Can I recycle candles?

maman

katiewoos wrote: »

I make teacup candles by melting the old wax in a jug in a pan of simmering water. I then pour the wax into the cup and let it set slightly. When it is slightly solid push a birthday candle into the middle. You may have to cut the candle to size but instant cheap,wick. Works every time.

Thanks for that katie (and thanks to all other posters since my original question).:) I had been putting off getting started until I had some wicks but the birthday candle is a brilliant idea.

dandy-candy

I do this. Often pillar candles have the wrong size wick so burn down the middle. I have an old mayo jar I collect bits in. I also keep the metal disk from the bottom of my Ikea tea lights and thread a length of cotton from a ball of dishcloth knitting cotton through it. I use that to make a new candle with the saved up bits, which I melt by putting the glass jar in a pan of hot water.

Jacksmummy-1979

I always melt mine down and make little tea cup candles using cup & saucers I pick up at jumble sales & boot fairs .... X

fuzzypicklehead

Birthday candles--Genius!

empressemma

Thank you!! Off to the charity shop for teacups then!!

maman

It's taken me nearly 6 months to get around to making my candles!;)

Not quite as bad as it sounds as I don't use them so much in summer months when there's plenty of fresh air through the house.

I took on board all the tips: bought a cup & saucer in the CS and used birthday cake candles for wicks.
I used an old mayonnaise jar I'd saved but have deided I'm going to pension off my pyrex jug (all the markings worn off) and use that next time. I held the jar of melted wax with my oven glove today but I'm sure a jug with a handle would be better.

I've done one teacup candle and one in a jar that came with a candle. Very pleased with myself.:D

Thanks everyone that offered advice back in April.:A

panika

SnowBelle wrote: »

My mum puts the bits of candle in a burner and uses them like the Yankee candle wax tarts.

I do exactly the same.

dogcat_2

Brilliant ideas!...I've got tons of partly used candles....now I know what to do with them....Thanks.:D

piecemeal

I use a paperclip to hold the wick in the bottom; twist the wick through it then position it with drips of wax and let set a little. Then I use pens or pencils to steady the wick; tie a knot in the wick and loop the pen through it and balance on the rim of the container

GreyQueen

I'm making reconsituted candles from old wax today.

I use Pr*ngle tubes to make big fat pillar candles. I put the end of the wick in a blob of white blu tack and then poke it down into the centre of the tube with the butt-end of an old knitting needle.

Use other old needles to bridge the top of the cardboard tube, sitting in a slot cut with a knife, with the wick twisted around to hold the tension. Then melt the candlewax in soup cans in a saucepan of water, pour and repeat.

I've just finished (as in 5 mins ago) carving the last remnants of a bowl candle I was given which had done that hollowing thingy in someone else's keeping. Today's project will be a stripy candle in muted purple and white. Just poured a purple layer and will let it set before adding a white one.

When the candle has finished, I leave it for 3 days then unpeel the tube. It also gives you a cute subtle spiral mark around your candle.

No candle stub need ever be discarded, they can be saved until you have enough then reborn as new candles.