How Do You Not Waste The Bottom Of A Candle?

It’s estimated that over 35 million candle containers end up in landfills every year, with only 8% being recycled, according to Sustainability Champions website (https://www.sustainabilitychampions.com/post/atmosvu-a-sustainable-solution-to-the-candle-industrys-waste-problem). This waste is largely due to the leftover wax at the bottom of candles that people throw away once the wick burns out. However, there are many creative ways to use up every last bit of wax rather than sending it straight to a landfill.

Trim the Wick

Trimming the wick before lighting a candle is crucial for achieving an even, efficient burn and minimizing wasted wax. As the candle burns, the wick will get longer and begin to bend or curl over, preventing the wax from pooling properly. This can create thick walls of unmelted wax around the edges, leaving unused wax behind when the candle finishes. Trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before each use allows the wax to liquefy evenly across the surface as the flame burns straight upwards (Source: https://www.marthastewart.com/8053740/how-when-trim-candle-wick). By maintaining an optimal wick length, the candle burns slower and more thoroughly down to the bottom without the wick drowning in molten wax.

Trimming also removes any excess carbon buildup or unevenness at the tip of the wick. This allows for the cleanest, brightest burn. Wick trimmers provide the easiest method, but scissors or nail clippers work as well. Just be careful not to trim too low, as this can cause tunneling or an irregular melt pool. Aim for 1⁄4 inch for the best results. Properly trimming the wick before use helps prolong the life of candles and ensure none of that wonderful fragrance goes to waste.

Use a Candle Warmer

One way to avoid wasting the bottom of a candle is to use a candle warmer instead of lighting the wick. Candle warmers are devices that gently heat the candle using a lightbulb or heating plate to melt the wax pool evenly (Brahmas Incense Sticks). The warmer melts wax into a liquid state and disperses the fragrance without having to light the wick. This allows the wax to be used all the way to the bottom without leaving any unused wax behind (Reddit).

Candle warmers work by using heat to melt wax gradually down the full length of the candle. As the warmer gently heats the outside of the glass or metal candle holder, the wax pool liquefies and releases fragrance. Candle warmers are safe for use with all kinds of wax, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax (Medium). Using a warmer prevents wasting wax, as you can melt the entire candle down to the bottom. Just be sure to clean the warmer regularly to remove any wax residue or spills.

Burn Upside Down

One simple trick to use up all the wax in a candle is to burn it upside down. When a candle burns upright, the melted wax pools at the base where the wick is. This leaves unused wax around the sides and bottom. Turning the candle upside down causes the flame to melt the wax at the bottom as it burns. According to research, burning a candle upside down can cause the wax to melt and drip more quickly, using up more of the candle (http://james-simon.github.io/blog/upside-down-candle/).

When burned upside down, the flame is closest to the bottom of the candle, resulting in more surface area being heated. This allows more wax to melt and vaporize, rather than solidifying on the sides of the candle holder. While the candle may appear to burn faster upside down, it is simply melting and consuming the wax more efficiently. The result is that more of the candle gets used before it goes out.

Make Travel Candles

One easy way to use up leftover candle wax is to make small travel-sized candles. After a candle burns down, there is often wax remaining on the sides and bottom. To repurpose this wax into travel candles:

Gather clean, empty tin containers, like Altoid tins or small metal tins. Make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried first. Preheat the oven to 200°F to gently melt the leftover wax.¹ As the wax melts, carefully pour it from the original candle container into the smaller tins, leaving a wickless wax pool about 1/4-inch deep. Let the travel tins fully cool and harden before closing them. Then simply light the wax pool as needed when traveling or in a power outage. The wax pool will provide a flame-free source of light.

Making travel candles is a creative way to reuse every last bit of leftover candle wax. The small tin candles can provide portable lighting wherever needed. Experiment with adding crayon shavings or essential oils to customize the travel candles too.

¹ https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2022/09/make-DIY-scented-candles-with-leftover-wax.html

Wax Melts

One way to use up the remaining wax in a candle is to turn it into wax melts. Wax melts are small chunks of wax that are warmed in a tart warmer, slowly releasing fragrance as they melt. They are a great way to continue enjoying your favorite candle scents.

