Brooke Martin
There are many ways to reuse the wax at the bottom of a candle. The wax can be melted and poured into a new mould to make a new candle, a tealight, or wax melts. It can also be used to decorate glass items, such as vases or bowls, or to make fire starters. Leftover wax can also be placed in a wax burner to fragrance a room. Candle jars can be reused as storage containers or decorative items, or as planters for small houseplants or succulents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leftover candle wax | Repurpose into new candles, tea lights, wax melts, fire starters, scented sachets, or pest repellents |
| Candle jars | Reuse as storage containers, decor items, or planters for small houseplants |
| Removing wax from jars | Place jars in the freezer, then bang the bottom to remove wax in one piece; use a hairdryer to soften wax for removal; melt wax in the oven or over a pot of simmering water |
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What You'll Learn
Make new candles
If you're looking to make new candles from the leftover wax at the bottom of old ones, there are several methods you can try. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Melt the Wax
Firstly, you need to melt the leftover wax. You can do this by placing the candle jar in a small pot of simmering water, ensuring the pot is heated indirectly. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting, although this method is not suitable for jars with decorations such as glitter or stickers. Another option is to use a hairdryer to heat the wax from the sides and bottom until it is soft, then lift or scrape it out with a butter knife.
Step 2: Prepare the Container
Once the wax is melted, you can prepare your container. You can reuse old candle jars, or purchase new glass jars, mugs, or tea light containers. Ensure the container is heat-safe.
Step 3: Prepare the Wick
Next, you will need to prepare a fresh wick. Secure the wick in the centre of the container using a pencil. You can also reuse leftover wicks from old candles, but ensure they are centred.
Step 4: Pour and Set
Now, carefully pour the melted wax into your chosen container. Allow the wax to cool and set completely before lighting the wick.
Additional Tips
You can get creative and combine different coloured or scented wax pieces to create unique new candles. If using scented wax, you can also add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the fragrance. Additionally, if you have tall taper candles left over, you can create twisted candles by using hot water and careful moulding.
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Create fire starters
There are several ways to create fire starters using the leftover wax from the bottom of a candle. Here are some methods:
Using an Egg Carton
To use an egg carton as a fire starter, cut out each carton cup to create individual starters. For example, a dozen egg carton will give you 12 starters. Light the egg carton portion of the starter, and you have a fire starter. If you don't have a cardboard egg carton, you can use anything round to top lint with wax. Then, light the lint, and the wax will keep it burning.
Wax-Dipped Cotton Pads
Purchase a bag of basic cotton rounds, such as the cotton pads used for cleaning your face. Melt the leftover wax over low heat on your stove, and then gently dip the cotton pads into the wax.
Wax Melts
You can melt the leftover wax and pour it into moulds to create wax melts. These can be used in wax burners to gently fragrance the air with your chosen scent.
Tea Lights
You can also use leftover wax to make tea lights. Save your empty tea light containers and melt the leftover wax. Then, pour the melted wax into the empty container and add a small piece of wick.
Removing Wax from the Candle Jar
If you want to remove the leftover wax from your candle jar, there are several methods you can use:
- Place the candle jar in the freezer overnight, then flip the jar upside down and bang the bottom with your palm to remove the wax in one large piece.
- Use a hairdryer on a warm setting to heat the wax from the sides and bottom of the candle jar. Once the wax is soft, lift or scrape it out with a butter knife.
- Place the candle jar in a small pot and place the small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer, then remove the old wicks with tongs and scoop out the melted wax.
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Make wax melts
There are many ways to reuse the wax from the bottom of candles. One way is to make wax melts. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, you will need to melt the wax. This can be done by placing the candle jar in a small pot of simmering water, ensuring the heat is low. Alternatively, you can place the jar in the oven at its lowest setting. Remember to remove any labels or stickers first, and be cautious as the jar will get hot. Do not use a microwave, as many candles have metal at the base of the wick which could damage the microwave or cause a fire.
Once the wax is melted, remove any old wicks with tongs and pour the wax into a mould. You can use a silicone mould or any kind of dish or jar, but avoid plastic as it may melt. You can also use mini cupcake cases or a silicone tray with fun shapes. Place a paper towel underneath the mould in case of spills.
If you want to add a wick to your wax melt, secure it with a pencil to keep it centred. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax and place pressed flowers in the wax to create decorative wax melts.
Allow the wax to harden. This may take at least an hour, and you can speed up the process by placing the mould in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once the wax melts are cool to the touch, pop them out of the mould. You can then store them in a sealed bag or container, or even use the cleaned-out candle jar.
Now you have your own wax melts to enjoy, and you can give your creations as gifts to friends and family!
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Decorate glass items
There are many ways to decorate glass items using the bottom of a candle. Leftover candle wax can be melted and used to decorate glass items such as vases, candle jars, bowls, and bottles. You can use multiple colours of wax to create a rainbow effect or choose colours that complement your decor.
You can also decorate the outside of glass candle holders using various materials. For example, you can use tape and spray paint to add patterns and colours to the outside of glass votives. Another idea is to use decorative washi tape to add intricate patterns and designs to glass candle holders. Alternatively, you can wrap glass candle holders in delicate doilies for a vintage-inspired exterior or embellish them with lace ribbons for a romantic and elegant touch.
If you're looking for a more natural or rustic look, you can fill glass candle holders with coloured sand, lavender, shells, or legumes such as beans and peas. Sugar sprinkles are also a fun option to fill glass votives for a playful and colourful display. For a unique and whimsical touch, you can decorate glass lanterns with pasta shapes or alphabet pasta.
For a more permanent solution, you can use hot glue to attach small glass gems around the outside of glass bowls or candle holders. This creates a sparkling and elegant effect. You can also get creative and use locally available materials or items from around your house, such as beads, wood, rocks, or candy, to decorate the inside of glass candle holders.
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Repurpose the candle jar
Once you have removed the wax from your candle jars, you can repurpose them in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Storage containers: You can use the jars as cute storage containers for small items such as stationery, makeup brushes, or cotton pads.
- Display them as decor: If you have a particularly pretty glass or ceramic candle jar, you can use it as a decorative item in your home.
- Planters: Empty candle containers with drainage holes can be used as planters for small houseplants or succulents. You can also use glass or ceramic containers without drainage holes, but remember that most plants need some form of irrigation to thrive.
- Candle-burning accessory holder: Store your candle-burning accessories, such as candle snuffers and wick dippers, in a repurposed candle jar.
- Make new candles: You can use the cleaned-out jars to make new candles with leftover wax. Simply purchase a wick from your local hobby shop and melt the wax on a stove burner or in the oven before pouring it into the jar.
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Frequently asked questions
You can melt the wax and use it to make new candles, wax melts, or tea lights. You can also use the wax to decorate glass items such as vases or bowls.
You can melt the wax by placing the candle in a small pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Alternatively, you can place the candle in the oven at the lowest setting or use a hairdryer to heat the wax from the sides and bottom.
You can repurpose empty candle jars as storage containers, decorative items, or planters for small houseplants or succulents.
To remove wax from a candle jar, you can place the jar in the freezer overnight and then bang the bottom of the jar with your palm to remove the wax in one large piece. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to soften the wax and then scrape it out with a butter knife.
