Category: Wax melts

We are very much into recycling many household items these days and recycling candles into wax melts is a great way to re purpose leftover candle wax and reduce waste.

We all like to do our bit for the environment so by being creative and reusing candle wax, we not only find ourselves a new hobby but we can also re produce another popular home item to enjoy.

Candles are bought for many occasions and we often find that certain types of candles burn unevenly to leave a lot of left over wax around the sides of the container. I have had many a candle that has ‘tunneled’ and the leftover wax along with its container has been thrown away.

You can use your creativity and re use any candle jars you have at home by reading my article: reusing candle jars.

Wax melts have gained popularity over the years so let’s take a look at why.

Recycle candles into wax melts

Scented Ambiance

Wax melts are known for their ability to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. I love to walk into my clients homes and smell a candle that’s been burning as well as others commenting on the scent in my own house.

Wax melts release aromatic fragrances when melted, filling the space with delightful scents.

This can enhance the mood, create a relaxing ambiance, or add a touch of luxury to any room. They’re also good for eliminating pet and food smells.

Safety

Compared to traditional candles that are lit, wax melts are considered a safer option because they don’t have an open flame.

They are typically used with electric or tea light wax warmers, which provide a controlled heat source for melting the wax. This eliminates the risk of fire hazards, making them a popular choice, especially for those who have pets and small children.

I personally use the tea light options as I find the flame relaxing to watch when it’s nearby.

Easy to Use

Wax melts are convenient to use. They come in small, compact shapes or cubes that are easy to handle and store. Place a wax melt or two into a wax warmer, turn it on, and wait for the fragrance to fill the air.

Alternatively, light a tea light candle and watch the wax melt. There’s no need to worry about trimming wicks or cleaning up melted wax.

Variety of Scents

There is a wide option of scents available online at places such as eBay as well as here at FM World. Whether you prefer floral, fruity, woody, or seasonal fragrances, there is a wax melt available to suit your taste. At FM there are also options for buying wax melts to match your favourite perfume.

Longevity

Wax melts have a longer lifespan compared to traditional candles. I was very surprised by how long they last.

I have only used 3 or 4 cubes so far from my own pack. Each wax melt can provide hours of fragrance before it needs to be replaced.

This makes them more cost-effective in the long run since you can enjoy the scent for an extended period without having to frequently purchase new melts.

Customisation

Another reason for their popularity is the ability to mix and match different wax melts. Many people enjoy creating their own unique scents by combining multiple melts in their wax warmers.

This is such a great idea for those who wish to be creative and want to personalise their individual preferences.

Decorative Appeal

Wax melts often come in attractive designs and colours, making them visually pleasing. Some people enjoy displaying the wax melts themselves as decorative items even when they are not in use.

Items required for recycling candles into wax melts

Materials

Used candles or candle wax remnants

Double boiler or a heatproof container and a saucepan

Wax melt molds or silicone ice cube trays

Wickless candle wicks (optional)

Fragrance oils or essential oils (optional)

Stirring utensil (metal spoon or wooden stick)

Wax paper or parchment paper

Preparing the candle wax

Start by collecting used candles or candle wax remnants from ant existing candle or wax melt containers. Remove any metal wicks, labels, or debris from the wax.

If you have different coloured or scented candle wax, you can combine them to create unique wax melts as we have mentioned earlier. Otherwise, you can use one type of wax for a consistent fragrance.

Melt the wax

Set up a double boiler (if you have one) by filling a saucepan halfway with water and placing a heatproof container on top. Alternatively, you can use a heatproof container directly on low heat. Be careful not to overheat as this could burn the wax.

Break the candle wax into small pieces or you can use a cheese grater to shred it. This will speed up the melting time and will help to melt it evenly.

Place the wax pieces or shreds into the top container of the double boiler or the heatproof container. Slowly heat the water or container until the wax has melted completely, making sure you stir occasionally.

Add fragrance

This is optional if you wish to add your desired scent and fragrance oils or essential oils can be added to your melted wax for scented wax melts. Follow the recommended usage rates provided by the oil manufacturer for the best results.

Stir the fragrance/essential oil into the melted wax thoroughly to ensure there is an even distribution.

Pour the melted wax

Prepare your wax melt molds or silicone ice cube trays. Place them on a flat, heat-resistant surface. If you’re using candle wicks, place them in the center of each mold.

Slowly pour the melted wax into the molds, filling them up to a safe level. Be careful not to overfill as this will prevent any spillages and also makes it easier to remove the wax melts at a later stage.

If you’re not using wickless candle wicks, you can pour the melted wax directly into the molds without any additional preparation.

Allow the wax melts to cool and solidify

Let the wax melts sit undisturbed for several hours or until they have completely cooled and solidified. The time needed will depend on the size and thickness of your creations.

Remove the wax melts

Once the wax melts have hardened, gently pop them out of the molds. If they don’t come out easily, you can place the molds in the freezer for a short while to make removal easier.

Store and use your homemade wax melts

Place the wax melts in a container or storage bag, ensuring they are tightly sealed to retain their fragrance.

To use the wax melts, simply place one or more in a wax melt warmer or an electric wax warmer, following the instructions provided with the device and enjoy the beautiful scents and ambiance created by YOU!

Affiliate disclosure

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Another option is to purchase a starter kit that will contain all the items you need to make your own wax melts.

Starter kits on eBay

Of course, making your own wax melts takes time so if you wanted to purchase ones already made, there are plenty of options there too.

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