If you’re a candle fanatic, you’re bound to have some old candles lying around. You probably know you can reuse those candle containers, but what about the wax? When you burn your candle clear to the bottom of the wick, you’ve probably seen a layer of wax on the bottom that never got burned. It’s disappointing, especially if it’s one of your favorite scents. Well, we have some ideas for giving that old candle wax new life.
Make a new candle
This one is probably the first that comes to mind. Just make a new candle! You may need to combine the leftover wax from several candles. If you use scented candles, you may want to put some thought into which scents you pour together into a single candle, or you could make a layered candle that always smells a little different as it burns.
Just remove the leftover wax from old candle containers, melt them gently in a double boiler, and then pour into a container with a new candle wick added. This is a great way to get started making your own DIY candles with less investment, too. If your wax is unscented, you can even add a whole new fragrance!
Make homemade wax melts
If you don’t have enough wax from your very favorite candle, you can use that to make homemade wax melts. If you haven’t used wax melts before, you just melt the wax, mold it into little pieces, and then put it in a wax melt burner and let it fill your home with your favorite scent.
Melt down your wax scraps in a double boiler, then pour it into your mold. Allow it to cool and there you go. It’s one of the easiest ways to create a wonderful room scent.
You can mold them by pouring them into small candy molds, the bottoms of mini muffin pans, or even pour it in a sheet pan and break it up once it’s cooled. You may want to use a nonstick container, like a silicone mold, or if you’re using a sheet pan, line it with parchment paper.
Waterproof your canvas bag
This one is great, especially for beeswax. If you have a canvas bag, like a messenger bag, purse, or even a backpack, you can help the fabric resist water by adding wax.
The simplest way to do this is to just melt down your old beeswax candles and paint it on the canvas with a paint brush. Keep in mind that colored candles will stain the canvas, and that scented candles will scent your bag. Also know that this paint brush shouldn’t be one of your favorites, because you probably won’t be able to get all the wax out of it. While you’re painting the wax on, remember you want a thin layer that will absorb into the fabric.
After the wax cools, your bag will feel a little stiff. That’s okay! As you use it, it will become more flexible.
Another way to use wax to waterproof canvas is to take a block of beeswax and rub it on the fabric, leaving a thin layer behind. Then melt that wax with a hair dryer or a heat gun. It will soak into the fabric as it melts. This might be a tidier way to do it, as you’ll be less likely to drip or spill your wax.
Be sure to put down some paper to protect your work surface, and place paper inside the bag so the wax doesn’t cause the two sides of the bag to stick together.
You won’t want to machine wash or dry your bag after waterproofing with wax. Just spot clean.
Make DIY fire starters
If you like to go camping, or if you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you know how handy fire starters can be. You can make your own with leftover wax and just a few other things.
If you have lint from the dryer or even used (dry) paper towels, put them into the cavities of an empty paper egg carton. Then just pour melted wax over top to fill the cavities. The wax may seep through the egg carton as it sits, so you’ll want to have a pan lined with parchment underneath.
Once cooled, you have 12 little fire starter blocks. The whole thing can go in your firepit or stove because it’s all flammable, and the lint or other materials inside are kept dry by the wax.
To use, cut off one of the egg carton pieces and just pop it in your fireplace under your kindling, and light it.
How to remove candle wax from your container
If you’re going to repurpose your wax (and your jars), you’ll need to get the wax out of there.
Don’t use your microwave. If your candle container isn’t microwave safe, or if your wick has an old metal tab at the bottom, it could be dangerous. Instead, use a pot with some water, put it on the stove, and put your candle in. For wax at the bottom of the container, you’ll only need an inch or two of water. Heat gently until all the wax is melted, fish out what is left of the wick, and then pour it into your new container.
You can also heat some water to boiling and pour it into your old candle container and leave it to cool. The wax is lighter than water, so it will melt and float to the top. As the water cools, the wax will solidify at the top, and you can take it out. Your wax will be wet, and you’ll need to let it dry as much as possible before using it.
You can also use an electric candle warmer, which will heat the candle from the bottom, and then you can just pour out the melted wax.
Before reusing your container, wash it out thoroughly with hot water and soap. This will help get rid of the remaining wax.
Now you don’t have to throw out all that old candle wax! You can enjoy your favorite scents for that much longer. We offer some excellent DIY candle making supplies so that you can get the wicks and other tools that you need to reuse your old candles. Check them out, and then get creative.
