Maddie James
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but what happens when they burn out? Instead of throwing them away, there are plenty of ways to reuse old candles and their wax. From melting the wax to create new candles to using the empty jars as storage containers, there are many ways to upcycle old candles.
What to do with old candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse wax | Make new candles, wax melts, scented sachets, fire starters, balm, seal things, polish wood, etc. |
| Remove wax | Melt in a double boiler, coffee can, pot with water, electric candle warmer, or freeze |
| Clean jars | Use oil and baking soda with steel wool, or hot soapy water |
| Reuse jars | Tea-light candles, drinking glasses, plant pots, storage for bathroom items, herbs, teas, spices, food, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Melt wax out with hot water
If you want to melt wax out of old candles with hot water, you can use the double boiler method. This involves using steam as a heat source to melt the wax. To do this, fill a large pan with water and place it on a stove or hot plate. Then, put your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug and place this smaller container inside the larger one. Heat the water in the larger pan over medium heat until the wax has melted.
Another way to melt wax out of old candles is to use a microwave. First, pour your wax into a microwavable container such as a ceramic or glass dish. Then, place the container in the microwave and heat for one minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 80°C. Do not let the wax exceed this temperature. Continue heating the wax in two-minute intervals until it is fully melted. Once the wax reaches 80°C, remove it from the microwave and place it on a safe, even, covered surface. Use a thermometer to ensure the wax is 70°C before adding colour and fragrance oil.
If you want to melt the wax out of jarred candles, you can place the jar in a deep pan or pot with enough water to cover the sides. Slowly heat the water until the wax is melted. Make sure the jar is completely covered in water so that the wax floats to the top and can be easily removed once it has cooled.
It is important to note that you should never put a jarred candle in the microwave as the discs that attach the wick to the holder are made of metal.
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Make new candles
Making new candles from old ones is a great way to recycle and can be a fun project. There are a few ways to go about it, depending on the type of candle and the equipment you have.
Firstly, you will need to melt the wax. You can do this by placing the candle in a pan of boiling water, ensuring the water doesn't get into the wax. You can also use a double boiler, which is safer. If your candle is in a jar, you can melt the wax inside the jar and then pour it out, or you can remove the wax first and melt it in a separate container. Another method is to place the candle or jar in the freezer, which will shrink the wax and make it easier to pop out in one piece.
Once you have your melted wax, you can pour it into a new mould. You can buy candle moulds, or use something like a small candy mould, a mini muffin pan, or an ice-cube tray. You can also use a sheet pan and break up the wax once it has cooled. If you are using a mould, you will need to place a wick in the centre, securing it at the bottom and ensuring it stays straight and central as the wax sets. You can also make your own wicks by cutting a length of twine and tying a knot in one end.
If you are combining wax from different scented candles, consider which scents will work well together. You could also add your own fragrances or essential oils to the wax. You can also add pressed flowers to the wax to make decorative candles.
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Use wax for fire starters
Old candles can be used to make wax fire starters. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:
Firstly, melt your old candle wax. To do this safely, fill a saucepan with water and place the old candles in their glass jars into the pan. Slowly bring the water to a boil, so that the wax gradually melts. Do not put the candles in the microwave, as this could be dangerous due to the metal base of the candle wicks. Alternatively, you could use a deep pan or pot with enough water to cover the sides, without spilling into the candle container.
Once the wax has melted, carefully remove the old wicks with tongs. You can then pour the wax into a mold of your choice. One option is to use a muffin tin with muffin liners, adding in items such as rosemary, cloves, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, wood shivs, twigs, dried herbs, and spices. If you want to add a wick, trim it to size and add it to your mold before pouring in the wax.
If you are using a mold, such as a silicone ice cube tray, you can add in toothpicks to keep the wicks straight and centered. Let the wax cool overnight. You can then use your fire starters to get a cozy fire going in your fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
Another option is to use dryer lint and paraffin wax. Pack an ice cube tray with lint, and place a 1cm cube of paraffin on top. Microwave for 90 seconds on high, and let it cool. These fire starters burn hot for 2-3 minutes.
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Reuse containers for storage
If you have old candle containers lying around, there are many ways to reuse them for storage. Before using them for storage, you will need to remove the wax. One way to do this is by placing the candle containers in the freezer. This will allow the wax to shrink and easily pop out when you remove the container from the freezer. You can also fill a saucepan with water and place the candle containers in it. Bring the water to a boil slowly so that the wax gradually melts and becomes a liquid. Then, pour out the wax and wash the container.
Once you have cleaned out your candle containers, you can use them for various storage purposes. You can use them to store small plants, such as succulents, or even use them as drinking glasses. You can also use them to store items typically found in the bathroom, such as Q-tips, cotton balls, and hair ties. If you are using them in the kitchen, make sure to wash them thoroughly with hot water and soap before placing any food items in them. You can use them to prep food for consumption later in the week, such as salads and overnight oats. Just make sure to keep any liquid ingredients at the bottom of the jar so that the rest of the ingredients don't get soggy. You can also use them to store dry goods such as beans, grains, and other bulk items purchased at the supermarket.
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Use wax for wax melts
If you have leftover wax from old candles, you can use it to make wax melts. This is a great way to reuse the wax and enjoy its fragrance for longer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Melt the Wax
Place the old candles in a glass jar or metal container. Fill a saucepan with water and place the jar or container in the pan. Heat the water slowly until it boils, causing the wax to melt. Alternatively, you can use a coffee can filled with very hot water, ensuring the jar is completely submerged. Do not put the jar in the microwave, as the metal wick base can be dangerous.
Step 2: Prepare the Moulds
While the wax is melting, prepare your moulds for the wax melts. You can use small moulds of your choice, such as an ice cube tray. If you want to add decorations or colouring, have them ready as well.
Step 3: Pour and Cool
Once the wax has melted, carefully remove the jar from the saucepan using tongs and place it on a foil-covered surface to catch any drips. Then, pour the melted wax into your prepared moulds. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely.
Step 4: Remove from Moulds
Once the wax has solidified, remove the wax melts from the moulds. You can now use them in your wax warmer! If you added decorations or colouring, your wax melts are also perfect as decorative pieces or small gifts.
Tips and Variations:
- If you want to make scented wax melts, add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax before pouring it into the moulds.
- You can also add pressed flowers or herbs to create fragrant and decorative wax melts.
- Be cautious when combining wax from different candles, as some waxes may react differently to wicks. Ensure you use the same type of wax and be mindful of fragrance oil concentrations, as they can be flammable.
- Always exercise caution when handling hot wax to avoid burns or spills.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to remove wax from old candle jars. One way is to put the jar in the freezer, which will harden the wax and make it easier to remove in one piece. Another method is to fill a saucepan with water and place the old candle in the jar into the pan. Slowly bring the water to a boil, melting the wax, and then pour out the liquid wax.
Leftover candle wax can be reused in several ways. You can melt and remould the wax into a new candle, or use it to make wax melts. You can also add essential oils and dried flowers to make floral wax sachets or scented fire starters.
Old candle jars can be recycled or reused. You can use them for storage, such as for bathroom items like Q-tips or makeup brushes, or for food storage and prep. They can also be decorated and repurposed into votives or small succulent pots.
No, it is not safe to put old candles in the microwave as the metal wick can be dangerous.
To make new candles, you will need wicks, a container for melting the wax (such as a double boiler), and a mould for the new candle. You can buy these supplies at craft stores.
