Chloe Adams
There are many ways to reuse unmelted candle wax. Before reusing the wax, it must be removed from its original container. This can be done by freezing the candle and then using a knife to pop out the wax, or by melting it in the oven at a low temperature. The wax can then be melted in a saucepan on low heat or using the double boiler method and poured into a new mould with a wick. The new candle can be scented with essential oils or coloured with dyes. Alternatively, the wax can be used to make wax melts, fire starters, or floral wax sachets.
How to Reuse Unmelted Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remove wax from old candle jars | Freeze the candles, then use a knife to scrape out the wax |
| Melt wax | Place wax in a saucepan and melt on low heat, or use a double boiler method |
| Prepare container | Use a jar, tin, teacup, votive glass, etc. |
| Add wick | Cut wicking 2 inches taller than the votive holder, knot one end, and thread through a wick tab |
| Pour wax into container | Hold wick in place, then pour melted wax into the container, stopping 1/2 inch below the rim |
| Add scent | Add essential oils or dried flowers and herbs |
| Let wax set | Allow wax to harden and set completely before using |
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What You'll Learn
Make your own candles
Making your own candles is a fun and creative way to reuse unmelted candle wax. Here's a step-by-step guide to making new candles from old ones:
Step 1: Remove the Wax
First, you'll need to remove the wax from your old candle jars. There are a few methods you can use:
- Freeze the candle: Place the candle jar in the freezer until the wax hardens. This will cause the wax to shrink, making it easier to remove. Once frozen, use a knife to gently pop out the wax.
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting. Remove any labels or stickers from the candle jar and place it inside. The low heat will melt the wax, allowing you to scoop it out easily.
- Double boiler method: Fill a pot with water and place an old can or saucepan with a pouring spout into it. This creates a double boiler effect. Place the wax in the can or saucepan and melt it over low heat.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
Before melting the wax, gather the other materials you'll need to make your new candle. This includes:
- A container for your new candle: You can use a jar, tin, teacup, votive glass, or any other container of your choice.
- A wick: Select a wick that is 2 inches taller than your chosen container. You can find wicks and wick tabs at craft stores.
- A saucepan or double boiler: If you're melting the wax directly on the stovetop, use an old saucepan or a double boiler to prevent wax buildup.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Now it's time to melt the wax. If you froze your wax, cut it into smaller pieces to make melting easier. Here are a few methods to melt the wax:
- Stovetop: Place the wax in a saucepan over low heat. You can also use a double boiler to melt the wax indirectly.
- Oven: As mentioned earlier, you can place the wax in an oven-safe container and melt it at a low temperature.
Step 4: Add Scents and Colours (Optional)
If you're using plain wax, you can add essential oils, dried flowers, herbs, or spices to create scented candles. Coordinate scents into similar families, such as citrus, floral, or spicy. You can also add colour to your candles using dyes or coloured wax scraps.
Step 5: Assemble Your Candle
Once your wax is melted and customised, it's time to assemble your new candle:
- Prepare the wick: Cut the wick to size, leaving 2 inches extra. Thread the wick through a wick tab and knot one end. Tie the free end around a wooden skewer.
- Dip the wick: Dip the wick and tab into the melted wax to coat them. This will help the wick adhere to the bottom of your container.
- Pour the wax: Pour the melted wax into your chosen container, stopping about 1/2 inch below the rim. Hold the wick in place while the wax sets.
- Let it set: Allow the wax to harden completely. This may take about an hour.
- Fill the well: Once set, you may notice a well in the centre of your candle. Fill this well by pouring in more wax, stopping about 1/4 inch below the rim.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Candle!
Now you have a new candle to enjoy! You can repeat this process to create a collection of unique, handmade candles. Experiment with different waxes, scents, and containers to find your favourite combinations. Remember to always burn your candles safely and never leave them unattended.
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Make wax melts
To make wax melts from unmelted candles, you will first need to remove the wax from the candle jars. One way to do this is to freeze the candles, then use a knife to pop the wax out of the jar. You can also melt the wax in the oven by placing the jar inside after removing any labels or stickers and setting it to the lowest temperature.
