Brooke Martin
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but what do you do with them when they're finished? Throwing them away is an option, but it's not the only one. You can melt down the leftover wax and reuse it for other purposes, such as making new candles, wax sachets, or fire starters. There are various methods for melting the wax, including using a double boiler, the oven, or boiling water. The containers can also be reused for drinking glasses, plant pots, or other household tasks. With a bit of creativity, you can make the most of your candles and reduce waste.
What to do with candles when they are done?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse the wax | Melt the wax and pour it into molds to create wax melts or pour melted wax on cardboard or cotton pads to make long-burning fire starters |
| Recycle the jar | Clean the jar with hot water and reuse it as a pot for pens or place a tealight inside |
| Make new candles | Melt the wax and pour it into molds with a new wick to make new candles |
| Freeze the candle | Put the candle in the freezer, then stab it with a butter knife to remove the wax |
| Use a double boiler | Put the candle in a coffee can, pour hot water on top, and let the wax float to the top. Then, wash the jar and save or throw away the wax |
| Use a saucepan | Fill a saucepan with water and place the candle jars in it. Bring the water to a boil, melt the wax, and remove the old wicks with tongs |
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What You'll Learn
Reuse candle wax for DIY projects
There are many ways to reuse candle wax for DIY projects. Here are some ideas:
Make Your Own Candles
One popular way to reuse candle wax is to make your own candles. This can be done by melting the leftover wax and pouring it into a new container, such as a jar, tin, teacup, or votive glass. You can also add a new wick to the container and secure it in place before pouring in the wax. It is important to note that different types of wax have different melting points, so it may take longer for some waxes to melt.
Wax Melts
Wax melts are small pieces of wax that can be used with a wax warmer to release a fragrance and create a pleasant ambiance. They are usually the size of an ice cube, and you can easily make your own by melting leftover candle wax and pouring it into ice cube trays or moulds.
Fire Starters
Fire starters are another great way to reuse candle wax. You can make them by melting the wax and pouring it into egg cartons lined with wax paper. Be sure to add cedar shavings, dried flowers, and herbs to the cups of the egg carton before pouring in the wax. Once the wax has dried, you can cut out each individual cup and store them in a dry place or waterproof canister.
Floral Wax Sachets
You can also use leftover candle wax to make floral wax sachets. Simply melt the wax and pour it into a small mould, adding a few drops of essential oil and some pressed flowers. Allow the wax to harden, then remove it from the mould.
Other Ideas
Other ways to reuse candle wax include making your own votives, using it in a candle warmer, or even creating your own unique DIY projects, such as using the wax for painting or crafting. Remember to always be cautious when melting wax, and never pour it down the drain as it can cause clogs.
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Melt wax in a double boiler
The double boiler method is one of the most popular ways to melt candle wax at home. It involves using steam as a heat source to melt the wax. To melt wax in a double boiler, follow these steps:
First, fill a large pan with water, filling it around halfway, and place it on your stove or hotplate to heat. Place a cloth, such as a washcloth, in the bottom of the pan to protect it and keep the wax from direct contact with the pan's surface. Next, place your wax in a smaller pan, glass bowl, or pouring jug. If you are melting wax from a candle jar, you can place the jar directly into the water. Ensure that the water level is high enough to surround the jar without risking a spill.
Now, place the smaller pan, bowl, or jug containing the wax into the larger pan of heated water. If using a candle jar, you can simply place the jar in the water until the wax liquifies. Heat the water over medium heat until the wax has completely melted. Avoid letting the wax exceed 80°C. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and remove the wax from the heat when it reaches 70°C. At this point, you can add colour to your wax, if desired.
Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool to 65°C. You can then add your chosen fragrance, if desired, stirring gently for about a minute. Your wax is now ready to be poured into your chosen container or mould. Remember to never leave your double boiler unattended, and do not use any pans that you intend to use for food preparation in the future.
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Make wax sachets
If you're looking for a fun and easy project to try your hand at, making wax sachets is a great option. Wax sachets are a fantastic way to reuse leftover candle wax and create a flameless fragrance. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own wax sachets:
Preparing the Wax
Start by gathering your leftover candle wax. If the wax is still in its container, you can remove it by melting it. Place the candle jar in a small pot filled with water and bring the water to a simmer. Alternatively, you can use the oven method by preheating your oven to its lowest setting and placing the jar inside. Once the wax is melted, remove old wicks and any debris with tongs or tweezers. You can also use the freezing method by placing the jar in the freezer, which will allow the wax to shrink and pop out easily.
