How to Recycle Candle Wax

Ever have that chunk of wax left over from a pillar candle or have a candle which has a wick too short for burning? Here are some steps to help you use that wax without wasting it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Used candle wax
• Cardboard juice concentrate containers (clean)
• Metal coffee can
• Hot Plate/Stove top
• Candle Mold
• Wick

1. MELT THE WAX: Place the wax in the coffee can and place the can on the burner. Heat over low heat until completely melted.

2. COOL WAX: Carefully pour the melted wax into the juice concentrate containers and set somewhere to cool. Allow approximately 24 hours to cool completely.

3. SEPARATE DIRTY WAX FROM CLEAN: Tear the cardboard container from the hardened wax. At the bottom of the wax, you will see the dirt from the original candle. Cut the dirty part off the bottom and dispose of it.

4. MELT THE CLEAN WAX: Repeat step 1 with the clean wax.

5. ARRANGE A FRAME: Arrange the candle mold so the pour hole is at the top. Rest a squared off piece of wood or a rod on two steady objects so that the wood is over the opening of the candle mold. Make sure the resting object is not going to move on its own as this will keep your wick in place while the wax cools. If it is not squared off, secure it with tape or glue.

6. PLACE THE WICK: Take the wick material and drape it over the rod and into the candle mold. It should be draped long enough that the wick touches the bottom of the mold but does not fold at the bottom. Use a clothes pin or clip to hold the wick on the rod.

7. MAKE THE CANDLE: Pour the hot wax into the mold, slowly. You do not want bubbles forming in the wax so be sure to pour it gently.

8. ALLOW THE WAX TO COOL: Let the mold sit for 24-48 hours. If the wax level diminishes (this can happen as the wax cools), add more wax to the mold following step 7 instructions.

9. FINISH THE CANDLE: Remove the mold (follow manufacturer's instructions). Cut the wick material 3/4-1/2 inch from the top of candle.

10. USE CANDLE: Burn the candle the same way you always have. Enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you want multicolored candles, melt and cool colors individually. The same goes if the candles were scented.
• If candle mold is difficult to remove, run some warm water over it to soften the wax a little. Do not use hot water as it will melt the wax and damage the design on your candle.
• Always use caution when burning candles.
• Caution: The melted wax is very hot and will burn you. Use hot mits when handling the hot wax containers.

[mattsaboy]

on 9/5/2009 5 stars for a great article.