Candles are a delightful addition to any home, and they can be a great source of relaxation and stress relief. Whether they are scented or unscented, candles can be a great way to add ambiance to your home. When the candle wax has finished burning, it can be tempting to just throw it away. However, why not get creative and find ways to reuse or repurpose the leftover wax instead? In this article, we will explore some fun DIY ideas on what to do with candle wax.
Make New Candles
One of the most obvious ways to use leftover candle wax is to make new candles. You can either reuse the same wick or purchase a new one. Here’s what you need to do:
Materials
- Candle Wax
- Candle Wick
- Candle Container
- Scented Oils (optional)
- Candle Coloring (optional)
- Candle Fragrance (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the old candle wax using a double boiler.
- Insert the wick into the container and hold it in place with a wick holder.
- Pour the melted wax into the container, leaving some space at the top.
- Let the wax cool and set until it hardens.
- If desired, add in scented oils, coloring, and a fragrance for a personalized touch.
- Cut the wick and you have a brand new candle!
Making new candles is not only a fun DIY project but also a great way to save money on new candles.
Create Wax Melts
If you don’t want to make new candles, you can still enjoy the scent of your favorite candle wax by creating wax melts. Here’s what you need to do:
Materials
- Candle Wax
- Candle Coloring (optional)
- Candle Fragrance Oil
- Wax Warmer
Instructions
- Melt the old candle wax using a double boiler.
- Add in the desired amount of fragrance oil and coloring, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
- Pour the melted wax into an ice cube tray, muffin tin or other suitable container.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Place the wax melts in a wax warmer and enjoy your favorite scent without the flame.
Not only is this a great way to repurpose candle wax, but it also serves as an alternative to burning candles and eliminates the potential risk of fire hazards.
Create Fire Starters
Do you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace? If so, leftover candle wax can be useful for creating fire starters. Here’s how you can do it:
Materials
- Candle Wax
- Lint from a dryer or cotton balls
- Paper egg carton
- Candle Coloring (optional)
- Candle Fragrance Oil (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the old candle wax using a double boiler.
- Add in the desired amount of fragrance oil and coloring, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
- Pour the melted wax into individual cups of a paper egg carton, filling each to about 2/3 full.
- Place a cotton ball or dryer lint in each cup of the egg carton, saturating it with the wax.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- When ready to use, simply light the paper egg carton cup, and the fire will ignite.
This is a great way to reuse candle wax while also getting the most out of your wood-burning stove or fireplace.
Repurpose Candle Holders
Candle holders can be an expensive investment, but luckily, you can easily repurpose your old candle holders using leftover wax. Here’s what you need to do:
Materials
- Old Candle Holder
- Candle Wax
- Candle Wicks
- Candle Fragrance Oil (optional)
Instructions
- Break apart the leftover candle wax and melt it using a double boiler.
- Scoop out the remaining wax from the holder, leaving only the wick.
- Reinsert the wick at the center of the holder.
- Pour the melted wax into the holder.
- If desired, add in fragrance oil for added aroma.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Once hardened, you now have a repurposed candle holder!
Repurposing candle holders is a great way to save money while also adding charm to your home decor.
Create Wax Dipped Flowers
Wax dipped flowers are a unique and elegant way to repurpose candle wax. Here’s how you can make them:
Materials
- Candle Wax
- Silica Gel Flower Drying Crystals
- Flowers or Leaves
- Double Boiler
- Wax Paper
Instructions
- Melt the old candle wax using a double boiler.
- Pour the silica gel flower drying crystals into a plastic container.
- Submerge the flowers into the crystals, making sure they are coated in crystals.
- Take the flowers and dip them into the melted wax, ensuring that the entire flower is submerged in the wax.
- Hold the flower over the wax for a few seconds to allow any excess wax to drip off.
- Place the wax flower on wax paper, allowing it to cool and harden.
- Once the wax has hardened, you have a unique and beautiful wax-dipped flower!
Wax dipped flowers are a great way to add a touch of elegance to any room. They make great DIY gifts, as well.
Create Wax Seals
If you want to add a special touch to your letters or invitations, you can create wax seals using leftover candle wax. Here’s what you need to do:
Materials
- Candle Wax
- Sealing Wax Stamp
- Double Boiler
Instructions
- Melt the old candle wax using a double boiler.
- Pour the melted wax onto a flat surface.
- Allow the wax to cool for a few seconds.
- Press the sealing wax stamp on the wax, leaving the desired design on its surface.
- Let the wax cool and harden.
- Once hardened, remove the seal from the surface of the wax.
- You now have a beautiful wax seal for your letters or invitations!
Wax seals add a touch of class and elegance to any letter, and they are simple to make using leftover candle wax.
Create a Wax Bowl
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can create a decorative wax bowl using leftover candle wax. Here’s how to do it:
Materials
- Candle Wax
- Balloon
- Double Boiler
- Scented Oils (optional)
- Candle Coloring (optional)
- Candle Fragrance (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the old candle wax using a double boiler.
- Inflate the balloon to the desired size for the bowl.
- Dip the balloon in the melted wax, allowing it to dry and harden for a few seconds.
- Repeat the process a few more times until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Pop the balloon, and remove any remaining pieces.
- Your decorative wax bowl is now ready to use or to give as a gift.
Creating a wax bowl is a fun and unique way to reuse your leftover candle wax while also creating a beautiful decorative piece.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many fun DIY ideas on what to do with candle wax. From creating new candles to repurposing candle holders to making wax seals, the possibilities are endless. These ideas are not only eco-friendly but can also save you money, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of candles without breaking the bank.
FAQs
- What can I do with leftover candle wax?
- Can I reuse candle wax?
- Is it safe to reuse candle wax?
- Can I add scent to my new candles or wax melts?
- Can I color my candles or wax melts?
A: You can make new candles, create wax melts, make fire starters, repurpose old candle holders, create wax dipped flowers, make wax seals or create a decorative wax bowl.
A: Yes, you can melt and reuse old candle wax to create new candles or wax melts.
A: As long as the candle wax is free of debris and contaminants, it is safe to reuse.
A: Yes, you can add in scented oils or fragrance oils to your candles or wax melts.
A: Yes, you can add in candle coloring to customize the appearance of your candles or wax melts.
References
Nave, R. (2021, August 31). What to Do with Old Candle Wax? (13 Amazing Ideas). Aimless Travels. https://aimlesstravels.com/what-to-do-with-old-candle-wax/
Joshua. (2019, December 4). 20 Ways to Repurpose Candle Wax. The Homestead Survival. https://thehomesteadsurvival.com/20-ways-to-repurpose-candle-wax/