Using Leftover Wax to Make New Candles

Reusing trash and recyclables is great for the environment, and frugal as well, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. In this series of articles, I will be examining the possibilities of reuse available for a number a different items, including crafts and other options.

Anyone who has experience making candles knows that it can be a great creative outlet, but that new wax can be quite expensive. A great way to save money and keep trash out of the landfills is to reuse the wax that's leftover from burning other candles. You can reuse the wax from store-bought candles and from your own homemade candles.

The first step in collecting wax to reuse it is to get it out of the container. Sometimes it can be pretty difficult to get wax from the glass it's in. The best way to remove it is to put the whole container into the freezer for a few hours or overnight. After it has frozen, it will pop right out, cleanly and easily.

Collect the bits and pieces of wax in a baggie or box until you have enough to make a batch of candles. You can separate the wax according to color if you'd like to, but usually they will mix together nicely and come out pretty. This tends to result is a light pastel color, especially if you make sure to include white wax. Go through the wax and remove any wicks, wick clips or labels that you can. You can always strain these out after the wax has been melted as well.

You should always be careful to follow the safety guidelines when melting wax, and never allow it to overheat. If melted wax gets too hot, it can catch fire, and that is a very hazardous situation. Melt the wax in a double boiler over gentle heat, to assure that it won't get too hot.

After you've melted the wax and removed any wick clips and wicks or labels, you can add colorant and scent if you'd like to. Pour the candles in your prepared molds or containers as you usually would with new store bought wax. You can reuse the containers from your candles as well. Clean them thoroughly, and use an appropriate sized wick and wick clip to wick your reused glass candle container.

If you collect leftover wax and have your friends and family do the same for you, you will find that you have plenty of candle making material and often will only need to purchase wicks. This will make your homemade candles the best deal you can get.