What is the best way to remove candle wax?

becksta

trying-very-trying wrote: »

To make this a true scientific experiment, please note the temps and exact time for each remedy:rotfl:

LOL - i will try in best in the name of MSE scientific research!!

butler_helen

Hi All,

Me again with another quick to answer question...

I have several of those 'air wick' candles which are in a lovely little glass cup. However they're all at the end where they no longer light. However there is still nice smelling wax in there.

THerefore I wanted to melt all the wax in them and put them into one with a standard skinny candle down the middle- would this work? Would it light and be like a normal candle?

Alternatively does anyone re-use these candles or the glass and if so then how?

Thanks in advance,

Helen

laurel7172

Put the glass cups in hot water and leave them for a few minutes. You should then be able to tip/wiggle out the wax.

The skinny candle down the middle sounds like a great idea. You can melt the recycled wax either over hot water, or (much easier) in the microwave. Just keep giving it 10s bursts until it melts or you get a feel for it and decide you dare go a bit longer. BUT, remember to remove any metal bits first-there's often a metal disc holding the wick in place, which is why I wouldn't loosen the wax from its original cups in the microwave.

butler_helen

thank you! that sounds too simple to work - I should have guessed it first!

If I can work out how to put a photo up I will post my multicoloured wonder

Queen_of_NO_MATTER_WHAT

I usually pick out the metal thing out and then pop it in the microwave, usually works well for me

butler_helen

ok so I got all the wax in one glass... but forgot my big candle- it's clearly too late for me to be money saving!...I shall remelt tomorrow and insert my birthday candle (which I hope isn't an ever lit kind!).

thanks for the help it's much appreciated:)

luckys_mum

I too hate to waste the little bit of scented wax after the candle goes out so I put a tea light in the pot and the heat of the tea light melts the leftover wax and you still have a glow from the flame of the tea light, with the scent of the leftover wax.

butler_helen

I wanted to update to say that the melting thing worked beautifully last night! I bought loads of pretty candles in primark in gorgeous little glasses (red for the living room and blue for the bathroom) however they only burnt for about 8 hours. So...I put them in a bain-marie and melted all remaining wax out into the bin (not enough to burn) then removed the little metal bit, cleaned it out again and now I have lovely little tea light holders which were only £2 for 3!

I did some bigger ones but they don't work so well because they are quite wide and not very deep, so the candle I stuck down the middle burns quicker than the other wax. Still smells nice though and it only takes 20 minutes to re-make them.

Oh and another tip... if you OH likes to sit there and pick the wax and ruin the candle, the bain-marie evens it out again, thus meaning I don't have to hide it from guests!

Although all of this came at a price...I burnt my fingers- it was all so hot!

thank you for your help

chris_n_tj

How do/did you get the metal thingg out of the bottom? I have tried all sorts but just cant seem to dislodge it at all.
Thanks
Chris n TJ

linni

Great idea. I keep all the leftover candle bits and I'm going to try this too.