the tab to the bottom of the mould, resting the skewer on the rim.
Finally, pour the melted wax into your mould, stopping about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the rim. Allow the wax to cool and set, which will take about one hour. Once the wax has hardened, you can remove it from the mould and enjoy your new candle!
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Create wax melts to fill your home with fragrance
If you want to reuse broken candles to create wax melts, there are a few methods you can use to melt the wax. One way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting and place the jar inside, ensuring that any labels or stickers have been removed. Once the wax has melted, scoop it out and reuse it. Alternatively, you can place the jar or candle holder in the freezer, allowing the wax to shrink and easily pop out.
Once you have removed the wax, you can begin the process of creating wax melts. If you are combining the remnants of several candles, make sure they are all the same type of wax. Place the wax in a saucepan and melt it on low heat, or use the double boiler method. If you want to add a stronger scent, you can mix in your own fragrance oils or herbs.
Next, pour the wax into small moulds of your choosing. You can use an ice cube tray or cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes. If you don't have a mould, you can simply pour the wax onto a piece of parchment paper or tin foil. Allow the wax to harden, then remove it from the mould.
Your wax melts are now ready to use! Place them in a wax warmer to fill your home with fragrance. You can also use your wax melts as decorative pieces or small gifts. They can be wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon, or placed in a decorative box with tissue paper.
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Waterproof a bag or canvas by painting on melted wax
There are many ways to reuse old candle wax, including making new candles, wax melts, and even art. One practical use for old candle wax is to waterproof a bag or canvas. Here's how to do it:
First, you'll need to melt your old candle wax. This can be done using a double boiler, an oven, or a microwave. If using a double boiler, place the wax in a heat-safe container and set it over a pot of simmering water. If using an oven, preheat to the lowest temperature setting and place the wax in a heat-safe container. For the microwave, simply place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals until melted. Always be careful when handling hot wax and use oven mitts or pot holders as needed.
Once your wax is melted, it's time to apply it to your bag or canvas. One method is to use a paintbrush to paint a thin layer of wax onto the fabric. Keep in mind that coloured candles may stain the fabric, and scented candles will impart their scent to the bag. Alternatively, you can rub a block of beeswax onto the fabric, leaving a thin layer behind, then use a hairdryer or heat gun to melt the wax and help it absorb into the fabric. This method may result in less mess and fewer drips.
As the wax cools, it will stiffen, but don't worry—as you use your bag or canvas, it will become more flexible. It's important to note that you shouldn't machine wash or dry your bag after waterproofing it with wax. Instead, spot clean as needed.
Waterproofing a bag or canvas with melted wax is a creative way to give new life to old candle stubs and ensure your belongings stay dry!
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Clean out the jar and reuse it for storage or as a plant pot
- Fill the container with boiling water and leave it to cool. The water will melt the wax residue, which will float to the top. Once cooled, empty the water and wipe the jar clean with soapy water.
- Place the container in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will harden and shrink, making it easy to remove with a butter knife. Then, clean your jar with soapy water.
- Create a bain-marie by placing your glass inside a saucepan and then surrounding the glass with boiling water. Once the wax has softened, scrape it out with a butter knife.
- Place the jar in the oven at the lowest setting. Once the wax has melted, scoop it out and reuse it.
Once your jar is clean, you can reuse it for storage. Candle jars are perfect for keeping small items like hair clips, elastic bands, jewellery, spices, or office supplies. You can also use them as plant pots for small succulents or herbs.
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Fix a broken wick by melting wax or replacing it
If your candle wick is buried under wax, you can fix it by melting the wax that's burying it. Hold the candle at an angle over some foil or a pan. Use a lighter to melt the wax around the wick, allowing the excess wax to drip to the sides of the candle or onto the foil or pan. Once the wax around the wick is softened, use tweezers to gently lift the wick out of the wax. If the wax is still too hard to lift with tweezers, use a paring knife to gently pry the wick out. Scrape away any excess wax with the knife, and trim the wick to 1/4 inch for optimal burning.
If your candle wick is broken, you will need to replace it. Use an apple corer to remove the candle's centre and the old wick. Press the corer down firmly and gently twist and wiggle it to remove the centre. Thread a new wick through the hole left by the old wick and replace the candle's centre. If you don't have an apple corer, you can try threading a new wick down to meet the original wick.
To prevent wick tunneling, which can cause the wick to become buried or too short, leave your candle lit long enough for the entire top surface to liquify. This will prevent excess wax buildup on the sides of the jar, which could melt and drown the wick.
If your wick is too short, light it and let it burn for 20 to 30 minutes. Check the flame height occasionally to see if the problem resolves itself. If the flame remains weak, blow out the candle and pour the melted wax onto a paper plate to cool and harden. Dispose of the wax and plate in the trash. You can also use a paper towel or cotton swab to soak up the liquid wax after the candle is extinguished. Exposing more of the wick will allow it to burn more evenly.
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