10 Unbelievable Ways to Reuse Old Candle Wax!
Wax it up! Find out 10 cool ways to make use of old candle wax, and breathe new life into your creative projects!
Don’t throw away those old candles just yet! Instead, use them to make new creations. Whether you want to repurpose the wax or create something entirely new, we’ve got ideas for you in this blog post. Let’s dive into how you can get creative with your leftover wax!
Rub it on a Toboggan, Sticky Drawer, or Shoelaces
Rubbing leftover candle wax on a toboggan, sticky drawer, or shoelaces can be a great way to get use out of it. Not only does it make them look newer, but it can also help them last longer.
The wax will act as a lubricant and help reduce friction, making them easier to open or close as well as reducing wear and tear. Plus, it’s an all-natural solution compared to harsh chemical lubricants.
Create a Brand New Candle
Making a brand new candle from old wax is easy and fun! All you need is a few leftover wax pieces and a new jar or container.
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- First, melt the old wax pieces together in a pot of boiling water.
- Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt the wax.
- Next, carefully place a wick in the center of your new jar, then pour the melted wax into the container.
Once the wax has cooled and hardened, you can enjoy your very own, brand new candle!
Mini Planters
After you have removed the excess wax and wick from the container, you can repurpose it into a mini planter! Empty candle containers with drainage holes, like those from Paddywax, can function as planters for small houseplants or succulents.
What’s more, you can make an entirely new candle just by using cleaned-out jars and leftover wax. Combine wax pieces (preferably ones with similar scents and colors) and melt them down in a double boiler.
Once the wax is melted, add your favorite essential oils and pour the mixture into your jar. Let it cool, and voila – you have a brand new candle!
Temporary Substitute for Caulk
If you’re running low on caulk, you can always use old candle wax as a temporary substitute. Wax can be used to fill in small gaps and cracks between skirting and walls, and it will hold up for the long term.
You can also rub the grout down with leftover wax after deep cleaning your shower. This wax will repel water and protect your shower from further water damage, so it’s definitely worth considering as a viable alternative to caulk!
Loosen Stuck Zippers
“Coming from the previous section, where we discussed how to use old wax on toboggans, sticky drawers and shoelaces, we can now move on to using it to loosen stuck zippers! Candle wax is a great lubricant for zippers. All you need to do is grab an old candle, light it and let the heat melt the wax.
You can then use a brush to apply the wax directly to the zipper teeth. This should help unstick the zipper and make it easier for you to close or open it.”
Use as Car Fresheners
I love scented candles, and now I use the wax that is left to freshen my car. You can repurpose old candle wax into a car air freshener in a few easy steps.
- First, gather your wax block remnants or pieces of candle wax.
- Then, put the wax into a small, heat-resistant jar with a lid.
- Place the jar in your car’s cup holder or wherever it fits.
From there, just leave your car in the summer heat and watch as the heat melts the wax and releases its scent. You can also use cheesecloth to hold the wax in place and let the scent through more effectively. Now, you have a DIY car air freshener that is sure to keep your car smelling fresh!
Seal a Letter With Wax Melts
If you have some old candles lying around, you can reuse them to create a beautiful wax seal for a letter or card. You can use a spoon and a lighter to melt the wax. Once the wax is melted, press it onto your envelope and use a wax seal stamp to press on the wax for a few seconds. With just a few simple steps, you can easily create a unique and decorative seal for your letter or card.
Create a Fragrance Pouch from Leftover Wax
Creating a fragrance pouch from leftover candle wax is a great way to reuse materials and make something useful out of what might otherwise be throwaways. All you need to do is melt the leftover wax, pour it into a mold of your choice, let it cool, and then add some essential oils for a subtle scent.
Once the wax has hardened, simply place it in a cloth bag and tie some string around the top to create the pouch. Now you have an eco-friendly way to keep your clothes smelling fresh!
Fill in Gaps and Holes near Doors and Windows
I have found that leftover candle wax can be a surprisingly handy temporary substitute for caulk. To fill in gaps and holes near doors, around windows, along the foundation, you can temporarily seal it with leftover candle wax.
All you have to do is warm the candle wax with a match or lighter, then apply it directly against the gap or hole you want sealed. Once cooled, the wax will form a strong seal that can even come in handy if your door or window frames aren’t exactly level.
So next time you find yourself with a draft coming through your door or window, don’t immediately reach for store-bought caulk, try reusing some of that extra candle wax instead!
Create a Fire Starter
A great way to use leftover wax, why not try making your own fire starters? It’s a great outdoor project that can help you get cozy around a fire pit or wood-burning fireplace. Here’s how to make them:
- Gather your supplies: candle wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, crayons, wood shavings, an old saucepan, protective gloves, a muffin tin, cupcake papers, and empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes.
- Heat the wax using a double boiler or an old saucepan. Just be sure to watch it closely.
- Once melted, mix in wood shavings for extra fuel.
- Line the muffin tin with cupcake papers and fill each one with the melted wax and wood shavings mixture, packing down with a spoon.
- In a separate container, stuff empty toilet or paper towel tubes with waste paper, junk mail, or even pine cones and cover with melted wax.
- Let the wax cool and harden before removing from the molds.
- You’re now ready to light your fire starters! Place the wax-covered tubes and cupcake fire starters in your fireplace or fire pit and light them up!
Enjoy your cozy fire!
How to Remove Wax From a Candle Jar
#1 Let the Jar Soak in Warm Water
If you’re looking for a simpler way to get leftover wax out of a candle jar, try letting the jar soak in warm water. This is a great option if you don’t want to use boiling water or if you just want to save some time. Put in a drain stopper to make sure nothing gets stuck, and let the jar sit for a few minutes. The soap and hot water should help dissolve any oils left behind from the wax, making it easier to remove. And with this method, you don’t have to worry about the heat melting the wax and making a mess!
#2 Watch as the Heat Melts the Wax
The hack is beautifully simple: just fill your candles with boiling water (or heat the water once it’s in the jar) and watch as the heat melts the wax. Keep the heat low and let the water gently simmer, pop your candle jar in and let the heat melt the wax. You can also pop them in the microwave but be careful not to overheat as this will cause damage to your candle jar. Just keep an eye on it, as you’ll be able to see when all of the wax has melted.
#3 Fill Candles with Boiling Water
As the previous method suggests, you can also use boiling water to remove candle wax from jars. Simply fill the jar with boiling water, leaving an inch of space at the top, and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The heat of the water will melt the wax, which will then start to rise to the top of the jar. Once all of the wax has melted, carefully pour out the water and dispose of it accordingly. This is a great way to get rid of all that leftover wax without having to scrub or scrape it out.
Make Sure to Upcycle & Reuse Leftover Candle Wax
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your waste and be more sustainable, upcycling your old candle wax is a great place to start. You can use it to make a car freshener, mini planters, or even a new candle. So next time you finish a candle, don’t just throw out the wax – get creative and see what other uses you can find for it. Get started on your upcycling journey today!
