Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they can be expensive and create unnecessary waste. Luckily, there are many ways to reuse old candle wax and jars. This guide will explore some simple methods to remove wax from old candles and repurpose the jars, as well as how to use leftover wax to create new candles.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing wax from candle jars | Place the candle jar in the freezer, then use a butter knife or spoon to gently pry out the wax |
| Place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting, then scoop out the melted wax | |
| Fill the jar with hot or boiling water to melt the wax, then dump out the water and wash the jar | |
| Use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the wax, then scoop it out | |
| Reusing wax | Melt the wax and use it to make new candles, wax melts, fire starters, votive candles, or scented sachets |
| Use natural wax to make balms or seal things | |
| Use fragranced wax blended with oil to polish wood or put it in drawers to make them smell nice | |
| Reusing candle jars | Use them for storage, such as holding cotton balls, hair accessories, or makeup brushes |
| Use them for floating candles or to display matches | |
| Use them as drinking glasses or plant pots |
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What You'll Learn
Using the freezer method
The freezer method is a popular way to remove wax from candle jars without using water. It is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps.
Firstly, place the candle jar in the freezer and leave it there until the wax is frozen. This process allows the wax to shrink, making it easier to remove. Once the wax is frozen, take the jar out of the freezer. Using a butter knife or spoon, gently pry out and scoop the larger chunks of wax. Be careful not to use too much force, as gentle persuasion should be enough to pop the wax out. It is important to avoid using sharp objects like knives, especially with glass votive holders, as they can scratch or weaken the glass, causing it to break upon subsequent use.
The freezer method is a useful technique for removing wax from candle jars, and it can be combined with other methods, such as the boiling water method, to ensure that the jar is crystal clean and ready for reuse.
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Using boiling water
First, use a butter knife or spoon to gently pry out and remove the larger wax chunks. This step is important to prevent the wax from melting and floating back onto the glass. It is important to be gentle during this step to avoid scratching the glass jar.
Next, fill your sink with hot water just above the level of the wax in the candle jars. Remove the lids and place the jars in the water bath, being careful not to get water into the jars. Allow the jars to sit in the hot water for approximately 30 minutes. The hot water will melt and soften the remaining wax, making it easier to wipe away.
As the warm water cools, the wax will float to the top of the jar and reform into a solid state. Once the wax has hardened on the surface, it can be easily removed. Finally, rinse the jar thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue, and dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.
An alternative method is to use a coffee cup warmer to melt the remaining wax and release the scent. When the scent is gone, hot tap water can be poured into the candle holder, and the wax will float to the top and harden. This method is less effective at removing wax but is useful for enjoying the remaining scent of the candle.
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Making new candles
Step 1: Melt the Old Wax
First, melt the leftover wax from your old candles. You can do this by boiling water in a pot or using an electric kettle, and then placing the old candle in the hot water. The wax will melt and float to the top. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to gently melt the wax.
Step 2: Prepare Your Containers
While the wax is melting, prepare your containers. If you are reusing old candle jars, clean them thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove any remaining wax. Dry them completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Attach the Wicks
Use double-sided tape or stickers to secure the wicks to the bottom of your containers. You can place the wick in the centre or add two or three wicks for larger candles. Make sure to use a wick that is compatible with the type of wax you are using and that will produce an even, safe burn.
Step 4: Add Extras (Optional)
If you want to experiment with colour and scent, add a small amount of dye or essential oils to the melted wax. Start with a small amount and build up as needed. You can also add wax melts to enhance the scent and colour.
Step 5: Pour the Wax
Once the wax has fully melted and any extras have been added, carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers. Make sure the wicks remain centred and intact.
Step 6: Set and Trim
Allow the candles to set for 24 hours before lighting. After they have set, trim the wicks with scissors or wick trimmers. You can save any extra wax for future use or to top up your candles if needed.
With these simple steps, you can create new candles from your old ones, reducing waste and enjoying your favourite scents all over again.
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Making wax melts
Wax melts are a wonderful alternative to scented candles. They create a wonderful home smell without the attention required when you have a lit flame. Plus, they offer lots of room for creativity. Here is a step-by-step process on how to make your own wax melts from your old candles.
Step 1: Prepare the wax
Firstly, you need to melt your leftover wax. The best way to melt any wax is with a double boiler, which can help prevent the wax from overheating and catching fire. Place the candle vessel in the freezer for about an hour to allow the wax to shrink. Once you notice that it is reduced in size, remove the wax from the freezer and try to pop it out using a tweezer or a small thong. Do not use a knife as it may cause a crack in your candle vessel. If it is still stuck, slowly dip the vessel into hot water (not boiling) and see if it will come off.
Step 2: Melt the wax
If you are using a double boiler, fill the pot with water until the water line is above the remaining wax but below the tops of the candles. Simmer the water, leaving the candles there until the wax is fully melted. You can also place the jars on top of the fire bricks that surround the wood stove. Do not place the candle jars directly onto the wood stove because they might break and leak hot wax everywhere.
Step 3: Prepare the mould
Get your silicone mould or another vessel ready. It is recommended to put a paper towel under the mould in case you spill any wax. You could also use a cardboard box, a piece of newspaper or printer paper, etc.
Step 4: Pour the wax
Carefully pour the wax out of the candle into your mould, filling it mostly to the top. If you don't have a mould, feel free to pour it onto a shallow plate or into a pan or something similar and spread it flat with a plastic knife to give it some texture. Once it hardens, you can just break it into 1-inch pieces.
Step 5: Cool the wax
Let the wax cool down before you remove it from the mould, otherwise, it will be gooey. Once the wax melts are cool to the touch and appear somewhat hardened, pop them out of the mould. They are not completely cooled and hardened yet, so leave them on a paper towel to cool the rest of the way. If you are looking to cool them down and harden them faster, you can place them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once the wax melts are completely cooled, it’s time to store them.
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Making fire starters
There are many ways to make fire starters using leftover candle wax and common household items. Here is a step-by-step guide to making fire starters:
Step 1: Collecting Leftover Wax
Firstly, collect the leftover wax from old candles. You can use a combination of different types of wax, such as paraffin, beeswax, or soy wax. However, if you are combining different types of wax, make sure they have similar melting points and are compatible with each other.
Step 2: Melting the Wax
To melt the wax, you can use a double boiler or a small pot placed inside a larger pot filled with simmering water. You can also use an oven set to its lowest temperature or a microwave, especially if you are working with wax in a glass jar. Remember to remove any wicks, metal tabs, or labels before melting.
Step 3: Preparing the Molds
While the wax is melting, prepare your molds. You can use egg cartons, muffin tins, or silicone molds. If using egg cartons, cut them into individual egg cups. You can also use toilet paper or paper towel rolls, or create your own molds with cardboard.
Step 4: Adding Ingredients
Once your molds are ready, it's time to add your choice of ingredients to the melted wax. You can use items like dryer lint, wood shavings, sawdust, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, or clove for a natural fragrance. You can also add essential oils or dried flowers and herbs for a more aromatic fire starter.
Step 5: Pouring the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared molds, filling them almost to the top. If using egg cartons, you can add a small amount of wax first, let it cool slightly, then add a wick made from rolled-up dryer lint before filling the cups completely.
Step 6: Cooling and Storage
Allow the wax to cool completely. Once solid, you can store your fire starters in a container near your fireplace or camping gear. They are now ready to use!
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