Do you have a collection of old candles lying around, waiting to be repurposed? Wondering what to do with old candles? Don’t throw them away just yet! In this post, we’ll explore fantastic ideas for making the most out of your leftover wax, old candle jars, and wicks. Whether you’re a seasoned candle maker or simply a lover of pleasant scents, these suggestions are sure to spark your creativity.
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What are the best types of candles?
At our homestead, we avoid everything except for beeswax. Candles have been used for centuries to provide light, warmth, and ambiance. While many candle options are available today, beeswax candles stand out as a natural and eco-friendly choice. The ONLY choice, in our opinion.
Benefits of Choosing Beeswax Candles For your Home:
1. Clean and Non-Toxic:
Beeswax candles are renowned for their purity. They don’t produce harmful byproducts or emit toxins when burned. Unlike paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum, beeswax candles burn cleanly and won’t release harmful chemicals into the air, making them an excellent choice for indoor air quality.
2. Natural Scent:
Beeswax candles have a subtle, honey-like fragrance that adds a pleasant and natural aroma to your living space. This light scent can enhance your home without overwhelming it, making it ideal for those with sensitivities to strong fragrances (like us)!
3. Longer Burn Time:
Beeswax candles have a longer burn time compared to other candle types. This means you’ll enjoy their warm glow for more extended periods, providing both practical and aesthetic value.
4. Bright and Beautiful Flame:
Beeswax candles produce a bright, golden flame that closely resembles natural sunlight. This warm glow creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them perfect for relaxation, meditation, or setting the mood during romantic evenings.
5. Negative Ion Emission:
When beeswax candles burn, they release negative ions into the air. These ions can help neutralize pollutants and allergens, contributing to improved indoor air quality and potentially reducing allergies and asthma symptoms.
6. Dripless and Minimal Soot:
Beeswax candles have a higher melting point than other waxes, resulting in less dripping and virtually no soot production. This means you won’t have to deal with unsightly stains on your furniture or walls.
7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable:
Beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey production by bees, and harvesting it doesn’t harm the bees or their hives. This makes beeswax candles an environmentally friendly choice. Plus, supporting sustainable beekeeping practices helps promote bee populations, which are crucial for pollinating crops.
8. Handmade and Artisanal:
Many beeswax candles are crafted by artisans who take pride in their work. This personal touch adds to the charm and uniqueness of each candle, making them perfect for gifts or special occasions.
9. Easy to Work With:
Beeswax is a versatile material that can be molded into various candle shapes and sizes. Whether you prefer taper candles, votives, or intricately carved designs, beeswax can accommodate your preferences.
10. Symbolic and Spiritual Significance:
Beeswax has long held spiritual and symbolic significance in various cultures. Burning beeswax candles is often associated with purification, healing, and positive energy.
In conclusion, beeswax candles offer a holistic and environmentally conscious choice for illuminating your space. Their clean burn, natural fragrance, and sustainable production make them an excellent addition to any home.
What to do with old candles?
Here’s some creative ideas you may have heard, and some that may be new!
1. Wax Melts with a Twist
- Create custom wax melts by melting down your leftover candle wax and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Pour the melted wax into ice cube trays or silicone molds for unique, scented wax melts.
2. Revive Old Candle Jars
- Give new life to empty candle jars by cleaning them with hot soapy water. They make charming storage containers for office supplies, recipe cards, or even small plant pots.
3. Fire Starters for Cozy Evenings
- Make DIY fire starters by dipping cotton balls in melted wax. These are perfect for lighting up your fireplace or campfire on a chilly night.
4. Reuse and Recycle
- Save old wicks and pieces of wax for future candle-making projects. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your creations.
5. Muffin Tin Candles
- Use muffin tins to create miniature candles. Mix and match different candles to achieve unique scents and colors.
6. Wax-Infused Stationery
- Add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitations or return address labels by sealing them with a small amount of melted wax.
7. Squeaky Door Fix
- Rub a small amount of wax on squeaky door hinges for a quick fix that eliminates annoying sounds.
8. Make a Brand New Candle
- Combine similar scents and leftover wax to create a whole new candle with a fragrance that’s uniquely yours. Read our blog post about how to make a new candle from old wax.
9. Wax-Dipped Wine Bottles
- Dip the bottom of wine bottles in melted wax to create stylish candle holders for tea lights or small candles.
10. Repurpose Old Glass Containers
- Turn empty glass containers into pencil holders, mini planters, or attractive storage solutions for your kitchen.
11. Wax as a Sealer
- Seal envelopes or crafts using melted wax for a classic and decorative touch.
Don’t let your used-up candles go to waste! With a little creativity and some hot wax, you can transform them into something entirely new. These ideas are not only eco-friendly but also a great way to enjoy your favorite scents for a longer time.
So, grab your old candles and get ready to embark on a crafting adventure that will breathe new life into your homestead.
Read our post:
Giving New Life to Old Candles: How to Turn Old candles into New Ones for a step by step guide to transforming old melted candle wax into a brand new candle!