Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a warm and cosy atmosphere, but what happens when they're finished? Throwing them away seems like such a waste, especially when there are so many ways to repurpose them. From melting down the wax to create new candles to reusing the jars for storage or decoration, there are plenty of options for giving old candles new life. So, before you toss those old candles in the bin, consider some of the creative ways you can upcycle them instead.
What to do with old candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Make new candles | Melt the wax and pour into a container with a new wick |
| Make fire starters | Pour melted wax over dryer lint in an egg carton, then cut into 12 pieces |
| Waterproof a canvas bag | Melt down beeswax candles and paint the wax onto the canvas |
| Make ice cubes | Melt the wax and pour into an ice-cube tray |
| Use jars for storage | Store items such as Q-tips, cotton balls, makeup brushes, toothbrushes, dry beans, grains, herbs, teas, spices, drinks |
| Use jars for food prep | Use for salads, overnight oats, or to store salad dressing or brine lemons |
| Use jars for planting | Plant succulents or small window gardens |
| Decorate jars | Paint clean jars and repurpose into decorated votives |
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What You'll Learn
Make new candles
Making new candles from old ones is a fun and simple project. You can get creative and make candles with unique scents and colours, or try making layered candles. Here is a step-by-step guide to making new candles from old ones:
Step 1: Removing Wax
Firstly, you need to remove the leftover wax from your old candles. This can be done by melting the wax. Do not use a microwave, as this can be dangerous due to the metal tab at the bottom of most wicks. Instead, place the old candle containers in a pot of simmering water on the stove. You can also use a double boiler to gently melt the wax. Alternatively, you can place the candles in the freezer until the wax is frozen, and then use a knife to pop it out.
Step 2: Preparing the Wax
Once the wax is melted, carefully remove the old wicks with tongs. You can then pour the melted wax into a container with a new wick. If you want to get creative, you can combine wax from different scented candles to create unique fragrances. You can also make layered candles by pouring different coloured or scented wax layers.
Step 3: Moulding the Candle
You can use various moulds to shape your new candle. Small candy moulds, mini muffin pans, or even ice-cube trays work well. If using a sheet pan or mould that is not non-stick, line it with parchment paper. Remember to place toothpicks in the mould to keep the new wick centred.
Step 4: Cooling and Setting
Allow the wax to cool and set completely. This may take a few hours. Once set, remove the new candle from the mould. If using an ice-cube tray, gently pull the sides of the tray to loosen the candle and then pull it out by the wick or toothpick.
Tips and Tricks
- You can make your own wicks by cutting a length of string and tying a knot at one end.
- If you have multiple small amounts of wax, combine them to ensure you have enough for a new candle.
- Always work carefully when handling hot wax, and place containers on a surface covered with foil to catch any drips.
- Wash your old candle containers with hot soapy water to remove any remaining wax before reusing them.
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Use wax to light fires
Old candle wax can be used to light fires. However, it is important to note that candle wax is extremely flammable and should be treated like a grease fire when ignited. If the wax reaches its flashpoint of approximately 400°F, it can catch fire, and blowing on it will only create a larger flame, spreading droplets of flaming molten wax. Similarly, pouring water on the wax will create an explosive ball of flame. The best way to extinguish candle wax on fire is to cover it with a pot to deprive it of oxygen.
To use old candle wax to light a fire, you can create fire starter blocks. First, collect lint from the dryer or used (dry) paper towels and place them into the cavities of an empty paper egg carton. Then, melt your old candle wax using a double boiler or a saucepan with boiling water and pour the melted wax over the lint or paper towels in the egg carton. Allow the wax to cool and solidify. Once cooled, you can cut off a piece of the egg carton and place it under your kindling in your fireplace or fire pit to easily light a fire.
Alternatively, you can use old candle wax as a fire starter by melting it and soaking a canvas bag in it. Keep in mind that coloured candles will stain the canvas, and scented candles will transfer their scent to the bag. This method is best done with old beeswax candles.
When handling candle wax, it is important to prioritise safety. Avoid using the microwave to melt the wax, as the metal wick tab at the bottom of the candle can be dangerous. Instead, opt for a double boiler or a saucepan with boiling water to melt the wax gently. Always exercise caution when working with fire and hot wax to prevent accidents.
