Candles have a way of creating a tranquil atmosphere, soothing our minds with their flickering flames and delightful scents. It’s no surprise that they have become a staple in home decor, with their cozy glow and relaxing fragrances.

However, burning candles also results in leftover wax and containers, which can be harmful to the environment. Luckily, there are ways to make your passion for candles more eco-friendly.

In this post, we’ll explore how you can reuse and recycle candle wax and jars, and even fix a broken candle wick.

How to Reuse Candle Wax

Candle wax is perfect for reuse, as it doesn’t lose its quality after the first use. But, getting the wax out of its container can be tricky.

To remove the wax, use a spoon or butter knife to scrape out as much as you can. If you want to get it all out, heat the container in a bain-marie. Be patient, as this can take a while, depending on the type of wax used.

Once the wax is free, you can get creative with it:

• Make wax melts by pouring the melted wax into silicone molds or ice cube trays. You can add colors and fragrances to make unique and personalized melts that make for perfect handmade gifts.
• Create a fragrance pouch by placing broken pieces of scented wax in a pouch to add fragrance to stale areas of the home.
• Make a new candle by collecting scraps of wax over time until you have enough to create a candle in a larger container with a full-sized wick.
• Create wax seals by melting the wax in a metal spoon over an open flame, then pouring it onto the envelope and stamping it with a seal.

How to Reuse Candle Jars

Candle jars come in different shapes and sizes, making them versatile for reuse. However, before you can reuse them, you’ll need to clean them.

There are several ways to remove wax from a glass jar:

• Fill the container with boiling water and let it cool. The wax residue will melt and float to the top. Once cooled, pour out the water and wash the jar.
• Place the jar in the freezer for a few hours to harden the wax, making it easy to remove. Clean the jar with soapy water.
• Create a bain-marie by placing the glass inside a saucepan with boiling water. Once the wax has softened, scrape it out with a butter knife.

Once you have a clean jar, you can use it for various purposes, such as displaying flowers, storing pens and pencils, planting cacti or succulents, and more.

How to Fix a Broken Candle

If your candle has a broken wick, you can usually fix it. First, check if the wick is buried under wax or genuinely broken.

If it’s buried, use a long lighter to melt the wax around it until you recover enough of the wick. If the wick is broken, remove the candle’s center using an apple corer and replace it with a new wick.

How to Recycle Candle Jars

If you don’t want to reuse your candle jars, they can easily be recycled. Glass jars and aluminum tins are both recyclable materials.

In conclusion, you don’t have to give up your passion for candles to be eco-friendly. By reusing and recycling candle wax and jars, you can still enjoy the warm ambiance and relaxing fragrances of candles while being environmentally responsible.