Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to bask in scented luxury, but what happens when the wax runs out? Throwing them away is not an option, as it contributes to our waste problem and glass jars can take up to 4,000 years to decompose. Luckily, there are several ways to repurpose your old candles and their containers.
What to do with dead candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Repurpose the wax | Make new candles, wax melts, fire starters, or use it to polish wood |
| Repurpose the container | Drinking glasses, plant pots, storage, bookends, vases, tea light holders |
| Recycle | Some manufacturers offer recycling programs for their candles |
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What You'll Learn
Make wax melts or a new candle
If you have leftover candle wax, you can melt it down and give it a new lease of life as wax melts or a new candle. Here's how:
Removing the Wax
First, you need to remove the leftover wax from the candle container. You can do this by freezing the candle and then using a butter knife to break the wax out. Alternatively, you can place the candle in an oven at 160 degrees for 10-15 minutes to melt the wax, or pour boiling water into the candle container to melt the wax and then pour it out.
Melting the Wax
To melt the wax down, you can use a double boiler or a saucepan of water with the candle in a smaller container placed inside. You can also use an electric candle warmer to heat the candle from the bottom and then pour out the melted wax.
Making Wax Melts
To make wax melts, pour the melted wax into a mould. You can use a non-stick container like a silicone mould, or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Small candy moulds or the bottoms of mini muffin pans also work well. Allow the wax to cool, then break it into pieces if necessary. To use the wax melts, place them in a wax melt burner to fill your home with fragrance.
Making a New Candle
To make a new candle, pour the melted wax into a container with a new candle wick added. You can use an old candle container or a glass jar, mug, or small tin. If you're using a jar, you may want to wrap aluminium foil around the wick to hold it in place. Allow the wax to cool and set, then remove the new candle from the mould. You can add essential oils to your melted wax to create a scented candle.
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Create a DIY diffuser
If you want to create a DIY diffuser using your old candles, here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, you will need to remove the leftover wax from your old candle containers. There are several ways to do this safely. One method is to use a double boiler, which involves melting the wax gently and then pouring it into a container. You can also use an electric candle warmer to heat the candle from the bottom and then pour out the melted wax. Another option is to place the candle in the freezer, and once it is frozen, use a butter knife to remove the wax. Alternatively, you can put the candle in an oven at 160 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes to melt the wax, or pour boiling water into the candle, ensuring it is at room temperature.
Once you have removed the wax, you can start creating your diffuser. Cut up some bamboo skewers and place them in your empty candle jar. Add warm water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. The bamboo skewers will absorb the scented water, diffusing the fragrance into the air.
You can also get creative and experiment with different oils and fragrances to find your signature scent. This DIY diffuser is a simple and sustainable way to reuse your old candle jars and fill your home with wonderful aromas.
If you want to take your diffuser to the next level, you can even make your own scented wax cubes to place in the jar. Simply melt down your leftover wax and pour it into an ice cube tray. Add a few drops of essential oil to the wax and allow it to harden. These scented wax cubes will slowly melt in your diffuser, releasing their fragrance into the air.
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Use the jar for storage
Once you've enjoyed your candle to its fullest, you can repurpose the jar for storage. Here are some creative ways to reuse candle jars for storage:
Desk Organisation
Use empty candle jars to store stationery items such as pens, paper clips, and scissors. This adds a stylish touch to your desk and keeps your stationery organised.
Bathroom Storage
Fill your empty candle jars with Q-tips, cotton pads, or makeup brushes to instantly enhance the aesthetic of your bathroom cabinet. You can also use them to hold toothbrushes or as a vase for a few pretty flowers.
Kitchen Storage
Keep your cookbooks upright and orderly by using candle jars as bookends. For heavier books, weigh down the jar with sand or pebbles. You can also use the jars to store loose tea bags, keeping your pantry neat and tidy.
Junk Jar
Create a "junk jar" by using an empty candle jar to store small items that might otherwise clutter up your drawers, such as rubber bands, matches, or random wires. Place the jar in a convenient spot, like by your front door, and fill it with essentials like gum, cash, masks, or keys.
