Are You Supposed To Pour Out Candle Wax?

ByAbigail Hall

The art of candle making and candle use dates back thousands of years in human history. Candles have been an integral part of cultural and spiritual practices across many civilizations. From ancient times to the modern era, candles have served as one of our primary sources of light and have taken on rich symbolism. The practice of pouring out leftover melted candle wax after extinguishing the flame is one that also has a long history and various reasons behind it.

Purpose of Pouring Out Candle Wax

Pouring out candle wax can have both symbolic meaning and practical benefits. Symbolically, some believe that pouring out candle wax represents releasing negative energy or letting go of the past. As the wax melts away, it is thought to carry away unwanted emotions, memories, or energy. This ritualistic act is sometimes performed during spiritual ceremonies or moments of transition in life.

On a practical level, pouring out excess melted wax can help candles burn more efficiently. Over time, the melted wax pool that forms around the wick as the candle burns can become too deep or uneven. Pouring it out occasionally helps maintain a proper melt pool depth and shape so the candle wicks properly. It also prevents overflow, which can make a mess. However, pouring out wax too frequently reduces burn time. Moderation is key for practicality.

Source: https://www.aerix.co/blogs/aroma/should-you-pour-out-the-wax-from-scented-candles

When to Pour Out Candle Wax

There are a few instances when it may be appropriate to pour out candle wax:

Between uses – If you are not planning to burn a candle again soon, you may want to pour out the remaining wax so it does not continue releasing fragrance when not in use. This can help preserve the scent for the next burn.[1]

When wick is too short – As the candle burns down, the wick will become shorter and shorter. Once the wick becomes very short (less than 1/4 inch), it can be difficult to keep the candle lit. Pouring out the remaining wax at this point allows you to safely retire the spent candle.[2]

When changing candle scents – If you want to change the scent of a candle, you’ll need to remove the existing wax before adding a new scent. Make sure to pour out all wax before adding a new candle wax blend.

How to Properly Pour Out Candle Wax

When it’s time to pour out leftover candle wax, following some simple steps can help make the process smooth and safe:

First, make sure the candle is completely cooled and solidified before attempting to pour it out. This helps prevent spills and burns. Tilt the candle container over a heat safe bowl or tin can to catch the wax. Pour slowly and carefully to control the flow of wax. Going too fast can result in splattering or spills.

As an extra precaution, lay down newspaper, paper towels, or dish towels around the pouring area to protect surfaces. The wax can still be warm, and drips or spills are possible.

laying down newspaper or dish towels before pouring out candle wax can help protect surfaces from drips or spills.

Let the poured out wax fully harden in the catching container before disposal. The wax can take up to 24 hours to fully solidify again. Trying to move or dispose of still-liquid wax can create a mess.

For especially stubborn wax remnants stuck to the candle jar, one safe and effective removal method is to boil water and pour it into the empty container. Let it sit for a few minutes, dump out the water, and this should loosen any remaining wax for easier cleanup [1].

What to Do With Poured Out Wax

There are some creative ways to reuse poured out candle wax rather than just throwing it away. One popular option is to make new candles with the leftover wax. You can create candle molds out of aluminum foil or reuse old glass jars, then pour the melted wax directly into the molds or jars. Add a new wick and you have an easy DIY candle. The poured out wax can also be used to make wax melts. Simply pour the melted wax into silicone molds or ice cube trays, adding fragrance if desired. As the wax cools it will form wax melts that can be used in wax warmers. Finally, the wax can be used for wax art. Letting the wax cool in fun shaped molds or using it to coat objects can create one-of-a-kind art pieces. Getting creative with reused candle wax helps reduce waste.

Safety Tips

When pouring out candle wax, it’s important to take proper safety precautions to avoid burns or other injuries.

Always allow the wax to completely cool and harden before attempting to pour it out. Hot liquid wax can cause severe burns if it splashes or spills on bare skin (Source: https://northwoodcandlesupply.com/blogs/news/5-candle-making-safety-tips-everyone-should-follow). Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling melted wax.

Adequately ventilate the area when pouring wax to prevent buildup of flammable wax vapors. Open windows, use fans, or pour wax outdoors if possible (Source: https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/).

