DIY // SAVING MY FAVORITE CANDLE
This is a post I had no intention to write, but after speaking to a few friends I quickly realized this was an issue they were having as well. I asked if they would want to read a post like this & they said “YES!”, so here it is. Fun fact: My favorite candle scent of all time is Capri Blue’s Volcano No. 6. For those of you who don’t know, this is the candle that is 98% of the time burning at Anthropologie stores. My least favorite candle is one in the same. I have had issues burning this candle & maybe it is user error?! While the candle burns for a very long time, when the candle burns to the bottom of the wick meeting the glass bottom I am constantly left with a ring of unburned wax around the perimeter. And not just a little wax, but a significant amount. And these candles are not inexpensive, which was so disappointing. So I started saving my old candles… I just couldn’t bring myself to throw them away.
Once I had two jars that had run their course, I began an experiment. I was going to make a new candle. I scooped out the remaining wax with a kitchen spoon and placed it all in a stainless steel bowl. I then placed the bowl over a sauce pan of boiling water creating a double boiler effect. This allowed the wax to melt instead of burning. After about five minutes or so, the wax from both candles had melted completely.
While the wax was melting I gathered up a few more materials needed. I grabbed a glass vessel that actually was a candle from years ago. I had cleaned the vessel out and I have been using it as a vase ever since. I choose to reuse this vessel due to the fact that it had straight sides, hoping that this would burn more evenly. I also pulled out some new wicks. I ordered mine, but they can be picked up at your local craft store. I got 100 6″ wicks for about $6… so I will be able to repeat this process just a few more times. Ha. My vessel was large enough that I choose to use three wicks, instead of one. Again, I want this to burn evenly.
I carefully, repeat carefully, poured the melted wax into the vase and then positioned the three wicks. The wicks were much longer than they needed to be, but this allowed them to lean over the glass edge and stay straight in the candle while the wax cooled.
In about an hour, I had a brand new candle. A big candle! And while this all sounds like a lot of work, it really was a simple process. And one I won’t mind repeating to be able to have my favorite scent filling our home. So now, if you too have candles that leave leftover wax, simply scrape them out and make your own.
I do want to note that when you are cleaning up, be sure not to rinse the wax down your drain. To remove the wax from everything, I simply ran cold water over the bowl and spoon which almost instantly hardened the wax. I was then able to wipe it off with a paper towel removing 99% of the wax. At that point I washed them as I normally would.
Do you all have any tips to avoid the candle tunneling in the first place?! I’d love to hear them.
Happy Friday!!!!
xo – Kristin
This is such a great idea! I’ve always scoopee the leftover wax from my candles and used in my candle warmers (instead of those terrible artificial bricks) but I love the idea of a new candle! Thanks for the tip!
I’ve always heard to trim the wick(s) after each burn, but I’ve never done this. Also make sure your candle is not near any vents or fans which can cause an uneven burn (duh!) Lol. I think some candles just burn unevenly due to the wick being not straight when first made. Hopefully this works, and I always scoop out any remaining wax and use it in a way burner.
What I great idea, I have some candles left with lots of wax but no wicks so I know what I’m going to do this weekend! 🙂
What did you use to position the three wicks? Did you tie them all to one thing or did you use several sticks to hold them up while the wax cooled?
I actually just held them in place for a minute or so. By that time the wax had started to hold them in place & I just let them hang against the edge of the glass lip. Once the candle had solidified, I cut the excess wicks down.
Great idea! I’m wondering if you could just put the old candle in a pot of water with an inch of water and then melt it and pour it out that way? That way you get everything out and don’t have to remelt it in another bowl. I’ve done this when I want to reuse a beautiful candle jar and lid as a container when it’s done.
Also, I love your calligraphy brushes! Where did you find them?
They were from Wayfair years ago.
Hi Kristen, just wanted to mention I make candles and have done a lot of research and testing first, as expensive as that candle is it could be wicked wrong , meaning it’s not the right Wick for the diameter of the vessel. Second, make sure it’s near no drafts, and try to burn the candle the same amount of time every time you light it. If a candle has let’s say a four inch diameter at its widest point always burn the candle for at least 4 hours, you want a wax pool from side to side before you blow it out.I hope this helps a little, candle science on line has a great wick guide! I love your blog and read it almost everyday! Xxoo Missy
Like your friends this is an issue I was also having so many of my favorite candles. I will be trying it out this weekend after I buy some wicks :). Thank you so much!
Brilliant! I am going to try this.
Cool idea! I’ll try it out for my next DIY project, looks really cool for decoration, specially since you get different colors as well.