Once you have removed the wax, place it in a saucepan and melt it over low heat. You can also use the double boiler method, which involves placing the wax in a container and then placing that container in a pot of simmering water.
After the wax has melted, you can add a few drops of essential oil and mix well. Then, carefully pour the wax into a silicone mould or ice cube tray and let it harden. You can also use a small pot or jar as a mould and place a new wick inside. If you're using a mould with a spout, this will make pouring the wax easier.
Once the wax has hardened, you can pop the wax melts out of the mould and store them until you're ready to use them.
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Create fire starters
Creating fire starters is a great way to reuse unmelted candle wax. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own fire starters:
Step 1: Collect Materials
You will need:
- Unmelted candle wax
- A heat source (stove, oven, or microwave)
- A container (muffin tin, egg carton, or mould)
- Wicks (optional)
- Essential oils or dried herbs and spices (optional)
Step 2: Melt the Wax
To melt the wax, you can use a stove, oven, or microwave. If using a stove, place the wax in a heat-safe container and heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted. If using an oven, preheat to its lowest temperature, place the wax in an oven-safe container, and heat until melted. If using a microwave, only use this method if your candle is in a glass jar, and be sure to remove the wick before melting.
Step 3: Prepare the Container
Line your chosen container with paper muffin liners or cupcake liners. If using a mould, no liner is needed. You can also add dried herbs, spices, or essential oils to your container for a scented fire starter.
Step 4: Add the Wick (Optional)
If you want to include a wick in your fire starter, cut a piece of wick to size, removing any metal pieces, and place it in the centre of your container.
Step 5: Pour the Wax
Pour the melted wax into your prepared container, filling each space to the top. If using a mould, you may need to adjust the amount of wax to ensure it doesn't overflow.
Step 6: Let it Cool and Solidify
Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely before removing it from the container.
And there you have it! Your very own fire starters made from reused candle wax. These fire starters can be used in fireplaces, fire pits, or even taken camping. Enjoy your cosy fires responsibly and safely!
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Make floral wax sachets
To make floral wax sachets, you will need wax, essential oils, dried flowers or herbs, a wax pitcher or aluminium can, a small saucepan, a larger saucepan, a mould, a long metal nail or needle, and string.
First, you must remove the wax from your old candle jars. You can do this by placing the candle jar in the freezer, which will allow the wax to shrink and easily pop out. Then, use a small knife to scrape out the wax.
Next, fill your wax pitcher or aluminium can 3/4 of the way with wax flakes. Place the can in the centre of a small saucepan and pour water into the saucepan until it reaches 2 inches up the sides of the can. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and keep an eye on the wax until it is completely melted.
Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and add your choice of essential oils and dried flowers or herbs. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
Now, pour the mixture into your mould of choice. Allow the wax to harden, then remove the sachets from the moulds. Use a nail to melt a small hole through the top of the wax bar and thread a piece of string through the hole.
Hang your floral wax sachets around your home and enjoy the fragrance!
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Make twisted candles
Making twisted candles is a fun and sustainable way to reuse your old candles. The trend for these sculptural candles started on TikTok, and they are like little works of art. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own twisted candles:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need some taper candles, and a water pitcher or baking dish. You will also need a heat-safe surface to work on, and a pan of hot water to warm the candles.
Next, prepare your candles. Warm the candles in the hot water until they are soft and pliable. You can test this by trying to bend the candle gently. If it cracks, it may need more time in the hot water.
Now you are ready to twist! Hold two or more candles together and twist your hands in opposite directions to intertwine them. For a snake coil shape, wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or pen. Press the bottom of the candle onto a flat surface to help it stand up straight.
Finally, allow your candle to cool and harden. You can now light your candle, but never leave it unattended.
There are some extra things to consider if you are combining different colours or fragrances of wax. Colours that are similar will blend well, but opposite colours may not. Similarly, some fragrances will complement each other, but others may not be so attractive.
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