Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to add fragrance and ambiance to your home, but what do you do with them once they've burnt down? While it may be tempting to toss them in the trash, there are several ways to repurpose old candles and their wax. For example, you can melt down the leftover wax and use it to create new candles, wax melts, or even crayons. If you're looking for a more creative option, you can use the wax for crafts, such as making letter seals or creating artwork with dyed wax. Additionally, candle jars can be reused for home organization or as plant holders. With a bit of creativity, you can give your old candles a new lease of life!
What to do with candles once they run out:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse the wax | Make wax melts, crayons, fire starters, letter seals, etc. |
| Reuse the jar | Drinking glasses, plant pots, home organisation, etc. |
| Remove wax from the jar | Freeze the candle, melt the wax, use boiling water, etc. |
| Safe disposal | Never pour hot wax down the drain, seal wax in a trash bag, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Melt wax and reuse it for new candles
If you have leftover candle wax, you can melt it down and reuse it for new candles. To melt the wax, place the candle in a small pot and then place that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. The wax will melt, and you can then remove the old wicks with tongs and discard them. Different types of wax have different melting points, so some waxes may take longer to melt than others. You can also melt wax in the oven by preheating it to the lowest temperature setting and placing the jar inside, but make sure to remove any labels or stickers first.
Once your wax is melted, you can pour it into a mold of your choice. If you're using multiple scented candles, make sure the combination of scents will work well together. You can add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the scent or colour, and you can also add pressed flowers or dried flowers and herbs to create a unique design.
When the wax has hardened, remove it from the mold, and you'll have a new candle! You can also use melted wax to create wax melts, which can be heated in wax warmers to diffuse fragrance.
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Make wax melts
If you want to make wax melts from old candles, you will first need to melt the remaining wax. To do this, place the candle in a small pot and fill a larger pot with water. Bring the water to a simmer and place the small pot inside the larger one.
Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so the time taken for the wax to melt will vary. You can also melt the wax in an oven by preheating it to the lowest setting and placing the jar inside, but make sure to remove any labels or stickers first.
Once the wax is melted, remove the old wicks with tongs and throw them away. If you want to add a wick to your wax melts, tie a knot at one end of the wick and cut it to the desired length. Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around the knot to create a base, which will hold the wick down in the melted wax.
Next, prepare your moulds. You can use a silicone mould or any kind of dish or jar, except plastic, which may melt. Place your mould on a surface covered with foil to catch any drips. Carefully pour the melted wax into your moulds and add your wicks, using toothpicks to keep them straight and centred. Allow the wax to cool and harden, then remove the wax melts from the moulds.
If you are looking to cool the wax melts down faster, you can place them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once the wax melts are completely cool, they are ready to be stored or used.
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Use wax for fire starters
If you have leftover candle wax, you can use it to make fire starters. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, melt the leftover wax. You can do this by boiling water in a saucepan and placing the old candle jar in the water, or by using an oven set to its lowest temperature setting. Alternatively, you can melt the wax in a double boiler or on a hot plate. Different types of wax have different melting points, ranging from 100 to 150°F (65.6°C), so adjust your heat source accordingly.
Once the wax is melted, remove any old wicks and metal tabs with tongs. Be careful not to spill the hot wax. If you're combining wax from multiple candles, make sure they are all the same type of wax.
Now, it's time to prepare your fire starters. You can use egg cartons, muffin tins, or moulds as containers. Line your chosen container with wax paper or muffin liners. Add your choice of herbs, spices, cedar shavings, small pine cones, wood shavings, twigs, dried flowers, or other natural, flammable materials to the cups or moulds. You can also add wick trimmings and paper towels used for cleaning up wax and fragrance oils to make the fire starter burn longer and smell better.
Slowly pour the melted wax into the cups or moulds, being careful not to let the wick or other materials float away. Fill the containers generously, as the more filling you use, the better your fire starter will burn.
Let the wax cool and harden overnight. Once they're ready, store your fire starters in a dry place or a waterproof canister. Remember to only burn these fire starters in a wood-burning fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
By reusing leftover candle wax, you can create long-lasting and fragrant fire starters perfect for a cosy night by the fire.
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Use containers for drinking glasses
Once your candles have burnt out, there are several ways to repurpose the containers. One idea is to use the containers as drinking glasses. Glass is a versatile material that can be used for various purposes, including food and drink storage. It is non-porous, inert, and non-toxic, making it ideal for storing and protecting contents from chemicals and contamination.
To repurpose your candle containers as drinking glasses, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and free of any residual wax. You can fill the jar with boiling water to melt the remaining wax, allowing it to rise to the surface as the water cools. Use a tool to carefully remove the wax from the jar, being cautious not to burn yourself. Alternatively, you can place the candle in the freezer, and once the wax is frozen, use a butter knife to remove it.
When using glass containers for drinking purposes, it is important to ensure they are made of suitable, non-toxic materials. Avoid containers coated with bisphenol-A (BPA), as certain decorative glasses may contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals. Opt for glass types like borosilicate or soda-lime glass, which are durable and less likely to break.
If your candle containers have lids, you can use them for storing drinks or even packing them in a lunchbox. Glass containers with lids provide a secure and leak-proof option for transporting beverages. However, ensure that the drink does not fill the container to the brim, touching the lid, to avoid spills.
By repurposing your candle containers as drinking glasses, you not only reduce waste but also create elegant and functional drinkware for your home.
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Use containers for plant pots
Once your candles have burnt down, you can repurpose the containers as plant pots. Here are some tips and suggestions for using containers for plant pots:
- Removing wax from containers: To remove the remaining wax from your candle containers, you can try the freezer method. Place the containers in the freezer and let the wax freeze. Once the wax is frozen, it should pop right out of the container. You can also melt the wax by placing the container in a saucepan filled with water or in the oven at a low temperature. Be careful not to get water into the wax and avoid using a microwave or sharp objects to remove the wax, as these can be unsafe.
- Choosing plants: Almost any type of plant can be grown in a container. For a colourful display, try dahlias, zinnias, or tulips. If you're looking for something more architectural, hostas are a great option. Herbs and small trees can also be successfully grown in containers. Remember that plants in containers may need more watering and feeding than those in the ground.
- Container size and shape: Consider the size and shape of your container when choosing plants. Tall, narrow containers may need stabilisation to prevent them from being blown over. Large containers with a greater volume of compost dry out more slowly and are less work to maintain. For a single specimen plant, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the rootball to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Container materials: Containers made from various materials can be used for plant pots, such as wood, ceramic, clay, metal, or recycled items like tin baths, sinks, or farmyard troughs. Wood can rot over time, so consider lining wooden containers with an old compost bag and punching holes in the base or treating them with a wood preserver.
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover candle wax can be reused in a variety of ways. You can melt the wax and use it to make new candles, wax melts, or fire starters. You can also use it for crafts such as making crayons, letter seals, or creating artwork on fabric.
To melt leftover candle wax, place the candle jar in a small pot, then place that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer and allow the wax to melt. You can also melt the wax in an oven set to its lowest temperature or use boiling water to help loosen the wax. Do not put candle jars in the microwave as this can be dangerous.
Once the wax has been removed, you can reuse the jar for home organization or as a plant holder. Glass jars can also be thrown in the recycling bin.
