I am a big fan of candles. Candles are good. I buy them compulsively and I burn them regularly…. especially during the fall and winter months.
However, I am totally bugged when I buy a yummy, scented candle (which often is synonymous with expensive) and it burns down the middle and I have a tube of empty wax and no wick.
I am sure you already know this, but I’ve got nuthin’ today as far as post ideas… so here ya go: recycle your candles.
I pop the leftover candle wax into a ziploc bag and toss it in with my candles until I feel like making new one.
Toss the leftover wax pieces in a microwave safe bowl and heat it 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, stirring in between. Treat it as you would if you were melting chocolate chips in the microwave.
When the wax is melted, take one of these little votive wicks (you can get them at any craft store)
Dip the bottom of it in the hot wax…
…then press it into the bottom of a glass votive cup. This will “anchor” the wick into place.
Lynn says
Never thought of doing that!
btw, I forgot to say “Cute Shoes” on your last post.
MiMi says
That’s a great idea. Seems like over half the candles I have like to burn down the middle.
Lauren says
That is a great idea! Do you mix scents to make new ones?
Becca @ The Texas Darlings says
I have honestly never thought of doing that with the leftovers…bummer…all these years of throwing them away!!
Great idea!
~Becca
Aunt of 14 says
H-E-Y-!-! That is such a fantastic idea… I love candles but you’re right, they do get expensive. OH thank you for this suggestion! I didn’t think it would be that easy to do!
Aunt of 14 says
oh by the way, did you know I left something for you on my blog yesterday?
shortmama says
I do the same thing with mine! Saves so much money!
Lisa@Pickles and Cheese says
I really didn’t know that this could be done. I throw candles out all the time. Will have to give this a try and I am surprised you can do it in the microwave. Even better!
Kelli says
How do you say you got nothin? This is something. Something I would not have thought to do and now others are informed. So, I guess…thanks for nothin.
Jennifer says
This is something I totally need to do. Some people buy shoes….I buy candles!
Shawn says
OK you need to put the shut to the up!
I hate when that happens to me and I never thought of doing that. You are a freaking genius my friend… a freaking genius!
drollgirl says
dude! this is genius! love it!
The Rambler says
I third or fourth everyone’s comment.
YOU.ARE.GENIUS.
My husband hated my devotion and obsession to candles until we were without power for many many many hours one evening.
Who was the genius that night 🙂
Alli says
Thanks for sharing your incredible tip! I can’t wait to do this with mine, and I have many like that that I am not willing to toss just yet.
Jessica says
Great idea! Question–how do you get the wax out of the jar?
jenjen says
That is a great idea. I had no idea you could do that! I love burning candles too. I burned my first one of the season on Sunday night – I just love the smell and seeing that flame glowing.
XOXO
Jen
Xazmin says
Great idea! We do wax wickless candle warmers around here.
But after a while the wax looses all it’s scent!
Kim says
I used to love candles too but it’s just too dangerous with a curious toddler around. My candle days will come back some day. I love the idea of recycling them though. I’m telling you, you need a daytime talk show.
mama-face says
Oh my, you are good.
Have you tried Scentsy? I am NOT a salesperson; someone just gave me one. No black ceilings…
🙂
Emily says
Wow. I had no idea it was possible to recycle candles.
Krystyn says
Great idea…I usually set mine on a candle warmer once I can’t burn them anymore! Much less effort for me, although not nearly as pretty:)
Tanielle says
Very cool!!! Thanks for the tip!