Jessie Taylor
There are many ways to upcycle old candles and their wax. The wax can be melted down and reused to make new candles, with the help of a double boiler, an electric candle warmer, or a pot of boiling water. It can also be used for waterproofing canvas bags, creating wax melts, or making fire starters. Old candle containers can be cleaned and reused for new candles, or for other purposes such as drinking glasses or plant pots.
How to Upcycle Old Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing wax from old candles | Place the candle in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Alternatively, boil water and pour it into the candle container, allowing the wax to float to the top. |
| Removing wicks | Use tweezers or tongs to remove metal wick holders and leftover wicks. |
| Preparing containers | Wash and dry old candle containers or jars. |
| Creating wicks | Cut a piece of wicking 2 inches taller than the container, knot one end, and wrap the other end around a skewer or toothpick. |
| Melting wax | Use a double boiler or melt the wax in a pot over low heat. Combine wax from multiple candles, ensuring they are the same type. Add colour or scent with caution. |
| Pouring wax | Pour melted wax into prepared containers with wicks. Allow the wax to cool and harden for 24 hours before lighting. |
| Alternative uses | Wax can be painted on canvas to make it waterproof. It can also be used to make fire starters or floral wax sachets. |
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What You'll Learn
Make new candles
Making new candles from old ones is a great way to upcycle. The process is simple, but it requires careful execution to ensure safety. Here is a step-by-step guide to making new candles from old ones:
Melting the Wax
Firstly, gather your old candle stubs and melt the wax. You can do this by placing the candles in a pot with about two inches of water and heating it on a stove. Do not use a microwave, as the metal wick tab could be dangerous. Alternatively, you can use an electric kettle or boil water in a kettle and pour it into the old candle container, allowing the wax to float to the top as it cools.
Preparing the Container
While the wax is melting, prepare your container. You can reuse old candle containers or purchase new ones. If reusing old containers, ensure they are clean and dry. Place your new wick in the container, securing it with double-sided tape or stickers. You can use tweezers to position the wick accurately. Be creative and experiment with multiple wicks for a unique look.
Adding Extras
Once the wax has fully melted, you can add colour and scent. It is recommended to start with small amounts and build up to avoid affecting the candle's burn. You can use essential oils or wax melts to add fragrance and dye for colour. Get creative and put your personal touch on your candles!
Pouring and Setting
After adding any extras, pour the melted wax into your prepared container. Ensure the wick remains upright and in place. Allow the candle to set for at least 24 hours before lighting. Once the wax has hardened, trim the wick to about one-eighth of an inch above the wax surface.
Tips and Tricks
When melting wax, use a stainless steel melting pot or a bain-marie to prevent the pot from sliding. Always be cautious and avoid starting the molten wax on fire. Line your work surface with wax paper to catch any spills and make cleanup easier. If you're layering scents, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid an overpowering fragrance.
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Waterproof canvas bags
Waterproofing a canvas bag is a great way to upcycle old candles. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:
Step 1: Melt the Wax
Firstly, you need to melt down your old candles. You can do this by using a double boiler or a pot with some water on the stove. Place your candle in the pot and heat gently until all the wax is melted. You can also use an electric candle warmer, which will heat the candle from the bottom, allowing you to pour out the melted wax.
Step 2: Prepare the Canvas Bag
Before you begin waxing, ensure your canvas bag is made from a suitable fabric. Fabrics with a high cotton blend, such as denim, canvas, or cotton/synthetic blends, are ideal for waxing. Avoid synthetic fabrics like X-Pac, as they will not absorb wax well.
Step 3: Apply the Wax
There are two main ways to apply the wax to your canvas bag:
- Painting: Use a paintbrush to paint a thin layer of melted wax onto the canvas. Keep in mind that the wax will stiffen as it cools, but it will become more flexible with use.
- Rubbing: Take a block of beeswax and rub it onto the fabric, leaving a thin layer behind. Then, use a hairdryer or heat gun to melt the wax, allowing it to soak into the fabric.
Step 4: Allow the Wax to Cool and Absorb
After applying the wax, let it cool and absorb into the fabric. Your bag will now be waterproof and ready to use!
Tips and Considerations:
- Colored candles will stain the canvas, and scented candles will scent your bag, so choose your old candles accordingly.
