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You know I’m all about making every dollar I have stretch while still keeping the good energy flowing. Let’s be real, I’m on a budget (and sometimes it feels like it’s forever, lol). Candles are one of those small indulgences I genuinely love. I remember always scooping them up during sales from Bath and Body Works or from HomeSense , but they can pile up fast as well as the cost. So when the wick burns out and there’s still wax chilling at the bottom? Oh, we’re not throwing that away. We’re bringing it back to life.
I don’t have a candle warmer, and since I already love making my own candles from scratch, reviving leftover wax just makes sense to me. This is one is just one of those things I enjoy doing: transforming worn-out, almost-dead candles into something fresh, and new, by just using what I have. Let’s dive in.
Why Reuse Old Candles?
- Budget Friendly: Get more candle time for your coin.
- Eco-friendly: Less waste.
- Creative fun: Mix-and-match leftover like scents that naturally complement each other.
What You’ll Need
- Old candle jars with wax stubs and burnt out wicks
- Double boiler (or a heat proof bowl over a pot of simmering water)
- New candle wicks https://amzn.to/4kGlCPh
- Candle containers (reuse old candle containers, jars, tins, or thrifted finds)
- Stirring stick (chopstick, skewer, or butter knife) https://amzn.to/4l3padX
How to Reuse Old Candles
Step-by-Step:
1. Collect Your Candle Wax
We’ve all been there, having leftover candle wax at the bottom of the canister. Well, pop or scrape out any leftover wax from old candles. Some people place these canisters in the freezer for a few minutes to allow it to “pop” out however I just use a knife to cut into wax to get it free. Be sure to remove burnt wicks before melting
Try to group together candles that had similar scents, you will thank me later. Group like scents such as vanilla-based ones, or everything floral. The majority of my candles have similar scents, like vanilla or amber undertones along with a hint of coconut. The final results smells intentional with all my favourite scents combined.
2. Melt the Wax in a Double Boiler
Set up your double boiler. Put a pot on to boil and use a heat proof bowl or stainless steel bowl. Place that bowl over the boiling water. I take an extra step to add a little water into the bowl and then ADD a second bowl which will contain the wax chunks. This will allow the wax chunks to melt slowly and reduce chances of the wax burning. As it melts, stir occasionally with your stir stick (I used take out chopsticks). Low and slow is the key.
3. Let the Scents Blend Naturally
You honestly don’t need to add anything extra. I didn’t, the scent left in the wax from the original candles will still come through. That’s why choosing candles with similar scents will give the final candle a surprisingly cohesive scent.
4. Prep Your Containers and Wicks
Reuse your old candle canister, I cleaned a few of mine up just for this purpose. I like 3-wick candles, so that’s what I created. This is where you get creative make a single wick, 2 wick or even 3, the choice is yours.
Anchor your wick in your chosen container. Dab the end of your wick in melted wax and stick it down in the container.
5. Pour and Set
Once your wax is fully melted, carefully pour it into the container. Keep that wick centered as it cools and hardens. This usually takes a few hours.
6. Trim the Wick and Light It Up
Once fully cooled, trim the wick to ¼ inch. There you have it, you’ve got yourself a brand-new candle, made from scraps. If you don’t tell they won’t know lol.
Tips for Candle Success
- Don’t overheat your wax. Doing so can lose scent and become a fire hazard.
- Stick to scent families when combining (vanillas, florals, spices) for a smoother result.
- Use containers that can handle heat, think mason jars, metal tins, or heat-safe ceramics or the same container the original candle came in. That’s the safest way.
- Clean jars well if you’re reusing them to avoid leftover scent clash.
Just My Thoughts
Making new candles from old ones is such a feel-good win for me. It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and honestly kind of therapeutic. So the next time your candle gives out, don’t toss it, just melt it down, blend the scents that already vibe together, and enjoy a fresh new glow.
I’m a candle lover through and through, but I’m not out here overspending, let’s face it I cant lol, especially when I can stretch what I already have and still get that vibe I love. Repurposing old candles is just one of the ways I’m trying to stay on budget without missing out on the little things I love.
This is what living on a budget looks like for me. It’s simple, fun and still full of joy.
Love this budget-friendly candle hack?
Give it a try and light up your space without breaking the bank!
If you found this helpful, drop a comment below and share your candle repurposing stories or tips. I’d love to hear how you bring your old candles back to life.
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Soft Pastels Life 
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