How to Turn Old Candles into New Ones

It seems wasteful to toss burnt out candles when the container is still good. Usually considerable wax remains but no wick. Here's how put new life in that old wax and the containers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a candle making machine
• wax from old candles
• containers from old candles
• wicks
• skewer or chopstick
• metal washers
• screwdriver
• wood stick or old wooden spoon

1. 
    

   Set up the candle making machine. Read all the directions and warnings. Put down newspapers to catch any drips.

2. 
    
   Wax remnants

   Gather the old candles and remove the wax from the containers. A sturdy screwdriver can break up the wax safer than hacking at it with a knife. Take out all the remnants of old wicks and the metal base pieces.

3. Break the wax into small pieces and place in the machine for melting. Follow the directions for your machine.

4. 
    

   Prepare the wick for the emptied container. Tie one end to the skewer or chopstick and the other end to the metal washer. Place the skewer across the top of the container and the washer at the bottom to stretch out the wick.

5. 
    

   You can also use a small candle of the same color in place of a wick. Just let the wax fill in around it.

6. 
    

   Stir the melting wax every 5 minutes with the wooden stick until it's completely liquefied. Check the machine's instructions in case it recommends more frequent or shorter melting times than the one I use.

7. 
    

   When no lumps of wax remain, it's ready to release the liquid wax into the container. Position the container with the wick under the machine according to the directions for the particular machine you are using.

8. Follow the machine's directions for cooling and topping up the candles.

9. 
    

   A residue of soot and impurities from the wax remains in the bottom. Wipe out the heat basin of the machine after each batch. Use a crumpled paper towel or tissue. Use care not to get burnt.

Tips & Warnings

• It's OK to combine different colors of wax. The darker colors will become lighter if combined with white candles.
• Keep baking soda handy. If the wax should catch fire in the machine, smother it with baking soda. Do not put water on burning wax.
• Be extremely careful not to drip wax from the wooden stirrer on yourself.
• Be extremely careful to let the candle cool before moving. Avoid spilling hot wax on any surface or person.

[Pixie1976]

on 6/13/2008 I had never thought of this, good idea.

[gailM]

on 3/24/2008 Do you remember Owen making candles in cardboard milk cartons? He added chunks of ice after he poured the hot wax into the carton. After the candle set up he just tore the cardboard off and had a beautiful candle. The melting ice left holes here & there in the candle letting the light shine through. Must have been in the 60s. Gail

[AbbyNormal]

on 3/23/2008 Great article and wonderful idea. I just usually chip up the old candle and put in glass holder and place on candle warmer. I like your idea for making new candles.