An Easy Way for Upcycling Old Candles Into New Ones

Upcycling old candles and candle stubs into new ones is an easy DIY project. With just a few simple steps, you can transform candle remnants into new, beautiful candles that brighten your home and make any room just that much cozier.

I’m always just a little disappointed when a candle finally burns out, especially one of my favorite candles. Even though the wick has burned, there’s always some leftover candle wax. So instead of tossing them out, why not give them a second life? 

3 ways to remove old wax from a jar/container

Over the years, I’ve used three different methods for removing wax from jars and they all work successfully. But whatever you do, do not use the microwave to melt the wax. Many candles use metal wick-holders that will damage your microwave.

Method 1: Freeze the wax and container

Place the jar or container in the freezer overnight. Once the wax and jar are frozen, remove them from the freezer. Using a dinner knife, go around the edges, and the wax will pop out. But be careful; don’t apply too much pressure, or the glass jar may break in your hand.

Method 2: Use the oven

Set your oven to the lowest temperature, place the jars on a baking sheet, and put them in the oven. Once the wax has softened, you can scoop it out. 

Method 3: Use hot water

Pour boiling water into the candle container. Since the wax is lighter than water, the wax will release and float to the top and the water remains in the bottom of the jar. Remove the wax and let it dry completely.

What kind of jar, container, or candle holder should I use when making my own candles?

Here are some ideas for using things you probably already have around the house. I’ve also used different types of small glasses  I’ve picked up at flea markets or thrift stores.

• Old candle jars
• Glass yogurt jars
• Small, stemmed glassware
• Glass canning jars/Mason jars
• Dijon mustard jars

Can I use scents in the candles I make?

You can make scented or unscented candles. It’s just personal preference. Just keep in mind that if some of the candle wax you are melting is already scented, make sure the scents you add will blend well with the original scents so that they don’t compete with each other. 

I use essential oils when scenting my candles and I choose my favorite blends like orange and cinnamon bark or Patchouli for example.

The supplies you’ll need to make your own candles

• Old candles, small pieces of wax, or candle scraps
• Candle melting pot or a double boiler using a combination of a saucepan and heatproof glass bowl
• Candle wicks
• Containers for your candles
• Pencils or wooden skewers to keep the candle wicks straight
• Scissors
• Pour pot or old measuring cup for pouring the wax into the containers (you want to use something old since the wax leaves a very fine film that is hard to remove)

How to melt old candle wax

I think the best way to melt leftover wax is by using a double boiler. It may take a little longer but it always works successfully. But use an old glass bowl so that you don’t ruin a new one. An alternative is to buy and use a pour pot that you can save and use again the next time you make candles.

1. Place a pot or saucepan on the stove and fill about 1/3 of it with water. Place a glass, heatproof bowl inside the pot or saucepan, and make sure the water touches the bottom and up the sides of the glass bowl. 
2. Place the leftover wax in the glass bowl and let it melt. Different types of wax have different melting points, so be patient as it does take time for all the wax to melt and some pieces will likely melt sooner than others. You might have to add some more water to the pan during the process.
3. While the wax is melting, wash your containers with soap and water and dry them.
4. Place a small amount of hot glue on the bottom of the metal piece or tab attached to the new wicks and place that in the bottom of your selected containers.
5. Trim the new wicks leaving enough of the wick to wrap around a wooden skewer or a pencil and lay it on top of the container so that when the wax is added, the wick is centered and standing up straight.
6. Once the wax has melted, use tongs to remove the wicks and any small metal pieces that were attached to the wicks. 
7. Pour wax into your containers and fill them to your desired height.
8. Once the wax has solidified, trim the wicks. The top of the wick should be about 3/4 of inch above the wax.
9. Light your new candle and enjoy!

If you enjoyed this DIY project, you might also like these other easy projects

• How to make ice lanterns
• Make colored glass jars to get the vintage look