How To Melt Candle Wax To Reuse? A Few Tips to Remember

If you’ve ever had a used candle, you’ll know that the wax can be repurposed in an incredible variety of ways, even after it’s burned out.

Before you throw away the melted wax from your favorite candle, here are 15 creative ways to repurpose it:

1. Make More Candles

Let’s start with the most obvious one first.

It’s possible to repurpose the wax from your old candle even after it’s been melted and disposed of.

You’ll need a candle holder, a candle wick, a pan, and a heat source to repurpose your used candle wax into a new one.

3 Steps to making a new candle

1. It is possible that you will have to use a sharp tool to pry out any remaining wax if it is still in the jar from your old candle.
2. Use a heat source to turn the wax into a liquid. A regular stove works fine for this. Pour the wax into your new candle holder when it’s just about to melt and it’s ready to go. For your new candle, you don’t have to use a jar made for candles; you may use anything you have around the house, such as an old teacup, coffee cup, Pringles tube, or canning jar.
3. To replace the old one, simply insert a fresh wick into the container. I like these Amazon wicks better than the ones you’ll find in the store. Alternatively, you could always create your own.

You’ll have a fresh candle when the wax cools and hardens! You can always utilize the melted wax from other used candles to make a larger candle with more wax if you choose.

Smaller “tea lights” can be made instead of a larger candle if you don’t have enough wax.

2. Make Tea Lights

After using a candle, there may not be enough wax left to make another full-sized candle.

Tea lights use only a modest amount of wax because of their small size.

The only equipment required is a tea light holder, pan, and heat source, along with a few candle wicks. You don’t need to do anything special to get started.

Tea lights are convenient for use around the house because they can be placed almost anywhere without causing a fire threat. In the event of a power outage, tea lights come in handy as a source of light to guide you through the darkness.

Tea lights are great for camping

Tea lights might be a good back-up light source for folks who spend a lot of time outside. They don’t put out a lot of light, but they’re simple to light and last for around 6 hours on average when used as directed.

You could easily pack a large number of these inside your camping kit because they are so little. If your flashlight goes out, you can always use the melted wax you prepared to light up a few tea lights so you aren’t left in the dark.

3. Make Bug Repellent Candles

Since I reside in the South, I’d rather construct something to ward off “skeeters” than buy store-bought ones.

To make bug repellent candles:

1. Take the wax and melt it into a liquid state.
2. Add a pinch of citronella to the mix. To see the Amazon listing, click here.
3. The wax and citronella should be thoroughly combined.
4. To make the candleholder, pour the mixture into it.
5. Replace the wick.

If you wait until the mixture has hardened, you will have a candle that repels pests every time it is lit.

4. Make Fire Starters

Make fire starters out of your melted candle wax, which may be used both inside and outside of the house.

How to make a simple wax fire starter:

1. To turn the wax into a liquid, heat it in a pot over low heat.
2. Add flammable materials like paper, cardboard, or cotton to the mix.
3. To make several fire starters, simply break the wax into smaller pieces after it has cooled and solidified.

Aside from igniting your stove or fireplace on a regular basis, these wax starters can also be used to start campfires while you’re away camping!

5. Fix Squeaky Furniture

Melted candle wax can be used to solve stuck doors and drawers in your home, such as in your kitchen or bathroom.

Rehardened candle wax can be used to lubricate the parts of your household appliances that aren’t performing properly. Remove the hinges and pins from the door so that you can apply the wax directly.

Open and close the door many times after applying wax to these places to massage the wax into the surface.

Make sure that you brush the wax on the runners of your drawers before opening them a few times to get it into those spots that keep sticking.

You can try melting your wax, pouring it into an ice tray, and letting it reharden if necessary. This will produce “wax cubes” that are easier to work with while you’re applying wax to furniture.

6. Fix Zippers and Locks that Stick

Candle wax can also be applied to little daily gadgets that are prone to sticking, just as doors and drawers. You can use melted wax to repair a zipper, for example. You can prevent the zipper from becoming stuck in the locations where it’s been getting stuck by applying the wax.

The only thing you need to do is massage the solidified wax on both the exterior and the interior of the teeth of the zippers. To get your zipper working properly again, pull it up and down a few times.

Melted wax can also be used for outdoor zippers, such as tents, sleeping bags, and camping packs, which have sticky zippers.

Using solidified wax means that the zipper won’t collect more dirt because of it. Once your zipper is working properly again, you may always wash the wax off with soap and water to be on the safe side.

Birthday candles’ wax can also be repurposed to mend sticky locks, in addition to zippers. Insert the key into the lock a few times after it’s been rubbed with hardened wax. Make sure your lock is working properly again by applying wax to the tumblers.

