Making new candles from old ones is a great way to recycle and give leftover wax a second life!
Recycle your old candle wax into beautiful new creations.
Repurposing old candle wax is a simple and eco-friendly DIY project. It involves collecting leftover wax, melting it down, and repouring it into a new container with a fresh wick.
Materials Needed
Here’s what you'll typically need for this project:
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Leftover Candle Wax | From finished or partially used candles |
| Clean Jar or Container | Heat-resistant, can be an old candle jar |
| New Candle Wick | Appropriate size for your container |
| Wick Holder | Or chopsticks/pencil to center the wick |
| Double Boiler Setup | Pot with water and a heat-safe container |
| Thermometer (Optional) | To monitor wax temperature |
| Scissors | For trimming the wick |
| Stirring Stick | Disposable or designated stick |
Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the steps to transform your old wax into new candles:
- Collect Your Leftover Wax: Gather all your old candles. As seen in the provided reference, once the wax has cooled and contracted away from the side of the jar, it becomes pretty easy to pop out of its original container. You'll need a sufficient amount of leftover wax for your new candle.
- Prepare and Clean the Wax: Scrape or pop out the old wax from jars or holders. Remove any old wicks, wick tabs, labels, matches, or other debris from the wax.
- Melt the Wax: Place the cleaned wax into a heat-safe container. Use a double boiler method by placing this container inside a pot of water. Heat the water gently, allowing the wax to melt slowly and evenly. Avoid melting wax directly over high heat, as it can be a fire hazard.
- Prepare Your New Container: While the wax is melting, prepare your new candle container. As mentioned in the reference, you'll want to find a clean jar or a suitable container. Secure a new wick to the bottom of the container using a wick sticker or a small dab of hot glue. Use a wick holder or chopsticks placed across the top of the container to keep the wick centered and upright.
- Pour the Wax: Once the wax is fully melted, carefully remove the container from the double boiler. If there's any remaining sediment, you can carefully strain the wax. Allow the wax to cool slightly (usually to around 130-140°F or 55-60°C, depending on wax type, if using a thermometer) before pouring it into your prepared clean jar. Pour slowly to avoid air bubbles.
- Allow to Cure: Let the poured candle cool completely and harden. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the size of the candle and the type of wax. As the wax cools, it may contract slightly around the wick. You can pour a small amount of reserved melted wax over the top if needed to create a smooth surface.
- Trim the Wick: Once the candle is fully solid, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (about 6mm) before burning.
Tips for Success
- Mixing Waxes: You can mix different types of wax (paraffin, soy, beeswax) from your old candles, but they might burn differently.
- Adding Scent/Color: If you want to add fragrance or color, do so when the wax is melted but before pouring. Use candle-specific dyes and fragrance oils.
- Safety First: Always melt wax using a double boiler and never leave melting wax unattended.
By following these steps, you can easily transform leftover wax into a useful and appealing new candle, reducing waste and enjoying a bit of DIY crafting.