Keep children and pets away during the pouring process. Supervise children around melted wax to prevent accidental burns. Store poured wax in a safe place out of reach once cooled.

Environmental Considerations

When pouring out candle wax, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum and produces harmful emissions when burned. According to https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/questions/are-candles-bad-environment, “They’re oil based, burning those, you’re burning a fossil fuel, so they’re not so good for the environment.”

To minimize the environmental impact, consider reusing or recycling the poured out wax. The wax can be remelted and used to make new candles, wax melts, or fire starters. Proper disposal is also important. Allow the wax to fully harden and then throw it in the trash, rather than pouring hot liquid wax down drains where it can clog pipes. Some facilities may allow candle wax to be recycled with plastics if fully hardened and clean.

When buying new candles, look for more eco-friendly options like soy, beeswax, or other natural waxes. According to https://notescandle.com/blogs/passing-notes/what-impact-do-candles-have-on-the-environment, “However, paraffin wax harvesting has detrimental environmental impacts. The process of de-waxing exhausts non-renewable resources through crude oil mining and refining.” Being mindful of materials and recycling or reusing wax can help minimize the environmental footprint of candle use.

Troubleshooting

Candle making can be tricky, and problems like tunnelling and wax spills are common. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these issues:

Fixing Tunnelling

Tunnelling happens when the outer edges of a candle burn faster than the middle, creating a tunnel shape. This is caused by an uneven wax pool with a hotter perimeter. To fix tunnelling:

  • Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent an overly large flame.
  • Make sure to burn the candle for at least 2 hours the first time to establish a full wax pool.
  • Pour the wax at a temperature between 135-185°F to minimize shrinkage and pooling issues as it cools (source: https://www.candlescience.com/wax/soy-wax-trouble-shooting-guide/).

Removing Wax Spills

It’s common for some wax to spill or overflow when pouring candles. To clean spills:

  • Let the wax completely harden first.
  • Use a plastic scraper to chip off any large chunks on smooth surfaces.
  • Freeze the candles to harden wax faster if needed.
  • Wipe with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.
  • Clean with an all-purpose cleaner and wash cloth.

Avoid pouring wax down the drain as it can clog pipes. The hardened wax can go in the trash once cleaned up.

Alternatives to Pouring Out Wax

There are a few alternatives to pouring out candle wax that allow you to enjoy candles without creating excess waste. According to Quora, some popular alternatives include using different wax types or wick-less wax melts.[1] Wick trimming, wax melting pots, and candle warmers are three common alternatives recommended.

Wick trimming involves trimming the wick as the candle burns down to prevent tunneling or an uneven melt pool. This allows the wax to burn more slowly and evenly without the need to pour it out. Simply use wick trimmers or small scissors to snip the wick about 1/4″ every few hours of burn time.[2]

Wax melting pots and warmers allow you to enjoy candle scents without lighting a wick. Place wax melts or chunks of leftover candle wax in the warmer and turn it on to melt and disperse fragrance. The wax can be reused until it loses its scent. Popular retailer Apartment Therapy recommends candle warmers as an alternative that “doesn’t feel like a downgrade.”[3]

These methods allow candle lovers to enjoy their candles fully while reducing waste. With some simple tools and equipment, you can avoid pouring out leftover wax and extend the life of your candle.

[1] https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-alternatives-to-candle-wax-for-candle-making

[2] https://nuthousecandleco.com/blogs/soy-wax-why-we-use-it/candle-making-soy-wax-alternatives


[3] https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/candle-alternatives-36705656

Conclusion

In summary, properly pouring out candle wax is an important part of the candle making process. It helps maximize burn time, minimize soot, and prevent tunneling. The key factors are pouring at the right temperature for the wax type, pouring into a vessel free of drafts, pouring slowly and evenly, and allowing time for the wax to cool and stabilize after pouring. While reusing poured wax is ideal, if disposing, wait until completely hardened and check local regulations. With the right techniques, pouring wax can help candles burn beautifully from edge to edge.

Candle making is an art that balances science and creativity. Mastering proper wax pouring takes practice, but is satisfying. We hope these tips help you on your candle making journey to craft gorgeous, long-lasting candles. Feel free to reference this guide anytime you are troubleshooting wicks that drown or candles with poor throw. Happy pouring!

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