7. Furniture Fix-up

When you’re done melting the wax, you can use it to repair scratches, dents, and other blemishes on wood furniture or hardwood floors.

Apply a furniture marker to the area where the wax has hardened, and then color it in with a paintbrush or similar tool. No one will ever know that it was there if it is done correctly.

8. Fix Shoelaces and Buff Shoes

Frayed shoelaces and scuffed shoes can be treated with melted wax.

Candle wax can help you save old shoelaces that are beginning to tear by melting it and pouring it over where the shoelace is beginning to come apart. When the wax hardens, it will hold the shoelace together and protect it from water.

When it comes to cleaning scuffed shoes, canola oil and candle wax work wonders.

Making wax leather salve:

1. Make a liquid out of the candle wax.
2. Stir with a tablespoon of canola oil before serving.
3. Make sure the wax doesn’t set by letting the mixture cool for a minute. If the mixture begins to stiffen, simply reheat it over a low heat until it returns to its liquid state. Then, with a soft rag, buff off the scuff with the candle wax and canola oil. Scuff marks on furniture can be easily removed with this technique.)

9. Make Wax Sealant

In many nations, wax was used to seal letters, furniture items, and even food cans or glass jars for storage until the introduction of modern sealants and epoxy.

Just melt the wax and pour it over the area that is vulnerable to the environment, such as a window sill, to make it watertight. As soon as it has hardened, the wax will serve as a temporary sealant, much like caulk.

Sealing a vertical or ceiling surface is best accomplished by pressing hot wax onto the desired area and holding it there until it has dried. If this is not done, the wax may not form a tight seal.

Using the “wax cubes” we discussed in #5 to mend noisy furniture is one option. Hold the heated wax against the region that has to be sealed and melt the other end of the cube.

Sealing and preserving food

Make careful to store food in a sturdy container, such as metal or glass, before using wax to preserve it. The wax should be melted and poured over the seal of the container or any other opening that could allow air or moisture to enter after the food has been safely kept for a period of time.

If you plan to keep the food for an extended amount of time, it’s recommended to use wax on both the outside and inside of the lid as a double-sealant to preserve it even better from contamination. Once the wax has dried, it will keep your food fresher for longer by keeping moisture out.

10. Make Air Freshener

There is still a pleasant aroma to be had even when the wax from your favorite candle has completely melted away. You can use the melted wax to produce air fresheners if you want to keep the aroma around for a longer period of time.

3 steps to making a simple air freshener out of old candle wax:

1. Pour old wax into a container and let it cool.
2. The wax can be broken into pieces or shaved off after it has solidified.
3. Put the hardened wax pieces inside a loosely woven material, like a sock.
4. Closets, bathrooms, and even your car are all good places to store stuff.

You’ll soon notice that the place where you hung your new air freshener smells a lot nicer!

11. Make Potpourri

Similar to how melted candle wax can be used to make air fresheners, it can also be used in a potpourri mix.

All you have to do is gather the hardened remains of your favorite scented candles and put them into a small jar. Add some dried petals from flowers that you like or pieces of dried spices with attractive scents and you have your own potpourri, personalized to your sense of smell.

12. Wax Paper

Gather the hardened remnants of your favorite scented candles and save them in a tiny jar for future reference. With the addition of dried petals from your favorite flowers or pieces of spices with enticing scents, you can create your own own potpourri.

Making wax paper from melted candle wax

Materials: Here’s what you’ll need to make your own wax paper:

• Paper to be copied
• Infinite length of toilet paper
• A frying pan

Directions:

1. Using a table or other flat surface as a work area, lay out your copy paper.
2. On top of the copy paper, place a piece of tissue It is possible that the copy paper will stabilize the tissue paper and prevent a mess, as well.
3. Using little chunks of your melted candle wax, arrange them on top of a sheet of tissue paper.
4. Place the pan on the wax and tissue paper after heating it until the bottom is warm to the touch. The wax will be immediately melted in the pan that has been heated to a high temperature.
5. For about 10 seconds, gently move the pan to distribute the wax evenly on the paper.
6. Remove the tissue paper from the copy paper after the wax has completely dries.

Voila! Wax paper you may make at home and use as you choose.

13. Waterproof Labels

To make your marker labels water-resistant, wax can be applied in the same way as paper wax.

Simply rub white wax over the place where the object has your name written in marker, and the object will be completely erased. You’ll have a watertight label once that’s done.

Use white wax since any other hue will make it difficult to see what you’ve written.

14. Snow Shoveling

This is a little-known fact that can aid those of you who have to shovel snow all winter long.

