I have got a lot of left over candle bits from used candles and have tried melting the wax in the microwave, but it's not melting. Also, I don't have any wicks and used string, but it keeps going out. Has anyone any other tips on reusing candle wax, as I don't want to throw it out. Many thanks.
By helen from U.K
If you use a fireplace or wood stove or pellet stove you can take an egg crate, put in some lint from your dryer in each cup and pour the melted wax on top. Let it harden then cut apart and they become great fire starters. They will smell great too. (12/03/2009)
By karen
I agree with kann714. I remember my folks throwing wax on occasion into the fireplace. I never knew why, but they did. (I was a kid then)
Here is trick that might interest you. Melt the wax in an old pot. Use old crayons to brighten the color. Get some long thin candles (usually really cheap and some times at Goodwill) hold onto the end of the wick and dip the candle into the pot. Build up the layers of was so they burn longer.
There is definitely a trick to making candles. My mom used to do it when I was a squirt. She bought the wicks from somewhere. Maybe you can order some. Or a craft shop might have them. Best of luck. (12/03/2009)
By Suntydt
You should always use an old can over a pot of simmering water to melt the wax. Doing it in the micro might be asking for a fire!
I have used butcher's string for wicks, but you need to dip and saturate them in the melted wax before using them as wicks. {several times} Once the wax is melted you can add old crayons for color and then add some essential oils for flavor. Find what you are going to use for molds before melting the wax!
Tuna cans, old toys with a pleasant shape, cupcake papers set inside a muffin tin, old cookie cutters and old, deep all metal ladles, small tins, even the Reynolds "fun shapes" tin foil baking cups shaped like hearts, etc. make great shapes. {just tape a sturdy piece of cardboard on the bottom of the cookie cutter before pouring.}
Be sure you cover your work surface with newspaper and set the candles on a wax paper covered cookie sheet.
One year I got the ice cream cones with the flat bottoms and ran a coat hanger thru the bottoms, dipped them and let dry on waxed paper {dip several times to saturate the cone, but let dry in between} using an "old" set of beaters or some you can pick up at Goodwill cheap, beat some of the wax and add different colors to denote different ice cream flavors and use an ice cream scoop to fill the cones. {the wax will appear creamy and frothy} Only beat one flavor of "ice cream" at a time as it sets up fast once it's whipped.} Collect coffee cans from all your friends for this one! You will need a thin metal rod, just heat it first, then put down the middle of the ice cream and insert wick, add a touch more wax after the wick is in and cooled.
You can also just add the scented wax to one of those warming plates just for that purpose. To remove small amounts of wax from a glass jar just put it in the freezer for a few hours.
If you ever do end up with a wax fire do NOT throw water on it, cover the container with a lid of some sort, if it splashes out of the container then use some salt or baking powder to pour on the smaller fire areas if possible.
To keep the string/wick in place as you pour the wax just wrap the extra wicking around a heavy nail or pencil and set across the top of the mold. Hope this helps! (12/03/2009)
By Virginia
We reusue to make "new" candles. We also melt and dip pine cones to use as fireplace starters. (12/04/2009)
It is too dangerous to melt the wax in the microwave. If the wax reaches its flash point, it will explode. You must melt it in the double-boil method: simmer water in a large pot, have the wax melting in a smaller pot that sits in the water. We use old toilet paper and paper towel rolls (and also old cardboard frozen juice containers) for the molds, with paper for the bottom and pencils to hold the wick straight.
You could also use the wax pieces to wax a table by rubbing it in. Again, please do not use the microwave to melt the wax - very dangerous. (12/16/2009)
By Bonnie
I cut up the unused portion of the candle, then put them either in a tart burner or melt them in a simmering pot. Works great and I get to use up all of my candle. (04/30/2010)
You'll need a safe and easy method for melting wax in order to use leftover candles. Make a simple double boiler with a small empty coffee can and a saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water, and heat the water just until it reaches a temperature hot enough to melt the wax. Turn off the flame, and place small shavings or chunks of leftover candle wax in a clean, dry coffee can.
Never leave melting candles unattended, and never allow them to become too hot. Candle wax is flammable and can catch fire. This is why I recommend heating the water and removing the pan from heat or flame before adding the wax. The water can always be reheated if necessary.
(06/09/2010)
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