Recyle old candles
I LOVE candles. It's a well known fact. So I've found a way to repurpose glass candle jars and holders. I'm sure it's been done before, but... here's what I did.
Once your candle gets down to the point where it won't burn anymore, (or in this case, the wick won't light...) Place said candle into a large pot. Fill the pot with water so that it covers about 2/3 of the candle.
Over medium/medium-high heat, heat the jar until a large amount of the wax is melted.
Pour wax into a heat-proof container. (I put a paper bag inside a plastic bag, and it works nicely)
*For this next step it's best to use an old plasic container, as it will leave a little residue of wax.
Pour the hot water from your pan into your jars to "wash away" the wax residue.
Wipe dry with an old rag, and, voila: you have a nice little glass jar that you can use for gifts or simply a pretty storage option.
This is also a very helpful way to re-use glass votive holders!!
If you can't bear pouring all that wax out, there are several ways to reuse your candle wax:
1) if it's a very small amount, (and scented) break it up into small pieces and store it in a glass jar, then use these pieces in a wax potpourri burner.
2) if it's a larger amount, when cooled, break it into chunks. When you've collected a large enough amount, melt all the pieces together and pour into a mould. (if you don't have glass jars to use, you can cut down cardboard containers such as orange juice boxes and use these.) Tie the top of a wick to a pencil, or use a clothespin as shown here and rest it on top of the container. Then you simply pour your wax in and let it cool!
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6 comments:
That is a great idea!!
This is a great suggestion. What I usually do is melt the candle in the pot of water, same as you. Then I remove the candle from the water. Once the wax is just cool enough, I place a wick in the center, the wax is stiff enough to support the wick and keep it centered. I now have a candle to continue to use. Once the candle burns down to the point that I can not salvage any more wax, then I save the glass jar and use it (usually to store candy, M&Ms and jellybeans and such).
I just came across Frugal Friday. Great idea!
Wow...I've never thought of this! I have so many old jars of candles that can't be used. Great pictures too, by the way. I love Frugal Fridays!
Donna,
Thanks for your idea! That would cut out the whole pouring stage which can get a bit messy, so I'll have to try that out! Have a blessed day!
I have done that with my candle holders. Instead of using a pot with water I just set them in the oven on a cookie sheet on a low temp to melt the wax. It also makes the house smell all pretty in the process. :) I have also done what another reader did with using another wick but I combined the melted wax from other candles into one with the new wick. :) Makes for some interesting candles and scents. :)
Those are some wonderful tips Sonshine! Thanks for sharing!!
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