Snow shovels should be coated with wax before heading outside. Adding a wax coating to your shovel can give it a little extra traction and help you dig out of last night’s snow storm.

You’ll thank me later if you do.

15. Easy Pin Cushion

The tomato pin cushion that my mother had when I was a kid was one of my fondest childhood memories. People who are reading this are probably familiar with what I’m referring to. Instead of copying your mother, why not make your own wax pin cushion?

• To condense wax, just melt it to a liquid state and pour it into a container.
• Allow the condensed wax to set until it is a thick enough consistency to hold a pin and needle.

You now have a novel and convenient way to keep your sewing supplies organized.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wax Melts

Air fresheners and fragrances are provided by wax melts. There are many different types of wax, sizes, shapes, and scents to choose from. Wax warmers are a safe alternative to burning scented candles since they are designed to be melted. With so many choices available, it might be difficult to settle on one. To help you choose the best wax melts for your home, here are some tips.

Wax Type

Wax melts are available in a variety of forms from a range of manufacturers. An overview of the wax melts currently available on the market may be seen below.

• Due it is a waste product from the manufacturing of petroleum oil, some people avoid paraffin wax because of its pungent aroma. While the issue of paraffin candles’ toxicity is still being debated, the general consensus is that well-made paraffin wax melts are completely harmless. Paraffin is also less expensive than other kinds of wax.
• When it comes to scented wax melts, soy wax is the most common choice. It is a safe, vegan, and non-toxic material because it is made from soybeans. Soy wax is an eco-friendly product because it may be created from a sustainably managed agricultural supply.
• Plant-based waxes like palm and soy wax are similar in that they are both made from plants. Palm wax has a higher degree of hardness than soy wax, which is made from hydrogenated palm oil.
• When it comes to producing candles from beeswax, it is one of the oldest materials. Even without the use of essential oils, beeswax emanates a honey-like scent as it melts.
• Mineral oil and resin go into the making of gel wax, which is sold in little cups as a melt. A wax warmer is used to melt around 1 teaspoon of scented gel at a time.

Size and Shape

To fit in the bowls of wax warmers, little, fragrant wax pieces are made in the suitable size and proportions. Because of their resemblance in size and shape to those delectable baked confections, they’re also known as “tarts.”

Molds are used to pour the molten wax into, resulting in a wide variety of forms and colors. Stars, hearts, circular discs, and small bears are among the most popular shapes.

Sheets of break-off cubes with six cubes per sheet are available for several wax melts. To fill a wax warmer bowl, each cube typically contains 0.25 ounces of melting wax.

Scent

Wax melts can be used to enhance the ambiance of any room in the house, and there are countless aromas to choose from. Florals, fruits, spices, plants and trees, favorite cuisines, and clean laundry are among the most common scents. In addition, some wax melts can be used to remove unpleasant odors from the air in your home.

Essential oils are commonly used in the scenting of wax melts. Wax melts containing only pure, natural, and non-toxic essential oils should be sought for by those who care about the environment.

“Aroma throw” is a term used to describe the ability of a wax melt to produce a strong, perceptible scent that permeates the air. The aroma throw and melting time of wax melts may be of interest to consumers. As a result, the fragrance fills the entire house in a short period of time.

Additives

Melting wax contains ingredients that release fragrance or scent when heated to the proper temperature. The additives’ aroma is released into the air as the wax melts. Essential oils are commonly used as these additions.

Natural, nontoxic essential oils are preferred by many wax melt users in order to keep their homes clean and hygienic. Other than that, people may be on the lookout for wax melts that don’t include dangerous chemicals like phthalates in them.

A chemical called diethyl phthalate (DEP) is utilized in a variety of scents. DEP enhances soy wax’s hot smell throw. Wax melts free of phthalates may appeal to environmentally aware consumers.

Burning Time

In the world of candles, “burning time” refers to the amount of time a candle can burn before its wick and wax are exhausted. The phrase “burning time” is used in the wax melt industry to describe the amount of time it takes the wax melt to emit a significant aroma.

To begin releasing scent into the air, wax melts should soon turn into a liquid state. Users, on the other hand, want the scent to stay for a long time until it disappears. After 8 to 12 hours of scent being released, many wax melts will need to be refilled.

Cotton balls can be used to soak up liquid wax from a wax melt once the scent has faded, and then thrown away in the trash after the cotton balls have been used up. Alternatively, users can remove wax that has solidified and lost its aroma by scraping it out of the wax warmer once it has cooled. Wax that has hardened in the warmer can be readily removed by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

Wax Warmer

Wax melts must be heated and melted in secure containers in order to perform their magic. Wax warmers, both electric and non-electric, are made for this purpose. Both the heat source and the bowl for the melted wax are constructed from heat- and fire-resistant materials.

