If you’ve ever been left with a collection of almost-empty candles or wax remnants that seem too good to toss, you’re not alone. Old candle wax can easily be recycled into brand-new candles with just a few tools and a little effort. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-conscious way to enjoy your favorite candle scents again while reducing waste if you are one of many who find it hard to throw away the last bit of wax in a used-up candle, but it’s still too little to light and stay lit.

Assessing the Potency of Old Wax

Before you begin, it’s essential to consider the quality and scent potency of your leftover wax. Over time, candle wax can lose some of its fragrance due to prolonged exposure to heat and air. While the wax itself is still usable, the scent may be weaker. To rejuvenate the aroma, you can mix in fresh scented wax (candle wax or beeswax) or add a few drops of essential oil when melting the old wax. Unscented wax is also a great option for blending if you prefer a neutral candle.

Tools and Materials Needed

Here are the essential tools and materials to gather before starting:

  • Old candle wax (collected from used candles or wax melts left in the original jar)
  • Wick sticks (pre-waxed wicks with tabs or your choice of wick)
  • A heat-resistant container (glass jars, tins, ceramic containers, or the old wax jars)
  • Double boiler or a makeshift version (a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of water)
  • Wooden skewer, chopstick or pencil (to secure the wick in place before pouring the melted wax)
  • Essential oils (optional, for added fragrance)
  • Glue dots or wick stickers (to hold the wick at the base of the container. Don’t recommend tape, as it won’t stay after the wax melts and might come off)
  • Heat-resistant gloves (for safety when handling hot wax. Wax does burn! Don’t do what I did😁)
  • Pouring jug or measuring cup with pointed front (optional, for easier wax pouring)
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Step-by-Step Guide to Making New Candles

  1. Prepare Your Workspace Choose a well-ventilated area and cover your workspace with newspaper or a protective sheet to catch any spills. Gather all your materials and tools to ensure everything is within easy reach.
  2. Clean and Sort the Wax Remove any debris, old wick remnants, or burnt bits from the wax. Break the wax into smaller pieces for easier melting.
  3. Secure the Wick Use a glue dot or wick sticker to attach the wick to the center of your chosen container. Wrap the top of the wick around a skewer, chopstick, or pencil laid across the top of the container to keep it upright.
  4. Melt the Wax Use a double boiler to gently melt the wax over medium heat. Avoid direct heat, as this can cause the wax to scorch. Stir occasionally with a wooden utensil to ensure even melting. Note: If you are planning to re-use the same jar that the old wax is in, place the jar with old candle wax in a larger pot with hot water (preferably boiling after putting the jar in the pot) to melt the wax to pour it in another container to be able to insert the new wick. This isn’t recommended as its extra wax transferring that might be unsafe, but if the wax is too hard to break out of the old jar to remove it all, this is an option to melt in the desired jar and set aside to re-wick the jar.)
  5. Add Fragrance (Optional) If desired, add a few drops of essential oil or fresh scented wax to the melted mixture. Stir well to distribute the fragrance evenly.
  6. Pour the Wax Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared container, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Allow the wax to cool and set completely, which can take several hours.
  7. Trim the Wick Once the candle is fully hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inch to ensure a clean and safe burn.

Safety Tips

Working with hot wax requires caution:

  • Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling melted wax.
  • Keep children and pets away from the workspace.
  • Never leave melting wax unattended.
  • Avoid overfilling your container to prevent spills.
  • Wax splashes and dries very quickly. Be sure to move slowly and carefully when transferring wax to the desired place to avoid unwanted wax in certain places.

Enjoy Your New Candle

After a few hours of the wax setting, your new candle is ready to use. You’ll be able to tell if the wax is fully dry as the wax changes to a solid color and is not so hot. If you have a clear candle jar, you’ll see how much is still drying on the side of jar. Not only is this process rewarding, but it’s also a sustainable way to reduce waste and get creative. This is a fun project to do with older children with supervision and help. So, the next time your candle burns low, don’t throw it away—recycle and relight!

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