How to Melt and Reuse Candle Wax

Do you have old candles, leftover candle wax, or empty candle jars piling up at home? The good news is that you can repurpose leftover wax in an eco-friendly way and give your old wax a second life. This step-by-step guide will show you how to melt candle wax safely, reuse it creatively, and even turn old candle jars into new candle holders.

I was gifted a beautiful candle for my 50th birthday. In time, it stopped burning properly, I couldn’t bring myself to discard it, and I’m so glad I didn’t. I knew the Voluspa candles are made with a proprietary coconut wax blend, natural wicks, and are free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and lead. So keeping the wax was important to me.

Below, you’ll learn simple steps and helpful tools on how to transform remaining wax into new candles, luxurious soy wax melts, fire starters, and more.

Why Reuse Old Candle Wax

Reusing old candle wax is a great way to reduce waste and save money. Instead of discarding old candles or wax remnants stuck at the bottom of the jar, you can melt the wax and enjoy your favorite scents again. It’s also a low-cost way to craft your own candles or create new wax melts infused with essential oils.

Whether you love paraffin wax, soy wax, or blends from your favorite candles, nearly every type of wax can be reused when handled correctly.

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Gather the Following Essentials

Before you begin, set up a flat surface and assemble these tools:

Old candle 
empty candle jars or old jars
Cotton Candle Wick 6″
Natural Soy Wax candle melts( my original candle did not fill up your container to the top)
Glue Dots Double-Sided
Scissors
Double Boiler or Pouring Pot
 Essential Oil for your favorite scents
heat-resistant bowl or heat-resistant containers
A pot of water for the double boiler method
microwave-safe container

Preparing Old Candle Jars

Here is my before candle

Scrape out small amounts of wax remnants from the bottom of the jar.

Use hot water to release stubborn leftover candle wax (never use boiling water directly in glass candles).

Add your wax to your heat resistant pouring pot or microwave safe bowl (depending on the method you are using)

Take out the old wicks

Dry jars with a paper towel and let them reach room temperature before the next step.

This ensures your glass jars are clean, safe, and ready to become beautiful new candle containers.

At this point, I knew I would not have enough wax to fill my candle, that is when I used my own soy wax melts and melted more wax. You can skip the following steps and move to Creating New Candles

How to Melt Candle Wax Safely

Using the Double Boiler Method

This is the most reliable way to melt candle wax without direct contact with heat.
Fill a pot of water halfway and heat it gently.
Place your wax in a heat-resistant bowl and set it over the pot.
As hot water simmers below, the hot wax will liquefy gradually.
Add essential oils if you want to enhance your favorite scents.

This method protects your jar candle containers and prevents cracking.

Using a Microwave

If you’re short on time, this is a quick approach.

1. Place smaller pieces of old candle wax in a microwave-safe container.
2. Heat in short intervals of 15–20 seconds.
3. Stir between each cycle to ensure even melting.

Always avoid overheating, especially with paraffin wax.

Creating New Candles

Once your wax is melted, you’re ready to create your own candles.
Secure a new wick in the center of your jar using metal wick holders.

Pour the melted wax carefully into the jar candle container.

 To keep the wicks in place, I found an easy way to use chopsticks. 

Allow to harden for at least  24 hours, and then trim the wicks

 

I could have been done but since this candle had a holiday pine scent, I decided to make it into a winter candle by embelishing the outside.
I simply painted on Mod Podge, then added my faux greens and painted more Mod Podge on top! It dried overnight and was ready to use the next day!

More Options and Ideas

Making Your Own Wax Melts

Transform old wax into new wax melts or even luxurious soy wax melts.

1. Pour melted wax into heat-resistant containers or silicone molds.
2. Mix in essential oils or dried herbs for custom aromas.
3. Let them cool at room temperature.

These can be used in any wax burner and give a second life to old wax.

Turning Old Wax Into Fire Starters

Fire starters are perfect for camping or backyard evenings.

1. Dip cotton balls into hot wax.
2. Let them dry on a flat surface.
3. Store them in old candle jars or glass jars.

They light quickly and burn steadily.

Cleaning Up

Avoid placing hot wax on wooden furniture. Let leftover wax cool on paper towels and clean tools with hot water afterwards.

A Creative Way to Repurpose Wax

From scented candles to wax melts, fire starters, or even small gifts, these simple steps give old candle wax a brand new life. You won’t believe how much wax can be reused once you get started.

This is a creative way to give old candle wax new life while enjoying scents you love.

Thank you so much for stopping in today!  Here are a few other candles I have made over the years.

Dough Bowl Candle

Sea Shell Candles

Mason Jar Candles

 

Candles should never be left unattended or burned near flammable objects. Candles should always be kept on a level, fire-resistant surface.