Recycled Candles

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-645 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Oyster and coconut shells are only types of containers that can be used to hold recycled candles.
Designer Danny Seo shows how to use leftover wax to make new candles.

Materials:

leftover candle (from candles that have burned down)
hammer
heat-resistant glass container (such as a measuring cup)
saucepan
chopsticks or wooden skewers
essential oil (in your choice of scent)
candle wick
small containers (oyster hells, coconut shells, fruit tins, terra-cotta pots, small glass jars, etc.)

Steps:


  1. Use a hammer to bust old candles into small pieces. Be sure to remove the old wick, as well as any metal or other objects. Leave only the wax.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Place the wax pieces into a heat-resistant glass container, then place the glass into a saucepan to create a double boiler (figure A).

  • Fill the saucepan with about an inch of water and bring to medium-high heat. When the water boils, lower heat and simmer. Stir wax with a chopstick or wood skewer.

  • When the wax is melted, add essential oil.
  • PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Use a skewer to hold wick in place as you pour melted wax into the container (figure B). Allow to cool for about an hour.

  • Enjoy your new recycled candle.

  • Resources
    Conscious Style Home: Eco-Friendly Living for the 21st Century
    by Danny Seo
    St. Martin's Press, 2001
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    Guests
    Danny Seo
    Author/Owner, Danny Seo Media Ventures
    302A W. 12th Suite 177
    New York, NY 10014
    E-mail: help@dannyseo.com
    Also in this Episode