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Waterproof canvas bags
If you have a canvas bag, such as a messenger bag, purse, or backpack, you can use old candle wax to help the fabric resist water. This is a simple way to repurpose your old candles and give them new life.
Firstly, you'll want to gather your old candles. If you have beeswax candles, these are ideal for this purpose. You can melt down the wax in a double boiler and then paint it onto your canvas bag with a paintbrush. Remember to use a paintbrush that you don't mind getting ruined, as it will be difficult to remove all the wax from it afterward. As you're painting, aim for a thin layer of wax that will absorb into the fabric.
Keep in mind that colored candles will stain the canvas, and scented candles will leave a lasting fragrance on your bag. This could be a positive or a negative, depending on your preferences!
Once you've applied the wax, simply let it dry, and your bag will be ready to use. This is a great way to upcycle your old candles and create a unique, water-resistant bag.
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Store food in jars
Old candle jars can be used to store food items like dry beans, grains, and other bulk items. They can also be used to store prepped food like salads and overnight oats. It is important to ensure that the jars are clean and food-safe before storing food in them.
To clean old candle jars, one can use methods like boiling water, an electric candle warmer, or freezing the jar. Boiling water involves filling a saucepan with water, placing the old candle jar in it, and slowly bringing the water to a boil to melt the wax. An electric candle warmer can also be used to heat the candle from the bottom, after which the melted wax can be poured out. Freezing the jar for about half an hour should harden the wax and make it easier to remove in one piece.
Once the wax is removed, the jar should be washed thoroughly with hot water and soap to get rid of any remaining wax. To remove stubborn stains, the jar can be soaked in soapy warm water. If there is adhesive residue from the label, it can be removed with a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone.
After cleaning and ensuring the jar is food-safe, it can be used to store food items. It is important to leave extra space at the top of the jar when storing food in the freezer, to allow for expansion. Wide-mouth jars are best suited for this purpose.
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Make wax fire starters
Wax fire starters are a great way to repurpose wax from old candles. They can be used to start a wood fire and can make your fire smell amazing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make wax fire starters:
Firstly, you need to remove the wax from your old candles. There are a few ways to do this. One way is to boil water in a saucepan and place the old candle in the glass jar into the pan. As the water boils, the wax will melt and become a liquid. Another way is to use an electric candle warmer, which will heat the candle from the bottom, allowing you to pour out the melted wax. If your candle is in a glass jar, you can also put it in the microwave, but only if the wick is completely removed first.
Once you have removed the wax, you can start preparing your fire starters. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners or use an old muffin tin, egg cartons, or paper towel rolls. If you are using a muffin pan, cut your chosen herbs into small pieces. You can use rosemary, mint, bay leaves, pine needles, cinnamon, or chamomile. You can also add small pine cones, wood shavings, twigs, or various dried herbs and spices.
Next, place your chosen herbs and spices into the muffin liners or egg cartons. If you are using wicks, trim the metal tab off and add the wicks to each liner or carton. Now, reheat your wax to 150°F (65.6°C) and carefully pour the melted wax into the liners or cartons. Leave a small piece of paper towel sticking out of the wax.
Finally, let your wax fire starters cool and harden. Once they are solid, you can use them to start a fire. Simply place one of the wax fire starters under your kindling and light it. Your fire will not only start easily, but it will also smell wonderful!
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Frequently asked questions
To remove wax from old candle jars, you can use the double boiler method. Put the candle jar in a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water. This ensures the wax melts without the jar getting dangerously hot. Alternatively, place the candle in a separate pot and slowly pour boiling water around it, making sure the water doesn't go into the candle jar.
You can make new candles with leftover wax. Melt the wax and pour it into moulds, such as candy moulds or the bottoms of mini muffin pans. You can also use the wax to make fire starters by pouring melted wax over dryer lint or used paper towels placed in an empty paper egg carton.
Old candle jars can be reused or recycled. You can use them for storage, such as for food, bathroom items, or small plants. You can also decorate the jars and use them as votives or to hold makeup brushes.
