How to Recycle Paraffin and Other Types of Candle Wax

Do you have odd bits of candle wax lying around that you need to find a use for? There are many things that you can use old candle wax for so be sure to store it in a container until you have a use for it. Even if you do not use it yourself, there are a number of people who would find it useful and may even pay you for it.

First, there's the obvious use for old candle wax. You can melt it again and make it into brand new candles. You can melt all types of candle wax together to create new candles. They do not need to be the same type of wax or the same color. If you want to make some new color combinations, add a piece of a wax crayon to your candle for color.

My grandmother taught me how to sew and also taught me this neat sewing trick. When sewing by hand, to keep your thread from knotting up while stitching, run the length of your thread under your thumb and across a small piece of candle wax. This will put a fine layer of wax on your thread that will stiffen it slightly and prevent it from bunching. I keep a small piece of spent candle wax in my sewing kit just for this purpose.

All types of wax can be remelted and used to seal jars of preserves, jelly jars, stoppered bottles, and to seal test tubes that are closed with corks. This is a cute way to package homemade goods that are stored in jars. The wax can be used over and over again in this way.

A popular craft was once making waxed pinecones. At Christmastime, pinecones were dipped a few times into melted wax and allowed to cool. These were then tied with ribbon and hung on the Christmas tree as a beautiful Christmas ornament. They can also be thrown onto the fire where they will burn strongly and release the lovely smell of the melted candle wax into the room.

You can also make your own birthday candles from used candle wax. You will need a thick wide-mouth glass jar, a pot of water, and some 100% cotton string. Place the wax inside of your wide-mouth jar and melt it in a pot of water slowly on the stove. Be sure to watch your wax to make sure that it does not burn. Once the wax is completely melted, dip your cotton string into the wax and draw it out again. Let the wax cool slightly so that you do not burn yourself and then straighten the string with your fingers so that you do not end up with a strangely-shaped candle. Keep dipping the candle into the wax and then letting it cool completely. Each layer of wax will build the candle up just slightly. Once the candle is the size you need, hang it up to cool completely.

If you do not plan on using it yourself, it can still be reused by someone else. Offer it on Freecycle.org or save up your wax pieces and then sell them on Ebay or through another craft venue. Crafters always want to get their hands on good candle wax for making soaps, cosmetics, and more candles.