How to Make New Candles From Old Ones

This is such a simple thing to do that I can’t really call it a tutorial. It’s a great little money saver, and a great way to recycle something which otherwise would have ended up in the trash.

It’s easy to make new candles out of old ones, and it can also be fun and creative, if you put some artistic effort into it.

Reusing Those Bits of Wax

You know how candles rarely burn down all the way, so then you’re left with these wax stumps at the bottom? Don’t throw the wax stumps away.

Collect them somewhere, and when you get enough of them, all you need is a wick (you can get them at a craft store, order a wick pack from Amazon, or make your own) and a jar or something to hold the candle in (get some DIY candle holder ideas), and you can make a new candle out of the leftover pieces of old ones.

You can also learn how to make candles from scratch.

Removing the old wick

The most difficult part of this process is getting the old wick out of the old candle. If it’s just a wick, you can just chip the wax away from it. But often the wick will be attached to a little metal square or disc that isn’t as easy to get rid of.

There’s a very simple way to get all the wax off of a candle holder. Once you do that and then let the chunks of wax dry, you can chip the wax away from it until you’ve got just the metal disc.

How to Make the New Candles

There are three methods, each with pros and cons.

Mosaic Style

This is the easiest way to do it, and it can look very pretty when you pick colors well. The downside is that it doesn’t burn as efficiently as other methods.

The first step is to put your wick into the bottom of the jar. There are a couple of different ways to go about packing the wax in around the wick.

While holding the wick upright, drop the wax chunks in around it. Try to pack it tightly so there aren’t many gaps in the wax.

This method does have the advantage of letting you get creative by arranging the wax chunks according to color, size or shape. You can make really pretty mosaic candles this way.

Melt & Pour Chunky Style

Melt some of the wax (or all of it, if you want a totally smooth candle). Follow the instructions for the first method, but after you’ve packed in a layer of wax chunks, pour in some of the melted wax around them to fill the gaps.

Keep doing this row by row, like mortaring bricks (sort of), and you’ll get a candle which burns efficiently.

Melt & Pour Smooth Style

The best method is to melt all the wax and pour a whole new candle.

Use a double boiler, or make one by putting one pan inside another, or even a coffee can inside a pan.
Put the wax chunks in the inner vessel.
Fill the outer vessel halfway with water.
Set the heat to high.
Stir the wax as it melts.
Once it’s pourable, carefully pour it into the jar around your wick.
Use some kind of tool to grip the wick where it sticks up from the hot wax and move it into place (center, standing up straight). I use a little pair of pliers for this, but in a pinch you could even use a pair of scissors, with the blades turned to the side to avoid cutting the wick.
Hold the wick in place for a moment. The wax will start cooling immediately, so you won’t need to hold it long. You’ll be able to tell when the wax is cool enough for it to stand on its own.

I’ve used all three methods over the years. Obviously, the melt pour gives you the most efficiently burning candle, but sometimes it comes out a very strange color.

I actually prefer the first method, where you just break the wax into small chunks and really try to pack it in. It has a really cute patchwork, homemade sort of look. These recycled candles tend to burn down a bit faster than brand new candles for some reason, but I still consider them cost-effective – besides, it’s fun.

Choosing the Right Containers for Your Recycled Candles

For this project, the container you choose can make a big difference. Glass jars are popular because they can handle heat well and look nice.

Mason jars, old jam or mayonnaise jars, or even small glass bowls work great. Just make sure the container is clean and dry before you start.

Avoid thin plastic containers, as they can melt or catch fire. Metal tins are also a good option if you want a more durable candle holder.

Using containers that already have sentimental value or interesting shapes can add personality to your candle project. Sometimes, thrift stores or clearance sales offer unique jars and holders at low prices.

How to Add Fragrance to Your Recycled Candles

If you want your recycled candle to smell nice, you can add fragrance oils. It’s so easy, and a little goes a long way. These oils are made specifically for candles and come in many scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus.

Add the fragrance oil after you melt the wax but before you pour it into the container. Follow the instructions on the fragrance oil package for how much to use—usually about 1 ounce of oil per pound of wax.

Be careful not to add too much oil because it can make the candle burn poorly or produce smoke. Also, avoid using essential oils unless they are labeled as safe for candles since some can be flammable or cause uneven burning.

Coloring Your Recycled Wax

To make your candles more colorful, you can add candle dye or chips designed for wax coloring. These come in solid blocks, liquid drops, or small flakes that melt into the wax. Adding color is easy: just stir the dye into the melted wax until you get the shade you like.

If you want a natural look, you can also try adding things like dried flower petals or herbs on top after pouring the wax. However, be careful with this because some materials can catch fire easily when the candle burns.

Safety Tips When Recycling Candle Wax

Working with hot wax requires care. Always use a double boiler setup to melt wax slowly and evenly. Never melt wax directly on the stove or in a microwave, as it can overheat and catch fire.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case and never leave melting wax unattended. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot containers to avoid burns.

Make sure to keep your workspace clean and free of clutter that could catch fire. Also, place your candle containers on a sturdy surface covered with newspaper or an old cloth to catch any spills.

How to Properly Trim and Maintain Your Recycled Candle

Once your recycled candle is ready and has cooled completely, trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting it. This helps prevent the candle from smoking or burning unevenly.

Burn your candle long enough each time (around 2-3 hours) so that the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. This prevents tunneling, which is when only a small hole forms around the wick and leaves wax unused on the sides.

If your candle starts to smoke or flicker a lot, trim the wick again and make sure it’s centered in the container. Avoid burning candles near drafts or fans because this can cause uneven burning.

Using Leftover Wax for Wax Melts

If you don’t want to make new candles, another option is to create wax melts. Wax melts are small chunks of scented wax that you heat in a warmer instead of lighting directly like a candle.

To make wax melts from your leftover wax:

Melt all your wax using a double boiler.
Add fragrance oil if desired.
Pour the melted wax into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
Let them cool and harden.
Pop them out of the molds and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Wax melts are great because they last a long time and don’t have an open flame, which makes them safer around kids or pets.

Creative Ideas for Repurposing Candle Containers

Don’t toss out your old candle jars once the wax is gone! These containers can be reused in many ways:

Use clean jars for storing small items like paper clips, buttons, or spices.
Turn them into mini planters for succulents or small herbs.
Fill them with homemade sugar scrubs or bath salts as gifts.
Use them as holders for pens, paintbrushes, or makeup brushes.

Cleaning out old candle jars properly is key if you want to reuse them. To do this, freeze the jar for an hour or two so the wax hardens and shrinks. Then use a spoon or butter knife to chip out most of the wax. For any leftover residue, fill the jar with hot water and let it sit until the wax softens and floats to the top. Pour out the water and wipe clean.

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Candle Wax

Recycling candle wax helps reduce waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Since candle wax is made from paraffin (a petroleum product) or natural substances like soy or beeswax, reusing it means less demand for new raw materials.

This simple act supports sustainability by cutting down on pollution related to manufacturing new candles and reduces trash at home.

Besides being eco-friendly, recycling wax saves money because you get more use from every drop instead of buying new candles constantly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes recycled candles don’t burn as expected. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Candle won’t stay lit: Make sure your wick is trimmed properly and centered. If it’s too short or buried in wax chunks, it may not catch fire well.
Uneven burning: Pack chunks tightly around the wick or pour melted wax carefully to avoid gaps. Also, avoid drafts while burning.
Wax pooling around wick but not burning: This can happen if the wick is too small for the size of the candle container. Try using a thicker wick next time.
Smoke or soot: Trim wick regularly and don’t burn candles too close to walls or curtains which can cause smoke buildup.