Pet Treats
Keep your pet's treats handy by storing them in an empty candle jar. Just remember to place the jar out of your pet's reach!
Before reusing your candle jar for storage, ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned it to remove any remaining wax. You can do this by melting the wax out, using methods such as placing the jar in hot water or putting it in the oven at a low temperature.
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Recycle the candle
If you want to recycle your candles, the first step is to remove the leftover wax from the candle containers. You can do this by freezing the candle and then using a butter knife to break the wax out. Alternatively, you can place the candle in an oven at 160 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or pour boiling water into the candle. You can also melt the wax by placing the candle in a saucepan of boiling water or using an electric candle warmer. Once the wax has melted, pour it into a container and add a new candle wick. If you want to add fragrance to your new candle, mix the melted wax with essential oils before pouring it into the container.
If you have a canvas bag, you can use the wax to make it water-resistant. Simply melt down the old candle and paint the wax onto the canvas with a paintbrush. Keep in mind that coloured candles will stain the canvas, and scented candles will scent your bag. You can also use the wax to make fire starters. Put dryer lint or used paper towels into the cavities of an empty paper egg carton, then pour melted wax over the top. Once the wax has cooled, you will have 12 little fire starter blocks.
You can also use the leftover wax to make wax melts. Melt the wax and mould it into small pieces, then put it in a wax melt burner to fill your home with fragrance. Another option is to use the wax to make balms or to polish wood. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own wicks and turn your old candle jars into new candles. Simply place a tea light inside the empty jar and light it up.
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Make wax fire starters
There are many ways to repurpose old candles, including making wax fire starters. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wax fire starters:
Firstly, you will need to remove the leftover wax from your old candle containers. This can be done by melting the wax gently in a double boiler or pot of hot water. You can also use an electric candle warmer to heat the candle from the bottom and then pour out the melted wax. If you are using a double boiler, be sure to scrape the old wax into the container and do not place the candle directly in the boiler.
Once you have removed the wax, you can start preparing your fire starters. One method is to use a paper egg carton and fill the cavities with dryer lint, wood shavings, or sawdust. Then, pour the melted wax over the top to fill the cavities. You can also add small pine cones, twigs, dried herbs, and spices to the wax mixture for a creative touch. The wax may seep through the egg carton, so it is recommended to place a pan lined with parchment paper underneath.
Another method is to use a muffin tin with muffin liners. Cut rosemary into smaller pieces and trim the metal tab off your wicks. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, paper towel strips, and wicks into the liners before pouring in the melted wax. You can also use leftover paper towels that were used for wax and fragrance oil cleanup during candle-making.
Once the wax has cooled and hardened, cut the egg carton into individual "eggs" or pop out the wax-filled muffin liners. These are now your fire starters! You can store them in a ziplock bag or container and use them in your fireplace, fire pit, or stove.
Making wax fire starters is a great way to repurpose your old candles and create a cosy fire during the winter. It is a simple and creative project that can be customised to your liking.
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover candle wax can be used to make new candles. You can melt the wax and pour it into a mould with a new wick. If you don't want to make new candles, you can use the wax to make wax melts, or use it to make fire starters by pouring melted wax over dryer lint inside the cavities of an empty egg carton.
There are several ways to remove wax from a candle container. One method is to freeze the candle and then use a butter knife to break the wax out. Another method is to place the candle in a saucepan of boiling water, which will melt the wax so that it can be poured out.
Glass candle containers cannot be recycled in your local recycling facility. However, some candle manufacturers have partnered with TerraCycle to create free recycling programs for their products. For example, Yankee Candle Company, Wood Wick and Chesapeake Bay candles can be recycled through TerraCycle's program.
Empty candle containers can be repurposed for a variety of uses. They can be used as drinking glasses, plant pots, pen pots, or storage for small items such as cotton pads, Q-tips, or paper clips.
