How to Use Leftover Candle Wax

Scented candles add atmosphere to any home and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and scents. Unfortunately, many candles do not burn away all of the scented wax before the wick gives out, which leaves you with perfectly good wax. With a little creativity, you can use this leftover wax to scent your home.

Things You'll Need

• Leftover wax
• Candle warmer
• Votive molds
• Muffin tins
• Tart pans
• Pre-waxed wicks
• Nail

Instructions

1. Set large glass candles that have an inch of two of scented wax left in the bottom of the jar on the stove top while you are baking. The oven will provide enough heat to gently melt the bottom of the wax and release scent into the air. You can set these candles in any area that will provide a gentle bottom heat to release the scent in the wax. The top of a water heater works well.

2. Fill a sauce pan with 2 to 3 inches of cold water, and set a jar with leftover scented wax in the bottom in the pan. Be sure the water does not cover the top of the jar or get into the wax. Heat the water slowly until it is warm enough to melt the wax in the jar. Turn the heat off and allow the candle to set in the water. This will release scent for hours.

3. Remove leftover wax from the candle container. This is easiest to do if you slowly heat the outside of the container in hot water until the wax can be removed easily. Let the wax cool, and wrap it in a piece of tissue paper. Tuck it into drawers to scent your clothes.

4. Store leftover wax in a zippered plastic storage bag. Add new wax whenever you have leftover wax from candles. When you have enough wax, melt it down and make new candles. This works particularly well if you purchase the same scents regularly. Experiment with scent combinations to create your own unique scent.

5. Melt the wax over a double burner. Pour into small votive jars or molds to create a scented candle to warm on a candle warmer for candles that do not require a wick. The heat will release the scent from the candle, and the wax will last much longer. You also can pour small amounts of wax into small tart cups or muffin tins to form tarts to scent clothing or drawers.

6. Purchase pre-waxed wicks for votive candles to create candles with wicks. Pour melted wax into a votive mold and let cool. Use a hot nail to melt a hole through the center of the votive you have created. Insert the wick from the bottom. These wicks can be purchased in the craft section where candle making supplies are sold.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use caution with hot wax, and never try to melt wax directly over a flame.

• Use a double boiler to melt wax. Never leave it unattended.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish