Making New Candles From Used Candles
Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
by Shirley Kelly
Lanterns 4 Less
Stop throwing your money away. That's what you are doing every time you throw away a candle just because the candle wax has burned down. I am going to share a trade secret with you that will save you plenty of money on candles.
The American Society is hooked on the use of candles. We use candles to add a pleasant scent to our room. We use candles in place of traditional lighting and we use candles to set a romantic mood. Candles are also used at weddings and other social occasions.
The only items you will need to purchase are candle wicks. You can buy these at most craft stores
Step 1
You will need to find a glass jar that can be used to place old candle wax in. The jar must be able to withstand at least 3-4 minutes in the microwave (depending on how much candle wax you put in it). I often use a recycled candle jar. Many of the scented candles I have purchased over the years came in glass containers which I saved.
Step 2
Remove the wick from the used candle. This can be done by using a knife and cutting away at the candle until the wick is exposed. Be sure to put the candle wax you cut away into the glass jar. This should not be too difficult of a task seeing as the candle has burned the wick down to nearly nothing.
Step 3
After you have placed all the candle wax you want to recycle into the candle jar, place the jar into the microwave and heat until the candle wax has melted. CAUTION! Be sure you have completely removed all the used wicks. Some candle wicks are placed on an aluminum base before being placed into the candle. Aluminum will cause sparks if placed in the microwave. Never take your eyes off the microwave when melting the candle wax. You do not want to overheat the candle wax.
Another alternative to using the microwave to melt your candle wax is to use an old pot. I would recommend this method if you are not comfortable with using your microwave.
Step 4
Place newspaper over your kitchen table to protect it from any accidental spills. Remove melted candle wax from the microwave and place on table to cool. Candles cool down very quickly. Within a minute or two (depending on how much candle wax you melted and how hot you allowed it to get) the wax should have cooled down to a soft but solid state. Push your wick down into the candle. Try and place it as far down as within a half inch from the bottom of the jar. Wait about another five minutes for your new candle to become solid and light it up and enjoy.
Remember, you don't have to limit yourself to using only the same candle scent. Try placing candle wax from several different used candles that have different scents. You will be surprised at how pleasing candle fragrances can be when combined with other fragrances.
I hope I have encouraged you to try this easy and simple solution for recycling old candles by making new candles. If you try it once, you will soon get hooked on the process.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Shirley,Thank you for sharing your secret with us...I have always wanted to try this but now that I know I can use the microwave, mix the scents, and recycle in an old candle jar, I will definitely do it. One question, I love the bayberry and cranberry scents. Do you no think they are too strong to mix together?NancyHi Nancy,I'm glad you are going to try this simple solution. If you are uncertain of how strong two frangrances will react with each other, try this method:1) melt them separately,2) then mix them until you get a desirable scent. Keep in mind you may find you enjoy the scent best if you use more of one fragrance than you do the other.Remember, you are in complete control of the frangrace you are creating so make it smell exactly how you want it to smell.You may discover a totally new fragrance and find yourself not waiting until your candles burn down before mixing your new candle scent.Good luck and have fun.Shirley
Great article. Well done.I am a big fan of reusing and not waste redicution, I think the only way we can achive this is with creative solutions like this. I like.
I will have to try this, Shirley. There is always some wax left when the wick is burned up. Thanks for the instructions and welcome to SearchWarp.
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