What To Do with Old Candles

Old candles often leave behind wax remnants and empty jars that many people discard without a second thought. However, with a bit of creativity and some simple DIY techniques, you can repurpose old candles into beautiful, useful, and eco-friendly items. This article explores multiple ways to give your old candles a new life, complete with step-by-step instructions, images, and video tutorials to inspire your next craft project.

Make New Candles

One of the most popular ways to reuse old candles is to melt down the leftover wax and pour it into new containers with fresh wicks. This method not only reduces waste but also allows you to customize your candles by mixing different scents and colors.

How to Make New Candles

1. Remove leftover wax: Use a butter knife or spoon to scrape out wax from old candle jars.

2. Melt the wax: Place wax pieces in a heatproof container and melt them using a double boiler or microwave. Avoid overheating as wax is flammable.

3. Prepare new containers: Use clean jars, mugs, or pottery. Attach a new wick to the bottom with hot glue or adhesive.

4. Pour wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into the container, securing the wick upright with pencils if necessary.

5. Cool and trim wick: Let the wax solidify fully, then trim the wick to about 1/8 inch above the surface.

Steps to Make Wax Melts

• Melt leftover wax gently in a double boiler.

• Pour the liquid wax into silicone molds or mini muffin pans.

• Let cool and solidify.

• Pop out the wax melts and use them in a wax warmer.

Assemble Fire Starters

Old candles can also be turned into fire starters, which are handy for camping, barbecues, or fireplaces.

How to Make Fire Starters

• Gather dried pinecones or small wood pieces.

• Melt old candle wax.

• Dip pinecones into the melted wax until fully coated.

• Let them dry completely.

Produce Scented Ornaments

You can also repurpose candle wax to make decorative scented ornaments for your home or gifts.

How to Make Scented Ornaments

• Melt old wax and pour into silicone molds of various shapes.

• Before the wax hardens, decorate with dried flowers, glitter, or spices.

• Once solid, use ribbon to hang them or place them in bowls as fragrant decor.

Repurpose Candle Jars

Often, the containers of old candles are just as valuable as the wax. Instead of throwing them away, you can clean and reuse these jars for new candles or other purposes.

How to Repurpose Candle Jars

1. Remove all leftover wax by melting it or freezing and popping it out.

2. Clean the jars thoroughly.

3. Use them as new candle holders by pouring in melted wax with a new wick.

4. Alternatively, use jars for storage, planters, or decorative holders.

Additional Creative Ideas

• Make lip balm: Some candle waxes (like beeswax candles) can be used to make homemade lip balms by mixing with oils and butters.

• Lubricate sticking drawers: Rub candle wax on sticky drawers or zippers to help them glide smoothly.

• Craft wax seals: Use leftover wax to create wax seals for letters or gifts.

• Create wax art: Melt wax to paint or create textured art pieces on canvas.

These ideas extend the usefulness of your old candles beyond traditional burning.

FAQs

Q1: Can I mix different scented candle waxes together?
A1: Yes, but be mindful that mixing scents may create unexpected combinations. Layered candles can help keep scents distinct.

Q2: How do I safely melt candle wax?
A2: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Never melt wax directly on open flames to avoid fire hazards.

Q3: What if my old candle wick is unusable?
A3: You can buy new wicks at craft stores or online. Attach them with hot glue or adhesive to your container bottom.

Q4: How long do homemade fire starters burn?
A4: Fire starters made with wax-coated pinecones can burn for several minutes, enough to ignite larger wood pieces.

Q5: Can I add fragrance oils to melted wax?
A5: Yes, adding fragrance oils designed for candles can refresh unscented wax or enhance existing scents.