How to Salvage Candle Remnants

Hi there, Friends! Today I'm teaming up with a talented group of ladies for the Creative Craft blog hop hosted by my friend, Sara at Birdz of a Feather.  If you're like me, you probably hate to waste the leftover wax at the bottom of your favorite candle. I'll show you how to salvage those remnants to create beautiful new candles...

how to salvage candle remnants

If you've hopped over after visiting Jenna at The Painted Apron, welcome! She had me at "floral!" I love burning candles year round and especially during the winter months.  

DIY candles crafted from leftovers

Can you guess my favorite candle fragrance?! I love these essential oil candles from Bath and Body, so I stock up when I have gift cards or get email sale promotions. 

How to reuse leftover candles

Y'all know that I hate to waste something I can reuse, so I stockpiled the leftover jars over the past year. I was determined to reuse them and came up with a solution. Here's what you'll need:

*Jars or pretty vintage vessels (You may be able to reuse your original jar.)
* Candle wax (I used pellets)
*Essential oils (Since you'll be adding more wax, you'll need additional fragrance also.) 
*Double boiler or preferred melting pot

DIY candles
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First, remove the wick and round metal clamp from the old candle. The easiest way to do this is to melt the wax, which I did by placing several jars in an old kettle of water. Make sure the water covers the bottom of the jar but isn't much higher. (You don't want the water to seep into the wax. ) Next, once the metal discs are removed and the old wax melts to liquid, slowly add wax pellets to the jars. Then while they melt, place the wicks inside the teacup or jar, adding a centering stick over the top. Last, carefully remove one jar of melted wax at a time, add several drops of your favorite essential oil, and stir gently before pouring into the new container. (I used one jar of scented melted wax for the teacup and two jars for the gravy boat.) 

How to reuse leftover candles

Here's a peek at another candle I created from salvaged wax. There are so many possibilities! If you're looking for Valentine's Day inspiration, you may also enjoy my thrifted heart vase arrangements or romantic, vintage Valentine's Day tree.

vintage valentine tree

Thanks for stopping by today. Next up is Gail from Purple Hues and Me--check out her lovely heart napkin rings, then scroll down to visit the rest of my talented friends! 




My Thrift Store Addiction


DIY candles
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Would you like to comment?

  1. What a great idea! You did such a great job in choosing the containers to put your new "old" candle in. I love how pretty they are! This is a great idea not only for Valentine's Day, but for year round!

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  2. Lemon is my favourite scent too; such a great idea to upcycle the remnants! The gravy boat looks stunning Cecilia and the tinted glass teacup is another pretty option! So may possiblities!

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  3. I've always love the candles in a different item than the original jar or container. Thanks for sharing how you created your pretty candles.

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  4. I love this idea, Cecilia. I'm always seeing old gravy boats, teacups, bowls, etc. at estate sales and this is a perfect way to reuse them and give them as gifts. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. What a pretty and creative way to upcycle candle remnants, Cecilia! So many options and possibilities - just perfect for any occasion!

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  6. Wow Cecilia, how clever and thrifty are you! I would have never thought of doing this, and the new candles you made from scraps are beautiful! I love love love the one in the gravy boat, so pretty!!
    Jenna

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  7. Great way, Cecilia, for reusing and recycling. Your new candle holder looks so pretty. I hate to think of all the little bits of wax we waste. Thanks for the idea.

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  8. This is such a great idea. I have several candle jars in a cabinet I need to do this do. I hate to throw them out as well. Thanks for sharing the idea.

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  9. I remember this post. I burn candles all the time.

    So pretty in vintage pieces

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  10. What a wonderful idea, thank you so much for sharing friend.
    It was a joy having you join us for Welcome home Saturday.
    Warmest,
    Brendt

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  11. This is so smart and I love the holders you used! I can't wait to give this a try.

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  12. I enjoyed seeing your candles. I got a bag of wax pellets at a yard sale this summer and made a few trying to get rid of the large plastic bag. When I don't have a candle wick guide, I have successfully used a strip of tape with a slit cut in it to hold the wick where I want it to stay! I do love scented candles! Kathy A

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  13. This is the best idea! I can think of so many fun vintage pieces to do this with! Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for joining us for Welcome Home Saturday!

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