Can I Use Toilet Paper Roll As Candle Mold?

Repurposing toilet paper rolls into candle molds is a creative way to reuse a common household item that would normally be discarded. The cylindrical shape of the rolls makes them a perfect vessel for holding wax to create unique, homemade candles. Many people enjoy repurposing toilet paper rolls into candles as a fun DIY craft project or to find a sustainable way to make use of an item they already have on hand before throwing it away.

Turning toilet paper rolls into candle molds allows you to customize the size, shape, scent and look of candles without spending money on expensive supplies. It’s an inexpensive, eco-friendly way to make decorative candles from scratch. The repurposed toilet paper roll candles also make great handmade gifts. Overall, repurposing toilet paper rolls into candles is a creative way for hobbyists and crafters to reuse household items to produce beautiful, unique candles with their own personal touch.

Materials Needed

To create homemade candles using toilet paper rolls, you’ll need the following basic supplies:

• Toilet paper rolls or other cardboard rolls – These form the base mold for the candles. Make sure rolls are empty and clean. According to this source, at least 3-4 rolls are needed for small candles.
• Wax – Use soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, or other candle-making waxes. Have at least 1-2 pounds on hand. Cut wax into small chunks for easier melting.
• Wicks – Pre-tabbed or pre-waxed candle wicks. Size should fit the diameter of the toilet paper rolls.



• Dye (optional) – Liquid candle dye to color the wax if desired. Use wax-safe dyes.

Gather these basic supplies before starting your toilet paper roll candles. The type and amount of wax and wicks will depend on how many rolls and candles you want to make.

Preparing the Rolls

Before making candles, it’s important to properly prepare the toilet paper rolls. Make sure any remaining toilet paper is removed and the rolls are completely empty and clean. Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe out any dust or debris inside the rolls.

Next, cut the toilet paper rolls to the desired height for your candles using scissors or a craft knife. Most standard rolls are about 5-6 inches tall, but you can cut them shorter if you prefer smaller candles.

Finally, seal off one end of the toilet paper roll by tightly wrapping it with aluminum foil or washi tape. This will create the bottom of the candle mold. Make sure the foil/tape is wrapped smoothly and tightly so wax doesn’t leak out the bottom later when pouring.

Once your toilet paper rolls are empty, cut, and sealed on one end, they are ready to have wicks inserted and wax poured into them.

Adding the Wick

A wick is essential for your toilet paper roll candle to burn properly. The wick acts as a channel for the melted wax to travel up through capillary action and continue fueling the flame. To add a wick:

– Cut a piece of wick to about 2 inches longer than the height of your toilet paper roll. Cotton or paper wicks work well.

– Using a skewer or toothpick, poke a hole in the center of one end of the toilet paper roll going all the way through to the other end.

– Insert the wick into the hole, leaving equal lengths hanging out of both ends of the roll. The wick needs to reach fully from end to end.

– Secure the wick in place with a dot of hot glue on each end, being careful not to obstruct the wick’s channel.

This will anchor the wick firmly in the center so it stays positioned properly when you pour in the wax. Make sure not to trim the wick until after pouring and cooling.

Melting and Pouring Wax

The key to making toilet paper roll candles is properly melting and pouring the wax. The easiest method is to use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with a couple inches of water and place it over medium heat. Rest a metal bowl on top of the pot – this will serve as your wax melting pot. Add wax chunks, wax melts, or old candle stubs to the bowl. Stir occasionally as the wax melts completely.

Once melted, carefully pour a thin layer of wax into each toilet paper roll about 1/4 full. Let cool slightly, around 5 minutes, before pouring additional layers. This allows the wax to adhere as it hardens. Continue pouring thin layers until the toilet paper roll is filled almost to the top. The wax will naturally create interesting drips and textures as you build up layers.

For best results, avoid pouring too much wax at once or the candle may become misshapen from the weight. Take your time and pour thin layers. The wax can be tricky to work with, so pour carefully to avoid spills.

Optional Dye

Adding dye to the melted wax before pouring into the toilet paper rolls can create colorful and creative candles. This is an optional step, but dyeing the wax allows you to customize the look of your homemade candles.

