Transforming old candle remnants into new, scented creations is a simple and sustainable process! It involves cleaning the wax, adding fragrance, and pouring it into a new vessel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repurposing Candle Wax
Giving old candles a second life by making new scented ones is a great way to reduce waste and get creative. The process is straightforward and can be easily done at home.
1. Prep Your Candle Vessels
First, gather the containers for your new candles. You can reuse old candle jars that you've finished. To clean them thoroughly and remove leftover wax, just use boiling water. Alternatively, you can use fresh tins from a candle making kit or other heat-safe containers. Ensure the vessels are completely dry before the next step.
2. Place Your Wicks
Next, you need to position the wicks in the center of your prepared vessels. You can use new wicks or potentially reuse old ones if they are long enough and in good condition. Secure the wick to the bottom of the vessel using a wick sticker or a small dab of hot glue. Use a wick holder or two pencils placed across the top of the container to keep the wick upright and centered while the wax cools.
3. Strain Your Wax
Collect all the wax scraps from your old candles. Melt these scraps carefully using a double boiler method (never directly on heat to avoid burning). Once melted, you'll need to strain your wax to remove any old wick remnants, dust, or other debris. A fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or an old nylon stocking works well for this.
4. Melt the Clean Wax
After straining, add all the clean wax back into the double boiler so it melts completely. Monitor the temperature to ensure it reaches the proper pouring temperature for the type of wax you are using (this varies depending on the wax type, like soy, paraffin, or beeswax).
5. (Optional) Add Scents
This is where you add fragrance to your new candles! (Optional) Add scents using candle-making fragrance oils or essential oils specifically designed for candles. Follow the manufacturer's recommended usage rate, typically a percentage of the wax weight. Stir the fragrance gently into the melted wax for about 30-60 seconds to ensure it's fully incorporated.
- Tip: You can mix different scents or even use leftover scented wax from various old candles to create unique fragrance blends.
6. Pour Your Candles
Carefully pour the melted, scented wax into your prepped vessels with the wicks in place. Pour slowly to avoid air bubbles. Fill the containers, leaving a small space at the top. Allow the candles to cool and solidify completely, which can take several hours, depending on the size. Once solid, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before burning.
Following these steps allows you to easily create new, scented candles from your old ones, giving them a new purpose and adding lovely fragrances to your space.
