Using up old candle wax?

Question

I have many candles with the wick burnt, but plenty of wax left. How can I recycle these by making new candles?

Answer 1

The remaining wax can be melted, and made into new candles.

Be very careful, it is possible to set the wax on fire.  If you use a old pan, keep a lid handy, and know where the nearest fire extinguisher is.

Many candlemakers melt wax in a double-boiler, or in a crock pot, to reduce the risk.  If you have a small number of candles, you may not wish to go to all that trouble, but please be careful.

Grandpa

Answer 2

I bought a candle warmer for about 5 bucks at the craft store.  I keep it on the counter and melt the wax at the bottom of candle jars, add the ends of pillars and tapers.  If you keep the jar half full, it stays melted.  You can keep it there and it will smell like a candle burning or pour some off to add a wick and make new candles or pour into tart molds to use in burners.  I keep it on my counter and always have wax in there "brewing" and combining scents to create my own.  It is way less dangerous than using a double boiler and less hassle than using the microwave.  You can find wicking and the metal ends at the craft store.

Answer 3

well first you freeze then so it makes it easier to chip off (thats the next step) put all in sauce pan melt them together and put on a new base in somekind of mold for the candle and let it sit or put back in the freezer it will mold faster

Answer 4

lilee described the best way to melt wax. You may want to melt similar scents together and/or purchase scented oil to re-scent the wax.

If you have a fireplace or know someone who does, you can dip large pine cones into the wax. They can be used as fire starters. Add a dark crayon to the wax to add color and they will look nice.

If you don't want to purchase a candle mold, you can turn some of your wax into emergency candles. Melt the wax double boiler style in a vegetable can and place a  small taper candle or suspend a new wick into the melted wax.

If have problems with mosquitoes, you can even buy citronella scented oil to add to the candle wax, you now have a citronella candle from mostly recycled materials!

Answer 5

just buy a wick and melt the wax into a mould or form your own from paper or card.

'til simple.

There are many catalogues and websites selling candle moulds if you want professional shapes.

Answer 6

I make a double boiler with a pan and a metal coffee can.  Obviously, put water in the pan and wax in the can.  Melt wax.  Buy some wicks, cut the wick to size, tie one end around a pencil, dangle it into your candle mold.  Pour in wax, let cool.  It will get a big indentation after it cools, so you will need to fill it in.  

Easy and a good way to recycle.  

Answer 7

Put them in an old saucepan and melt them - pour the molten wax into moulds to make new candles - that's what I do