How to Melt Crayons in the Microwave
If you've always wondered what to do with all those broken crayons, now you can do something about it by melting them in the microwave. Children look forward to having that new box of crayons, but this time they don't have to be the traditional straight crayons. Candle and candy molds or just paper cups can be used to make different shapes. Melted colors are allowed to harden into new and different crayons.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic yogurt cups
- Broken crayons
- Water
- Molds or paper cups
- Sharp knife
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove all paper labels from the crayons. Break larger pieces into smaller pieces. Use the knife to score a line down the length of the crayon and peel the paper off.
-
2
Separate the crayons by color and place them in separate yogurt cups. Fill them about half full.
-
-
3
Place 1 inch of water in one of the yogurt cups. Place a cup with broken crayons inside the cup that contains water.
-
4
Microwave the cups for 30 seconds at a time, checking the melting progress before the next 30 seconds. This should only take 1 or 2 minutes total.
-
5
Pour the melted crayon into the mold or in paper cups. The depth in paper cups should be about an inch.
-
6
Allow the cup or mold to cool completely. If the hardened crayon won't pop out of the paper cup, simply tear the paper away.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To make designer crayons, mix bits of hard crayon of different colors into the melted crayon before it hardens.
Do not attempt to heat the crayons longer or all at once.
Children should not be allowed to melt crayons without supervision.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
