Brooke Martin
There are many ways to reuse burnt-out candles and their wax. Before reusing the wax, it needs to be melted and removed from its vessel. This can be done by placing the candle in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with simmering water. The wax can then be used to make new candles, wax melts, or even to paint onto a canvas. The leftover candle jars can also be reused for storage, as plant pots, or as drinking glasses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing wax from the jar | Place the candle jar in the freezer, then stab the wax with a butter knife to crack it out. Alternatively, fill the jar with hot water to melt the wax, or use a double boiler. |
| Reusing wax | Melt the wax and pour into a new container with a new wick. Combine wax from multiple candles to make one large candle. |
| Wax melting methods | Use a pot of boiling water, an oven on a low setting, or an electric candle warmer to melt the wax. Do not use a microwave. |
| Wax removal tools | Tongs, hot water, a freezer, a knife or scoop, a double boiler |
| Wax reuse ideas | Make new candles, wax melts, waterproof canvas bags, or floral wax sachets. |
| Jar reuse ideas | Use as drinking glasses, plant pots, or storage containers. |
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What You'll Learn
Melt wax and pour into a new mould with a new wick
To reuse burnt-out candles by melting the wax and pouring it into a new mould with a new wick, follow these steps:
First, harvest your used wax by removing it from its container. You can do this by melting the wax and then scooping it out, or by placing the candle holder in the freezer, which will cause the wax to shrink and pop out. If you choose to melt the wax, place the candle in a small pot, and then place that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so the time it takes to melt will vary.
Once the wax is melted, remove the old wicks with tongs and discard them. You can also remove small amounts of wax from a jar or candle holder by running hot water over them.
Next, prepare your new mould and wick. You can reuse an old candle jar, or use a fresh tin from a candle-making kit. Most wicks come with double-sided stickers. Peel off one side and place the sticker in the centre of your mould, then stick the metal base of the wick on top. If your wick doesn't stand up straight, you may need to brace it.
Now, melt your wax. If you haven't already melted your wax, you can do so by following the previous instructions. If your wax has already been melted and has started to harden, put it in the microwave for 30 seconds to loosen it up again. Make sure to strain the wax to remove any contaminants, such as metal wick pieces.
Finally, pour your melted wax into the mould over the new wick. Let the wax harden, then remove it from the mould. You can also add a few drops of essential oil and place pressed flowers in the wax before it hardens to create a floral wax sachet.
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Use an electric candle warmer to melt wax and release fragrance
Electric candle warmers are a great way to reuse burnt-out candles and enjoy their fragrance. They are devices that heat candles or scented wax, releasing the fragrance without the need for an open flame. This method is safer than burning candles, as it eliminates fire hazards. Candle warmers typically use either a hot plate or an overhead lamp as the heat source.
There are two main types of candle warmers: top-down and bottom-up. Top-down candle warmers resemble small lamps and heat the candle from above, usually with a light bulb as the heat source. They are ideal for smaller candles, as they only melt the top layers of wax. To use a top-down warmer, place the candle underneath the heat source and turn it on. Once the top layer of wax has melted and the fragrance fades, turn off the warmer, remove the wax, and repeat the process with the next layer.
Bottom-up candle warmers, on the other hand, look like coasters or mini hot plates and heat the candle from below. They are suitable for larger candles, as they can melt all the wax in the vessel. To use a bottom-up warmer, place the candle on the hot plate and turn it on. Once all the wax has melted, turn off the warmer and dispose of the wax when it loses its fragrance.
It is important to follow safety guidelines when using candle warmers. Always place warmers on stable, heat-resistant surfaces, away from flammable objects. Use certified devices and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, avoid overheating vegetable-wax candles, as they can crack the jar. While candle warmers reduce smoke and soot, they do not eliminate all emissions, as evidenced by a 2025 study that found scented wax melts could still degrade indoor air quality.
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Waterproof a bag or canvas by painting on melted wax
Waterproofing a bag or canvas using melted candle wax is a simple process. First, you need to melt the wax. Place your candle in a small pot and fill a larger pot with water. Bring the water to a simmer and place the small pot inside the larger one. You can also use an electric candle warmer or an oven preheated to its lowest setting.
Different types of wax have different melting points, so some waxes may take longer to melt. Once the wax is melted, remove the old wicks with tongs or by hand. Remember not to pour hot wax down the drain as it will clog. You can then use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of wax to your bag or canvas. The wax will absorb into the fabric, and as it cools, your bag will feel a little stiff, but it will become more flexible with use.
Alternatively, you can rub a block of wax onto the fabric, leaving a thin layer, and then melt the wax with a hairdryer or heat gun. This method may be tidier and less likely to result in drips or spills.
Be aware that coloured candles will stain the canvas, and scented candles will scent your bag. Also, remember to use a paintbrush that you don't mind ruining, as it will be difficult to remove all the wax from it.
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Make wax melts with leftover wax
If you're looking to reuse burnt-out candles by making wax melts, you've got a fun DIY project ahead of you! Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own wax melts with leftover candle wax:
Step 1: Melt the Wax
Before you begin, make sure your candle is completely out, with no embers remaining on the wick. Then, melt the leftover wax. You can do this by placing the candle jar in a small pot of simmering water. Avoid using a microwave, as many candles have metal at the base of the wick, which could damage your microwave or cause a fire.
Step 2: Prepare the Mould
While your wax is melting, prepare your mould. You can use a silicone mould, or any kind of vessel such as a jar or dish, but avoid plastic, as it may melt. Place your mould on a paper towel, cardboard box, or a piece of newspaper to catch any spills.
Step 3: Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into your mould. Fill it to just below the top. You can add your own colouring or essential oils at this stage if you wish.
Step 4: Cool and Harden
Allow the wax to cool and harden. You can speed up this process by placing the mould in the refrigerator. Once the wax has cooled, pop the wax melts out of the mould.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Wax Melts!
Place your wax melts in a warmer to release a delicate fragrance. You can also gift them to loved ones or use them to scent small spaces like closets or drawers.
Remember to take proper safety precautions when working with hot wax, and always use oven mitts when handling hot items. Enjoy your homemade wax melts!
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Reuse candle containers for storage, drinking glasses or plant pots
There are many ways to reuse candle containers, from storage to drinking glasses or plant pots.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the wax from the container. You can do this by melting the wax. One way to do this is to boil water in a pot on the stove and place the candle in the pot. You can also use an electric candle warmer to heat the candle from the bottom and pour out the melted wax. You can also melt the wax in the oven, but be sure to remove any labels or stickers first. Do not use a microwave, as this can be dangerous due to the metal in the candle.
Once you have removed the wax, you can reuse the container. If you want to use it for storage, simply wash it out with hot water and soap to remove any remaining wax. If you want to use it as a drinking glass, ensure that it is safe to do so. You can also use candle containers as plant pots. You can place a plant holder in the centre of the container and use it to grow herbs and flowers. This gives plants a more elegant appearance than the usual brown colour of plant holders. You could also use the container to make a new candle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to do this. One way is to melt the wax by placing the jar in a small pot of simmering water. You can then remove the old wicks with tongs. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting. Once the wax is melted, you can scoop it out. Another method is to fill the jar with boiling water and allow the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools.
You can make your own candles by melting the wax and pouring it into a container with a new candle wick. You can also make wax melts or floral wax sachets.
You can reuse the jars as drinking glasses, plant pots, or for storage.