Melting the Wax
To melt the wax, you can use a double boiler or a similar setup. Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place your old candles or wax chunks into the pot to melt. You can also use a microwave if you prefer. Remember to always use low heat to avoid burning the wax. Gradually add the wax to your melting pot, ensuring the pot doesn't overflow. Turn the heat on and off intermittently to control the melting process.
Adding Fragrance and Colour
Once your wax has melted, you can enhance its scent and colour. Add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil of your choice. Stir gently to ensure the oil is fully incorporated. If you want to add colour, use wax dyes or crayons. Start with small amounts and build up the colour gradually. Less is more when it comes to scent and colour to ensure the wax burns properly.
Pouring the Wax
Prepare your moulds for pouring the wax. Silicone moulds work well and are easy to remove once the wax has hardened. Place your mould on a digital scale and weigh the desired amount of wax. Carefully pour the melted wax into your chosen moulds. You can also add pressed flowers or dried herbs to create decorative wax sachets.
Hardening and Packaging
Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours. Once hardened, remove the wax from the moulds. Cut the wax into small pieces if needed and place them in small linen pouches or sachet bags. Your wax sachets are now ready! You can use them to fragrance small spaces like closets, drawers, or even your car.
Making wax sachets is a creative way to recycle leftover candle wax and create unique fragrances for your space. Get crafty and enjoy the process of transforming old wax into something new and enjoyable!
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Freeze candles to remove wax
If you want to remove wax from a candle jar, one method is to freeze the candle. This method works well for soft wax but may not be as effective for harder waxes.
To do this, place the candle in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight. The wax will shrink and separate from the walls of the container. Take the candle out of the freezer and stab it with a butter knife, and the wax should crack right out. This method can also be used after the melting method to get off those last bits of wax.
However, be cautious when using this method with glass containers, as the glass becomes more brittle and can crack or shatter when you try to pry the wax out. To avoid this, you can place the jar in the fridge for a little while first or rinse the jar with cold water to acclimate it to the temperature change gradually.
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Recycle or reuse the jar
Recycling or reusing candle jars is a great way to reduce waste and get creative. Here are some ideas to recycle or reuse candle jars:
Recycling candle jars
Candle jars made of clear soda-lime glass can be recycled, but those made of other types of glass may not be accepted by recyclers. Before recycling, ensure the jar is empty of any wax residue, as this may contain chemicals that could be harmful. Remove any labels or adhesive residue by soaking the jar in warm, soapy water and using a mixture of baking soda and cooking oil to wipe away any remaining stickiness.
Reusing candle jars for storage
Empty candle jars can be reused as elegant storage containers for small items such as paper clips, buttons, spices, or bathroom items. You can decorate the jars with paint, ribbons, or decals to match your decor and give them a new purpose.
Reusing candle jars for food storage and fermentation
Once thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue, candle jars can be used for food storage. Avoid using jars that previously held scented candles, as the chemicals may be harmful if they come into contact with food. Candle jars without lids can be used for food fermentation, such as kimchi or sauerkraut, provided the glass is food-safe.
Reusing candle jars for planting
Candle jars can be upcycled into planters for succulents, small herbs, or regrowing food scraps like green onions, celery, or leafy vegetables. Decorate the jars with twine, paint, or fabric to enhance their appearance and turn them into beautiful additions to your indoor garden.
Reusing candle jars for DIY and crafts
Empty candle jars offer a blank canvas for countless DIY projects and crafts. You can create unique candle holders, fairy lights, or terrariums. Fill the jars with seasonal decorations or use them as centrepieces for a personalised touch. Artistic individuals can even paint cleaned candle jars and repurpose them into decorated votives.
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Frequently asked questions
You can repurpose the leftover wax for DIY projects. Melt the wax and remove it from its container, then use it to make new candles, floral wax sachets, or fire starters.
One way to melt leftover wax is to place the candle in a small pot and then put that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer and let the wax melt. You can also use the oven by preheating it to its lowest setting and placing the jar inside.
You can make new candles by pouring the melted wax into a mold, adding essential oils, and placing pressed flowers in the wax before it hardens. You can also make fire starters by pouring the wax into an egg carton lined with wax paper and adding cedar shavings, dried flowers, and herbs.
You can fill the jar with boiling water, allowing the wax to melt and rise to the surface as the water cools. You can then use a tool to help remove the wax from the jar. Alternatively, you can place the candle jar in the freezer and use a butter knife to pop out the frozen wax.
Yes, you can recycle candle jars, but it's important to remove all the wax first. You can reuse the jars for other household tasks or as drinking glasses or plant pots.
