Are you looking for a creative way to give your old candles new life? Repurposing old candles is not only sustainable but also a fun and easy way to make your own candles. In this blog, we’ll guide you step by step through the process of making candles from old leftover candles. You'll learn what materials you need, how to melt the candles, and which wicks to use. So, let's start transforming those leftover candle pieces into beautiful new candles!

Are candles reusable?

Yes, candles are definitely reusable! Repurposing old candle wax is a sustainable way to create new candles and reduce waste. Here are some benefits of reusing candles:

• Sustainability: Reusing old candle wax reduces waste and gives materials a second life.
• Cost-effective: Reusing old candles saves money because you don’t have to buy new candles.
• Creativity: Candle-making is a hobby that truly unleashes your creativity. You can experiment with different colours, scents, and shapes to create unique candles.
• Environmentally friendly: Reducing candle waste helps protect the environment by sending less waste to landfills.

Making your own candles from old candle wax is an eco-friendly and creative way to reuse old materials.

Materials needed for making candles from leftover candle wax

To start making candles from old candle remnants, you’ll need the following materials:

• Old candles or candle wax scraps
• Heat-resistant bowl or pot (for melting the candle wax)
• Pan (for the double boiler technique)
• Candle holders or moulds
• Wicks (you can reuse old wicks or purchase new ones)
• Colour dyes (optional)
• Fragrance oils (optional)
• Scissors (for trimming wicks)
• A wooden stick or pencil (to keep the wick upright during pouring)

With these materials, you can create your own candles from old candle wax.

How to make candles from old candle wax

Making candles from old candle wax is a beautiful way to reuse leftover wax and enjoy a sustainable crafting project. Here are the steps you can follow to create your own candles from old candle remnants:

Step 1: Collect your old candles

Begin by gathering all the candle remnants you have. These can be half-used candles, broken candles, or small stubs. Make sure to remove as much dirt and old wicks as possible before starting.

Step 2: Prepare a double boiler

To melt the candle wax evenly and safely, use a double boiler. This is a heat-resistant bowl or pot you place over a pan of water. The double boiler method ensures that the wax doesn’t directly contact the heat source, reducing the risk of burning or overheating.

Step 3: Melt the candle wax on low heat

Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat so that the water simmers gently. Place the heat-resistant bowl with the old candle remnants on the pan. The steam from the boiling water will slowly melt the wax. Stir occasionally to ensure the candle wax melts evenly.

Step 4: Add colour and fragrance (Optional)

If you want to give your new candles some colour or a pleasant scent, you can add colour dyes or fragrance oils to the melted wax. Be sure to stir well to evenly distribute the colour and scent.

Step 5: Prepare your candle holders or moulds

While the wax is melting, you can prepare your candle holders or moulds. Place the wicks in the centre of the holders or moulds. To keep the wick in place, briefly dip it in the melted wax before placing it in the candle holder. Use a wooden stick or pencil to keep the wick upright when you pour the wax.

Step 6: Pour the candle wax

Once the wax is completely melted and you’ve added any desired colour and fragrance, carefully pour the wax into the prepared candle holders or moulds. Ensure that the wick remains upright and centred.

Step 7: Allow the candles to harden

Let the candle wax cool and harden completely. This may take several hours, depending on the size of the candles. Once the candles are fully hardened, you can remove them from the moulds or leave them in the holders.

Step 8: Trim the wicks

Trim the wicks to an appropriate length, leaving about half a centimetre above the candle's surface. This ensures that your candles burn nicely and evenly.

Step 9: Enjoy your new candles!

With these simple steps, you can transform old candle remnants into beautiful new creations. Now, you can use your homemade candles, knowing you’ve made a sustainable choice instead of having bought new ones. Plus, it was a fun, creative activity!

How to melt old candles

Melting the remnants of old candles is an essential part of the process when making candles from old wax. Follow these steps to melt your candles safely and effectively:

1. Collect and sort the old candles: Gather all candle remnants and remove as much dirt and old wicks as possible.
2. Use a double boiler: Place a heat-resistant bowl or pot over a pan of water. This method ensures the candle wax melts evenly without direct contact with the heat source.
3. Melt on low heat: Heat the water over low heat and let the candle wax melt slowly. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.

Melting candles in a bowl over a pan of water (the double boiler method) is the safest way to do so without the risk of overheating or fire hazards.

What can you use as a wick?

When making candles from old candles, it’s important to choose the right wick. Here are some options for wicks that you can use:

• Cotton wicks: These are the most common and work well for most candles. They are available in various thicknesses and lengths.
• Wooden wicks: These give candles a crackling sound and a rustic look. They are perfect for decorative candles.
• Reusable wicks: If you have removed old wicks from your candles and they are still in good condition, you can reuse them.

When choosing a wick, make sure it suits the size and type of candle you are making. The right wick ensures your candle burns evenly and produces a beautiful flame.

Tips for beginners

Are you new to candle making? Here are some handy tips to get you started:

1. Start simple: Choose simple candle designs to begin with, such as jar candles or candles in silicone moulds.
2. Safety first: Always use a double boiler to melt candles and keep flammable materials away.
3. Experiment with colours and scents: Add different dyes and fragrance oils to make your candles unique and personal
4. Be creative with leftovers: Mix different leftovers of coloured candle wax to create new colours.
5. Practise patience: Allow your candles to fully harden before you remove them from the moulds or use them.

With these tips, you’re ready to start making your own beautiful candles from old candle wax!

Inspiration from Vaessen Creative

At Vaessen Creative, we love creative projects and reusing materials. Our crafting experts have some fun ideas for making candles from old candles:

• Make a set of colourful tealights from different coloured wax remnants.
• Use silicone moulds to cast candles in fun shapes, like stars or hearts.
• Add dried flowers to your candles for a natural and decorative touch.
• Experiment with layers of different colours for a rainbow effect. For the best effect, make sure to let the layers dry a bit before adding the next colour.

With all this inspiration and knowledge, you can start making your own candles from old ones. So, pull out your crafting supplies, and let’s get started!