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Make a New Candle from Old Candles

Make a New Candle from Old Candles

Updated 3 January 2020 03:20 PM

If you have a collection of mostly used candles, follow this easy DIY to make one new candle. 

Several old candles

An old saucepan (that you don’t mind getting a little waxy)

A new candle mould (an old glass jar or an old candle holder)

Pencil, straw or something long and round

A new wick – See instructions below

Note: If your old candles are stuck in a glass jar. Place the candle holder into the freezer for 2-3 hours. You should be able to knock the candle straight out of it.


  1. Chop up the candle into smaller pieces, this will make it easier to melt
  2. Place the candle pieces into your old saucepan
  3. Melt the candle pieces over low heat
  4. Tie your new wick onto the middle of the pencil and place on top of the glass jar. Ensure that it dangles in the centre of the glass jar.
  5. Pour the melted wax into the glass jar
  6. Leave to completely harden.

Complete the above steps separately for each leftover candle. This way you can have a layered effect for your new candle.

To make the wick:

3 strips of Heaving Cotton String

1 tablespoon of Salt

2 tablespoons of Borax

1 cup of Water


  1. Combine the salt, borax and water in a container
  2. Soak the pieces of cotton string in the mixture
  3. Wait for 12 hours
  4. Hang the pieces of cotton string to dry
  5. Braid the pieces of cotton string together
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Science Notes

If possible, try and avoid paraffin candles, instead opt for beeswax or soy candles. 

Paraffin wax is used in the majority of candles found in shops and can be harmful to both our health and the environment. When paraffin candles are lit they can release harmful chemicals into the air. However, the candles will not cause too much harm if used on a short term basis and used in a well-ventilated area. Paraffin candles are generally cheap to buy, however their burning rate is higher than that of beeswax candles.

Related Tip

Mix things up a bit and use some of the following as your new candle holder: tea cups, old coffee or jam jars, tuna tins, tin cans, or even an old ladle.>

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