Good news: it is entirely possible to recycle your leftover wax to make new candles! In this article, we will show you how to collect the leftover wax from your candles and turn it into new creations to light up your home. We will also explain the materials and tools you need to make your own recycled candles.
In a world where protecting the environment and recycling are essential, it is important to know how to reuse your raw materials to save wax and reduce waste.
Recycling your wax has two major benefits:
- Saving money by reusing the wax you already have
- Reducing your consumption and limiting your impact on the environment
Ready to give your leftover wax a second life? Follow our simple steps to recycle your wax scraps with ease and create unique new candles.
Steps to recycle your leftover wax into new candles
As you'll see, recycling your leftover wax is child's play. Follow these steps carefully for the best possible result!
Before you start: separate your moulded candles from your container candles so that you don't mix waxes intended for different uses. This will give you better results when you make your new candles.
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Melt the wax
Place your old candles in a metal melting pot and heat them in a bain-marie up to 80°C until the wax is completely liquid. -
Strain the wax
Once the wax is fully liquid, place a sieve over your beaker or a clean container. Slowly pour the wax through the sieve to remove any impurities. -
Add dye and fragrance (optional)
If you wish, now is the time to add your dye and/or fragrance to the melted wax. Stir well for an even distribution. -
Prepare your moulds or containers
For moulded candles:- Take your P3 wick and insert it into your cylinder mould.
- Thread the wick from the bottom to the top of the mould and cut it to the length you want.
- Secure the wick at the other end of the mould, keeping it centred, and make sure the silicone plug seals the opening of the mould properly to prevent wax from leaking.
- Choose the containers you like (jam jars, yoghurt pots, etc.), making sure their diameter matches the wicks you are using.
- Secure the wicks in the centre of the containers.
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Pour the wax
Fill your moulds or containers with the melted wax. For moulded candles, use the sieve to strain the wax one last time if necessary. -
Leave the candle to set
Once the moulds or containers are filled, leave the candle to harden for at least 3 hours. If a crater forms around the wick, fill it with some leftover liquid wax of the same colour. -
Unmould and finish
For moulded candles:- Once the candle has cooled completely, remove the silicone plug from the base of the mould.
- Gently release the candle from the mould. If it won't budge, put the mould in the fridge for a few moments to make unmoulding easier.
- Trim the excess wick at the base, leaving about 8 mm of wick sticking out at the top of the candle.
- Make sure the candle has cooled properly and the wax has set.
- Trim the wick, leaving about 8 mm above the surface.
Important recommendations
Protect your work area by covering it, and wear an apron to avoid stains. Make sure your moulds or containers are clean and dry before pouring the wax. Only prepare the amount of colour you need, and check the temperature of the wax with a thermometer.
Fire safety: never melt wax directly in a saucepan! Always use a bain-marie to avoid any risk of fire.
To clean your equipment:
- Rinse the sieve with boiling water to remove any wax residue.
- Place the mould in an oven at 75°C to melt the leftover wax, then wipe off the excess with a cloth or kitchen paper.
Conclusion
You now know how to reuse your leftover wax to make new candles. Not only does this help you save money, it also reduces your environmental impact by cutting down on waste.
Did you know that you can also use melted wax to polish wooden furniture? The process is different, though!
Now that you know the tricks for recycling your wax, find out how to remove wax stains in case any appear on your surfaces.