- If you don't have enough wax from a single candle, you can combine the leftover wax from multiple candles.
- You can also add essential oils or scents to your melted wax, but be sure to do this after removing the wax from the heat to prevent evaporation.
- Waxed canvas is extremely water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. Re-waxing may be necessary over time to maintain its water-repellent properties.
By following these steps, you can upcycle your old candles to create a unique, waterproof canvas bag.
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Make wax melts
To make wax melts from old candles, you'll first need to remove the leftover wax from the old candle containers. This can be done by melting the wax or by placing the jar or candle holder in the freezer. To melt the wax, place the candle in a small pot and fill a larger pot 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 for the wax to melt will vary.
Once the wax is melted, remove any old wicks with tongs and pour the wax into a container. If you don't want to melt the wax, place the candle jar in the freezer for about an hour, which will cause the wax to shrink and easily pop out of the jar. You can then use a tweezer or a small pair of tongs to pop out the wax. If it's still stuck, slowly dip the vessel into hot water.
Now that you have your leftover wax, you can start making your wax melts. Melt the wax in a double boiler and pour it into small moulds of your choice. You can use an ice cube tray, the bottom of mini muffin pans, or even a sheet pan and break it up once it's cooled. If you're using unscented wax, you can add essential oils to create your desired scent. You can also add pressed flowers to the wax.
Let the wax harden and then remove the wax melts from the mould. You can now use these wax melts in a wax warmer to fill your home with your favourite scent.
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Clean out old jars
There are several ways to clean out old candle jars. The most common method is to place the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. As the wax gets colder, it will shrink and separate from the glass. Then, use a spoon or a dull knife to gently poke and crack the wax. It should come out in several pieces. Once the wax is removed, pry the metal wick tab free with a spoon, and wipe the container clean with a paper towel.
Another method is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to the lowest setting (150°F to 170°F). Line a pie pan or baking sheet with tinfoil or wax paper. Place the candle jar upside down on the pan or sheet and put it in the oven. After about 5-10 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts. The wax will have melted onto the sheet. Wipe the vessel clean of any remaining wax with a towel, and remove the wick with a spoon.
If you are in a rush, you can use boiling water to remove the wax. This method is recommended by the National Candle Association (NCA). The NCA also recommends running hot water over the exterior of the candle jar and then wiping away the melted wax.
After removing the wax, you might need to clean out lingering wax residue or soot left on the glass. To do so, use warm water, soap, and a sponge to clean the container before wiping it dry with a dish towel or paper towel. For stubborn buildup, use an adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone.
Once your candle jar is clean, there are many ways to reuse it. You can use it as a storage container for small items such as makeup brushes, cotton balls, paper clips, or rubber bands. Depending on the size of the jar, you can even use it as a small vase for flowers or a planter for herbs or succulents.
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Make fire starters
To make fire starters, you will need to melt down the wax from your old candles. The easiest method is to freeze the candles, jar and all, and then use a small knife to scrape out the wax. You can also melt the wax by placing the candle in a small pot, or placing the small 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. Once the wax is melted, remove old wicks with tongs and throw them away. If you are using unscented candle wax, you can add essential oils to give it your preferred scent.
You can then pour the melted wax into a mould. One option is to use a muffin tin with muffin liners. You can add dried items and add-ons such as rosemary, mint, bay leaves, pine needles, cinnamon, and chamomile to the moulds before pouring in the wax. You can also add a wick to each mould.
Another option is to use cardboard egg cartons. You can put dryer lint in each egg cup and then pour the melted wax on top. You can also dip pine cones into the wax. Once the wax has cooled, you can use the fire starters in your fireplace.
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Frequently asked questions
You can melt the wax by placing the candle in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Turn off the hob and place your old candles into the pot to melt. You can then use tweezers to remove the metal wick holders and any leftover wick.
You can make new candles! You can melt down the old wax and pour it into a container with a new candle wick. If you're using scented candles, you can combine different scents or make a layered candle.
You can use old candle wax to waterproof canvas bags. Simply melt the wax and paint it on the canvas with a paintbrush. You can also use leftover wax to make fire starters by combining it with cedar shavings and dried flowers and herbs.
