How to Use Leftover Candle Wax

If you've ever burned a beeswax candle, you may have noticed that sometimes the wick burns up before all the wax is consumed. Don't throw away that leftover wax! 

Why is there wax left after burning a candle?

A "perfect burn" would use up every bit of wax and wick at exactly the same rate. Some candles do this (most tea lights and tapers), but many don't. Specialty shapes, large differences in candle top and bottom diameter, or improper burning conditions can cause there to be leftover wax after the wick is consumed.

For example, a cone-shaped candle requires compromise: a wick properly sized for the base diameter would burn way too quickly through the narrower parts of the candle, and a wick sized for the top would be unable to burn enough wax on the lower portion. So candle makers choose a wick size somewhere in the middle. This means that most cone candles will have some leftover wax at the end of their lifespan. It's a similar situation for egg-shaped candles and any other candles with an irregular shape.

Burning a candle in a drafty place can also cause burn rate problems, as the increased airflow and oxygen supply will cause the wick to burn up before the proper amount of wax is consumed.

Some candles are actually designed to leave behind a decorative wax shell, like our David's Rose candle. These allow you to burn the original candle until the wick is gone, then continue using the shell as a luminary for burning tea lights.

What kind of candles use wax most efficiently?

Pillar candles and votives with smooth, straight sides, taper candles, and tea lights (when burned in a cup) will most likely use all or nearly all of their wax by the time the wick is consumed.

Don't hesitate to burn those specialty shaped candles though! Beeswax never expires, so it never has to go to waste even if your candle doesn't burn all its wax.

What to do with leftover candle wax

Beeswax is incredibly stable, never expires, and can be melted down over and over again—so don't throw away your scraps of wax! Instead, use them for a DIY project and pour more candles, make some lip balm or salve, or use it around the house for waterproofing and lubrication. 

How to make candles from leftover beeswax

One of the most fun things to do with your candle scraps is to make more candles! The process is quite simple. You'll need the following items:

• a saucepan
• a mason jar
• glass or metal measuring cup with spout
• a paint filter
• a candle mold
• candle wicking
• a wicking or darning needle
• a bobby pin

You can buy most of these items on our website, or even buy a complete kit that includes everything you need to get started pouring your own candles.

Follow the steps below to pour your own DIY beeswax candles!

1. Fill the saucepan with about 2 inches of water and put it on the stove on low heat. The water should steam but not boil.
2. Place your candle scraps in the mason jar and put the mason jar in the saucepan. The heat of the water will begin to slowly melt the wax. Don't worry about any debris that may be caught in the wax, it will be filtered out later.
3. Wick your mold: thread the wicking needle with the cotton wick, then poke the needle through the very center of the mold base and pull the wick through.
4. Pull the wick through the mold until there is about 1 inch of wick extending beyond the edge of the mold. Using the bobby pin, center the wick in the mold. The bobby pin should be spanning the mold with the ends supported on opposite sides of the mold, and the wick should be suspended in the center of the mold.
5. Filter the wax: once the wax is fully melted, pour it carefully from the mason jar through the paint filter into the measuring cup with spout.
6. Pour your candle! Pour the liquid wax into the candle mold, fully filling it but being careful not to overflow the mold. Double check that the bobby pin didn't shift and that the wick is still centered.
7. Once the wax has fully cooled, carefully remove the candle from the mold. Trim the wick at the base of the candle flush with the wax, and the wick at the top of the candle to about half an inch. It's now ready to burn! 

Common Uses for Beeswax

There are literally thousands of ways beeswax is used in manufacturing, crafts, healthcare, industrial applications, and more. Here are just a few that you can take advantage of in your home.

1. making candles (of course!)
2. make your wooden drawers slide smoothly
3. waxing sewing thread
4. makes zippers zip smoother
5. wax seals on envelopes 
6. DIY furniture polish
7. prevent bronze tarnishing
8. natural scented wax melts
9. use it in canning to seal jars
10. waterproofing and protecting leather
11. make natural food wraps
12. care for your wooden spoons and cutting boards
13. a natural non-stick pan coating
14. easier grill clean up
15. makes shop hand saws work smoother
16. lubricate wood screws and nails
17. traditional water proofer
18. make fire starters
19. make your own lip balm
20. ease cracked heels
21. homemade dog paw balm for Rover
22. make a luxurious body butter
23. DIY lotion or soap
24. use it in hair care and beard balms
25. create your own salves and vapor rub
26. coat reeds of woodwind instruments
27. protect surface of tambourines
28. dye resist for fabric dyeing, like batik
29. used to make natural non-toxic crayons
30. use for plant grafting
31. waxing your snow skis
32. waterproof matches
33. improve fly fishing technique
34. it reduces friction on bow strings
35. great for preserving leaves
36. make traditional Christmas ornaments
    
37. as a dye resist to create designs on your Easter eggs