To make wax melts, start by removing any remaining wick from the bottom of the candle. Then place the candle container in a pot of simmering water to melt the leftover wax. Carefully pour the melted wax into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or other small containers. Allow the wax to fully harden and pop out the wax melt cubes or tarts.

Now you can place the wax melts in an electric tart warmer, also called a wax melter. The melter will gently heat the wax, releasing the aroma. Tart warmers allow you to enjoy the scent of a candle without having to actually light a flame. It’s an easy way to use every last bit of candle wax (source).

Candle Oil Lamps

One way to use up all the wax from a candle is to convert it into an oil lamp. This allows you to extend the life of the candle by transforming it into a new functional object.

To make a candle oil lamp, start by removing all the remaining wax from the glass jar or container. Make sure to scrape off any wax stuck to the sides. Then, add cooking oil, mineral oil, or lamp oil to fill up the container most of the way.

Next, twist up a cotton wick or attach it to a cork or stick placed across the top of the jar. You can reuse the original candle wick if it’s in good shape. Light the wick to test it out and make any adjustments.

As the wick burns, it will draw up oil from the bottom to fuel the flame. The oil lamp will provide a soft glow and can be used for ambient lighting. It’s a great way to get extended use out of the last bit of a candle.[1]

Make Fire Starters

One of the most popular ways to use up leftover candle wax is by making homemade fire starters. These can be a fun DIY project that also produces a useful household item. The basic ingredients for wax fire starters are wax, sawdust or cardboard, and a container or mold.

To make simple wax fire starters, start by grating or chopping candle wax into small pieces so it melts easily. Good waxes to use are soy, beeswax or paraffin wax. Avoid colored or scented candles as these can produce more smoke.

Next, shred cardboard, sawdust, lint or cotton balls to mix with the wax. Good ratios are 2 parts wax to 1 part fiber material. The sawdust or cardboard acts as a wick to help the wax burn.[Source](https://www.candlescience.com/learning/how-to-make-wax-fire-starters/)

Once you have your wax and fiber material ready, combine them in a double boiler to melt the wax. Stir well to fully coat the sawdust or cardboard shreds. Then simply spoon the wax mixture into muffin tins, jars or other molds. Allow to fully cool and harden before removing from the molds. These homemade fire starters make great DIY gifts or household items for lighting stoves, fireplaces, campfires and more.

Reuse as Sealing Wax

One way to use up the leftover wax at the bottom of a candle is to melt it down and reuse it as sealing wax. Sealing wax has traditionally been used to seal the flaps of envelopes and letters with a wax stamp or seal. The melted wax hardens to keep the envelope or letter closed.

To make homemade sealing wax with leftover candle wax, remove any wicks or debris and melt the wax in a small metal tin or glass measuring cup. Old wax can be melted together with new wax to stretch your supplies. Melt the wax over low heat just until liquified. Test the melted wax on a scrap piece of paper and allow it to dry completely before using it to seal any important letters or documents. Adjust the melting time if the wax is either too soft or too brittle when cooled (Source).

When you are ready to seal an envelope, light the wax until melted. Let it cool slightly so it thickens just enough to pour well. Then carefully pour the wax onto the seam or flap of the envelope where you want the seal. Quickly press your desired stamp, seal, or emblem into the wax. Hold it firmly for a few seconds as the wax cools and hardens. The result is a professional looking sealed letter or envelope.

Conclusion

There are many creative ways to use up all of the wax in a candle so none goes to waste. Trimming the wick, using a candle warmer, or burning the candle upside down lets you fully use wax that would otherwise be left unburned at the bottom. You can also repurpose leftovers into travel-sized candles, wax melts, candle oil lamps, fire starters, or sealing wax.

Being resourceful with the wax leftover in candles offers many benefits. It saves money since you maximize the use of each candle. It reduces waste rather than throwing out unused wax. It lets you extend the candle’s use in different forms. And it allows you to be creative and find new purposes for the wax. With a little ingenuity, you can use every last bit of that candle before it’s gone for good.