5 min read / 23 June 2023 / Laura Garvin Gomez

How to Make Candles From Old Candles

Learn the art of candle recycling and create new candles from your old ones with our step-by-step guide.

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Candle making Candle wick Candles DIY eco friendly how to recycle

When you reach the end of a candle the natural thing is to simply replace it and dispose of the old wax.

But did you know there is a simple way to reuse candle wax to repurpose it into a brand-new candle? Learning how to make candles from old candles is easy and it works in much the same way as creating one from scratch. Our step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know, so you never have to waste a piece of wax again.

How to make candles from old candles

If you want to reuse candle wax to make new candles there are a few materials and pieces of equipment that you’ll need to have ready before you start. Check that you have the following:

Thick glass jars (jam jars work well)
Candle wicks and wick anchors
Old candle wax
Double boiler (you can also improvise and make your own)

Steps on how to make a candle from old wax

Follow the steps below to make new candles from your old wax:

Remove any debris that is attached to your old candles. You may need to use a butter knife to scrape it out if the candle was burnt in a container of some kind.
Break the wax down into smaller pieces, as this will make it easier to melt once it has been added to the pot.
Place about two inches of water into a pot and let it simmer.
Add wax to a heat resistant bowl that is large enough to fit snugly into the pot without touching the water.
Keep an eye on the wax as it melts and stir as needed.
Dip the wick into the melted wax to prime it, which will make it burn more evenly once lit. When the wick has hardened you can place it into your chosen candle container.
Take the wick and feed it through the centre of the wick anchor, ensuring that it is longer than needed, so you can cut down to the right size when ready.
Drop a small amount of wax into the centre bottom of the jar and press the sharper end of the anchor into the wax, ensuring that the wick is fully gripped and secure.
Wrap the top of the wick around a pencil and place it horizontally across the container to keep the wick straight.
When the wax is ready, take it off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, gently pour it into the candle container. Pour slowly into the corners as this will help to avoid bubbles forming.
Once the wax has been poured into the container, unroll the wick from the pencil and trim down to about ¼ of an inch above the surface of the wax.

If you have any leftover wax, let it cool and harden and place it into a container so you can reuse it for another candle. Let the wax in the candle harden for 4-5 hours and let it cure for 24 hours and it is ready to use and enjoy.

Lit candle in a glass jar

What are some tips on how to reuse candle wax?

Take a look at some of our tips on how to make the most of your old candle wax:

If you are using scented wax from multiple sources, think about how the various fragrances will blend in the new candle. This is not a concern if you are using unscented candles or if the wax is from a batch that uses the same fragrance. If you're using unscented wax you could use essential oils in the above recipe.
Reusing candles that have been infused with essential oils requires you to also think about the mood and ambiance they will create once combined. For example, wax that has been infused with citrus oils may not be the right option to mix with wax infused with lavender oil, as the oils tend to produce opposing moods once released into the air.
Similarly, if you are combining different colour candles, you should think about how the various tones will blend after melting. Colours that are close to each other tend to work well, whilst those that are the complete opposite may not create the most attractive finish.

Sometimes it can be a case of trial and error when it comes to reusing old wax, but by taking the above into account you should be able to avoid any major mistakes.

Small lit candle in a green ornamental jar on a shelf with a plant next to it

What is the best wick for making candles?

When it comes to candle making, a lot of time is spent discussing the best type of wax to use, sometimes forgetting the importance of the wick that will need to hold the flame.

Choosing the right wick for your candle will help to produce a consistently strong flame that creates a more even burn at a safe temperature. A good quality wick will generate a non-toxic, soot-free burn that will last for the full duration of the candle, so you spend much less time on maintaining its condition.

The most popular type of candle wicks tends to be:

ECO candle wicks: Ideal for waxes with a lower melting point, these types of candle wicks feature a coreless flat braid that is interwoven with 100% organic cotton and paper fibres. They generate a clean burn with minimal mushrooming and the wick is also self-trimming.
Hemp candle wicks: Hemp candle wicks are made from 100% organic hemp and dipped in beeswax. They are available in a spool or pre-tabbed, with the latter being the best option for beeswax candles.
Flat FX candle wicks: The curling ability of LX wicks allows them to produce a consistent flame that minimises soot, smoke, afterglow and mushrooming. They are braided in natural cotton threads and have a flat finish with a natural soy wax coating that makes them biodegradable and a good eco-friendly option.

When choosing the best wick for your candle, you should also consider the diameter of the container, the type of wax being used, fragrance and colour load and the overall burn time.

Black and white illustration of a candle

Experienced candle makers should find it easy to reuse candle wax to make new candles, whilst first timers may be surprised how uncomplicated it all is once they get started.

It’s an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to simply throwing away your candle wax with the weekly rubbish, and by reusing the wax, you get much more for your money.

Plus, it’s free to try, so even if it doesn’t turn out exactly how you hoped, you’ll be taking your first steps towards learning a whole new skill.

Candle making Candle wick Candles DIY eco friendly how to recycle

Medical Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.