Wednesday

That Last Bit of Wax

I've decided to go a little green and start reusing my burnt out candle containers.  I usually would just throw them away, but if the jar is in good shape or if I just really like it and can find another purpose for it I hold on to it.  I also like to save the leftover wax if it's a candle that smells really good, like my favorite anthro candle.

If it's a soy based candle the wax will usually just pop right out when you run a knife around the edge and then I just use soap and water to get the excess wax out.  However, if the wax is a little more stubborn, I just bring some water to a simmer in a small sauce pan.  I place the candle jar in there when I start heating the water to avoid any cracking.  Once the water starts to slightly boil I remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.  The wax should pop right out in one large piece.


It's hard to tell from the picture, but the container on the left has some nice gold detail on it.  I think it will be nice filled with some cute bath soaps for our bathroom.  I've got plans for the other jar that I'll share soon.  Speaking of that jar, that Ivy and Mistletoe candle smells great!  It's a great holiday scent, sort of an evergreen smell.  I picked it up at Marshalls.


Once I remove the wax, I save the chunks of leftover candle wax to use in my scent warmers.


Here's some burning in my Scentsy warmer.  If it's a good, strong candle the wax will last a while in my warmer and best of all it doesn't go to waste!


Do you reuse your candle containers?  

5 comments:

Alex - The Interior DIYer said...

I'm intrigued at these plug in warmers. Are they the same idea as oil burners, where you place a tealight underneath? Such a cute way to reuse your candle wax.

p.s. I literally just blogged on Tuesday a DIY involving reusing Yankee Candle jars - small world ;)

http://www.hydrangeagirl.com/2013/01/diy-bell-jar.html

xx A

Julia@Cuckoo4Design said...

What a great idea. My dad always makes new candles out of all the leftovers but that is too much work for me. This is more doable!

Unknown said...

Wow! This is awesome! I never really tried reusing my burnt out candle containers, after reading this post, i think i might try it. I like the idea of the candle in the warmer too.

- ConniesCandles.com

Dwellings by DeVore said...

@Alex - Hydrangea Girl They are similar to the oil warmers but they plug in and use a small light bulb to heat the wax. The one in the picture is similar to a night light but they make larger ones that plug in as well. They are great!

Dwellings by DeVore said...

@Julia Konya Wow, that's so cool Julia, I wish I had the patience to make my own candles!

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