You can make new candles by reusing leftover wax scraps from old candles. This process allows you to consolidate wax remnants into a fresh candle, essentially "reusing" the material.
Creating new candles from old wax is a fantastic way to reduce waste and give new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. It's a simple process that primarily involves melting down the old wax and reforming it with a new wick.
Steps to Create Candles from Leftover Wax
Making a candle from leftover wax is straightforward and requires minimal supplies. Here's a breakdown of the general process, incorporating the methods shown in the reference:
- Collect Leftover Wax: Gather all your candle stubs and wax remnants. Ensure they are relatively clean, removing any wick nubs, matches, or debris.
- Prepare Your Container: Choose a heat-safe container for your new candle. This could be an old candle jar you've cleaned out, a small glass, a tin, or any other suitable vessel.
- Melt the Wax: Gently melt the collected wax. The safest method is using a double boiler (a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water). This prevents the wax from overheating and becoming a fire hazard.
- Prepare the Wick: While the wax is melting, prepare your wick. You can use a new pre-tabbed candle wick or repurpose an old wick if it's long enough and clean.
- Secure the Wick: Place the wick in the center of your container. To keep the wick upright and centered while the wax cools, you can secure it at the top. As shown in the reference, you can use a pair of chopsticks placed across the top of the container, sandwiching the wick between them.
- Pour the Melted Wax: Once the wax is fully melted, carefully pour it into your prepared container, around the secured wick. Be careful not to disturb the wick's position.
- Fix the Wick (If Needed): If the wick shifts slightly during pouring, as the reference notes, "you can fix it while the wax is still warm." Gently adjust the wick's position to the center before the wax hardens completely.
- Allow to Set: Leave the poured wax to cool and solidify completely. The reference advises to "leave it to set for at least an hour." Depending on the size of the candle, this might take longer.
- Trim the Wick: Once the wax is hard, remove the chopsticks or other wick holder. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before burning.
And "boom a brand new candle with candle scraps"! This method effectively "recycles" your old wax into a functional new candle.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Leftover Wax | The main material for the new candle |
| Heat-safe Container | Holds the new candle |
| Wick | Burns to fuel the candle |
| Chopsticks/Holder | Secures the wick upright while setting |
| Double Boiler | Safe method for melting wax |
Tips for Best Results
- Sort Wax: If you are mixing different types of wax (like paraffin, soy, or beeswax) or different colors/scents, be aware that they may behave differently when melted together. Sorting by type or color can help achieve a more uniform result.
- Cleanliness: Ensure your old wax and container are clean to avoid debris interfering with the burn.
- Wick Size: Use a wick appropriate for the diameter of your container. A wick that is too small will tunnel; one that is too large will create too much flame or soot.
- Scent/Color: You can add candle dye or fragrance oils specifically made for candles to your melted wax before pouring if you want to add color or scent.
By following these steps, you can easily turn your leftover candle wax into usable new candles, contributing to a more sustainable practice.