Electric tabletop wax warmers have cords that plug into standard household outlets, and some even have built-in lights for illumination. Some wax warmers, on the other hand, can be plugged straight into a wall socket, saving you valuable counter or table space. Both a nightlight and a scent source are common features of electric wax warmers.

Wax warmers that don’t use electricity need tea lights to keep the wax warm. Tin cups hold these tiny, disc-shaped candles. A wax warmer’s bowl contains a partially enclosed space beneath which tea lights are put. Tea light wax warmers can be used as a safe alternative to burning scented candles in the same way.

The Best Wax Melts for Your Candle Warmer

With a wide range of wax kinds, aromas, additions (such as essential oils), shapes, and sizes to consider, we’ve compiled this definitive guide to the best wax melts on the market today. There is a strong focus on non-toxic, high-quality items in this list of the best picks.

These wax melts, which are blended with essential oils and made from organic soy vegetable oil, have a fall smell. It has notes of fall spices such as mcintosh apples and cinnamon caramel swirls, as well as a hint of pecan waffle. One pack of each of the five perfumes is included in the five-pack. For a total of 30 wax melt cubes per pack, there are six packs available, each of which can be used in an electric or nonelectric wax warmer. It is important to Farm Raised Candles that their wax melts be free of paraffin, petroleum oil-based compounds, and other impurities of any kind. They use only natural essential oils to enhance the scent of their wax. The wax in these melts is made from soybeans cultivated in the United States, which is a renewable and sustainably derived agricultural commodity.

The Advantages of Owning the Best Wax Melts

Both scented candles and wax melts can be used to infuse an indoor space with pleasant scents. Wax melts have advantages over scented candles in terms of health and safety.

In contrast to candles, many wax warmers are powered by electricity, making them a safer choice. When using a nonelectric wax warmer, you’ll need to use tea lights, which are contained in fireproof tin cups and placed in the warmers’ partially enclosed regions. When it comes to fire safety, even nonelectric wax warmers are better than scented candles.

The olfactory system is responsible for the perception of perfume, fragrance, or odor. These inputs are interpreted in the brain based on their emotional content, according to research. Scents can have both positive and negative emotional connotations due to this fact. Positive emotions can be elicited by pleasant scents such as a sense of calm and relaxation, as well as good recollections.

As a result, wax melts are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a pleasant scent to their home or office. There are a range of pleasant sentiments that wax melts can induce based on individual smell compositions and those favorable emotional connections. They are able to:

• keep cooking, pets, and other sources of undesirable scents at bay
• enhance the sense of well-being
• cultivate a feeling of freshness and cleanliness in the air
• stimulate happy recollections and thoughts

FAQs

It can be overwhelming for people who are just starting started with wax melts or who are looking for fresh and diverse scents for their collection. It is possible to create a peaceful and pleasant ambience in a house, office, or other indoor location by collecting a range of scented wax melts. For new wax melts, the following responses may be helpful.

Q. What are the differences between candles and wax melts?

Wax melts don’t have wicks like candles, so they don’t burn. Wax melts, in contrast to pillar and taper candles, melt into a puddle in the wax warmer’s bowl. The melting of wax necessitates the use of a heat source, either electric or nonelectric.

Q. What kind of wax is best for melts?

For melts, soy wax is the most used form of wax. Non-toxic and suitable for use around people, pets, and even small children, vegetable-based soy wax is a great alternative to petroleum-based products.

Q. Are wax melts safe for pets?

Soy wax melts are safe for use around dogs because they are made from all-natural ingredients. Pets should not be allowed to eat or chew on soy wax melts, as this could be harmful to them.

Q. How do I use wax melts without a warmer?

In a medium-sized pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Insert a smaller pot containing a wax melt into the larger pot of hot water. You can use this as a double boiler, but it doesn’t require boiling water.

Q. How long can I use wax melts?

For eight to twelve hours, most high-quality wax melts provide a pleasant fragrance. If the wax warmer is turned off after 1 to 2 hours of use, they will last longer. After a few more hours, the aroma will linger, and the wax melt can be repurposed for a few more purposes.

Q. How can I dispose of wax melts?

Cotton balls can be placed in the warmer once the wax has melted and is hot enough to absorb the liquid wax. Then, flush the cotton balls down the toilet. Alternatively, users can freeze a cold wax warmer for 10 to 20 minutes to achieve the same effect. With a paper towel, the wax can be removed from the warmer and wiped clean.

Final Thoughts

In the world of candle wax, you can now be compared to MacGyver. It’s time to show your buddies how smart you really are. Thank you for taking the time to read this!