How to Recycle Used Candle Wax

I hate to waste anything. Maybe that's because recycling is so important these days. Maybe it's because I'm a tight wad. Whatever the reason, if I can think of way to extend the life of something or reuse it, I'm going to do just that. That even extends to used candles.

The thing I hate about a lot of candles is they don't burn evenly. I have found that particularly true of certain types of candles. They will burn downward but not always outward; wasting a lot of valuable wax.

Rather than let the wax go to waste, I have come up with ways to reuse it over the years. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

I have the soul of a romantic. I even have one of those old fashioned seals that were once commonly used to identify a family name or crest. So I have been known to seal letters and cards with left over wax, embossed with my initials. It's fun, classic and beautiful.

I like to use pinecones and berries for decorating during the winter. However, they don't always hold up well over a long period of time. So by dipping them in a bit of melted candle wax, I preserve their natural look while also extending the life of my decor.

My husband taught me this trick. Drip Easter eggs in used candle wax before dying them. Afterwards, peel off the wax to unleash the pretty patterns left behind.

My grandmother would melt used wax and add her favorite scent to it. Then she would wrap it in linen and use as a sachet for her lingerie drawer. You can use the same technique and slide the scent in between car seats during the hotter months for an instant care deodorizer.

Some of my grandson's friends rub wax on their snowboards in order to get a smoother, faster ride.

If your zipper gets stuck, rub a little candle wax on it to release it.

I always have a candle burning when I am cutting onions. Believe it or not, it helps cut down on the tear factor.

If you have a drawer or cabinet that won't open properly, use a bit of candle wax on the track to loosen the way.

Save your child's precious artwork by coating it with a thin coat of clear candle wax. This also works for preserving documents and recipe cards.

My grandfather made candle pencils for me as a child. I used them to draw magic pictures and write private notes that were only revealed once I painted over them.

Coat shovels with old candle wax to get the snow come off with ease.

Use an old candle as a pincushion substitute. It will hold the pins into place with ease. Plus, the pin will execute better with a touch of wax on the end of it.

When the kids were little we use old candle wax to make fun decorations with cookie cutters of different shapes and sizes.

Can't stand that squeaky gate anymore? You don't have to if you just rub it will candle wax. The squeak will disappear and your nerves will return to normal once again.

When my husband and I first got married, we didn't have much in the way of décor. He taught me how to use a wine bottle dripped with old candle wax in different colors to use as a vase.

Candles are fun to use and to have around the house, but they are better still when we can use all of them usefully, without adding to the trash heap.

RESOURCES:

Personal Experience