Standard candle dye, either liquid or block form, can be added to melted wax. Start with just a drop or pinch of dye first as the color will become more concentrated once cooled. Swirl the dye into the wax to help disperse the color evenly.

For a multi-colored effect, use a few different dye colors in the wax and gently stir in a swirling motion. The swirling will create strips or swirls of color in the finished candle. Let the dyed wax sit for a minute so the colors blend slightly before pouring into the toilet paper molds.

Use dye sparingly, as a little goes a long way. Darker dye colors like red, blue and black will tint the wax quickly. Pastel shades like pink or purple may require more dye to achieve the desired shade.

Cooling and Finishing

After pouring the wax into the toilet paper rolls, it’s important to let the candles cool completely before handling them. The wax needs time to fully harden and set. Allow at least a few hours for the candles to cool. Rushing the cooling process may result in candles that are misshapen or fall apart easily.

Once the toilet paper roll candles have cooled and hardened, trim the wicks to your desired length using scissors. The wicks should be trimmed to about 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch above the top of the candle. This helps ensure proper burning.

If desired, you can decorate the outside of the rolled candles. Some options include:

• Glue on sequins, beads, buttons, or other embellishments
• Add a label with the candle scent written
• Paint or decoupage patterned scrapbook paper around the outside
• Wrap twine or ribbon around the rolls
• Glitter the outside by brushing on glue and dipping in glitter

Get creative with decorating to make your toilet paper roll candles unique. Just be sure any embellishments are securely attached and allow time for any glue to fully dry before burning the candles. Properly cooling and finishing the candles will result in a long-lasting, decorative touch for your home. For instructions see: https://amylanham.com/diy-fake-candles-toilet-paper-roll-craft/

Burn Time and Care

The burn time for toilet paper roll candles can vary quite a bit depending on the size of the roll and diameter of the wick. As a general guideline, smaller toilet paper rolls (4 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter) with a thin wick may provide 1-2 hours of burn time. Larger rolls (closer to 6 inches tall and 3 inches diameter) with a medium wick could provide upwards of 4-5 hours of burn time.

Properly storing the toilet paper candles is important to preserve burn time. Keep unused rolls in an airtight container to prevent wax from sweating in hot environments. Once burned, trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before relighting to avoid excess smoke and uneven burning the next time they are used. Allow at least 24 hours for the wax to fully harden again before burning relit candles (https://storables.com/articles/how-to-make-toilet-paper-candles/).

Testing wick sizes and roll dimensions will help determine ideal burn times. In general, larger rolls with medium or thicker wicks will sustain the flame longer, while smaller rolls work better for quick emergency lighting situations.

Safety Tips for Making DIY Candles with Toilet Paper Rolls

When making homemade candles, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips for staying safe while making candles with toilet paper rolls:

Work in a well-ventilated area. Melting wax produces fumes that should not be inhaled. Be sure to work in an area with good airflow, such as near an open window or outside.^[1]

Keep wax away from children and pets. Melted wax can cause burns if spilled or splashed. Do not leave burning candles unattended around children or pets who could knock them over.^[1]

Use appropriate caution when melting and pouring wax. Wear heat-resistant gloves and avoid splashing hot wax. Allow wax to fully cool and harden before handling.^[1]

Supervise burning candles. Never leave lit candles unattended. Place candles on a stable, heat-safe surface away from flammable materials. Snuff out candles before leaving the room.

Consider using battery-operated tealights. These eliminate the open flame hazard while still allowing you to enjoy the candlelight ambiance.

Instruct children on safe candle practices. If doing this project with kids, go over candle safety rules and supervise closely.

Creative Variations

Creating unique designs with toilet paper roll candles is easy and fun by adding scents, shaping the melted wax, or using multiple rolls in one mold. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon before pouring the wax to give your candles a lovely aroma [1]. Or you can use scented candle wax like vanilla or pine if you prefer a stronger fragrance. To shape the melted wax, pour into molds or even directly onto a baking sheet. Let it slightly harden and then use a knife or other tool to sculpt melted wax into fun zigzags, ripples, or other shapes before cooling completely [2]. For a unique technique, fit toilet paper rolls together into bundles using rubber bands before pouring in wax to create one large multi-wick candle. The possibilities are endless!