Can You Put Candle Wax In A Mug?

What Does It Mean to Put Candle Wax in a Mug?

Putting candle wax in a mug refers to melting down old leftover candle wax and pouring it into a mug to create a new makeshift candle. Rather than throwing away candle nubs that have burned down, you can give them new life by turning them into DIY candles in mugs. This allows you to reuse old candle wax that would normally be discarded.

The process involves melting down the leftover hardened wax from used candles, then carefully pouring the liquid wax into a heat-safe mug or glass. As the wax cools and hardens in the mug, it will create a new candle, using the mug as a container instead of a traditional candle jar or tin. This is a creative way to repurpose candle wax leftovers to make new DIY candles.

Is It Safe to Put Candle Wax in a Mug?

Making candles in mugs can be safe if proper precautions are taken. The main potential hazard is the mug cracking from thermal shock if the hot wax is poured into a cold mug. According to one Reddit user, it’s important not to pour hot wax into a chilly mug, and don’t light the candle if it’s really cold – instead, let it come to room temperature first.

Another precaution is to test the mug first before making a full candle. As recommended by Homestead Sparkle, pour a small amount of wax in the mug and let it fully set and cool. Then reheat the wax and see if the mug withstands the temperature change without cracking. This helps ensure the mug you chose can handle the hot wax without breaking.

It’s also critical to keep the candle away from flammable objects and never leave a burning candle unattended. Follow general candle safety guidelines like keeping it on a stable, nonflammable surface. With proper precautions, making candles in mugs can be a safe craft.

What Kind of Mug Should You Use?

When making candles in mugs, it’s important to choose a mug made from heat-safe materials that can withstand hot wax. Ceramic, glass, and stainless steel are good options.

Ceramic mugs, like ceramic coffee mugs or camp mugs, are a popular choice. Make sure any ceramic you use is oven-safe and rated for high temperatures. According to Farmhouse Chic Living, typical ceramic mugs do well with candle wax around 175°F.

Glass mugs or jars also work well for candle making. Look for heat-resistant glass like Mason jars or thick glass coffee mugs. The glass should be able to withstand the hot wax as it pools when lit. Avoid using thin glassware.

Stainless steel camping mugs and tumblers are another good option, as stainless steel can handle hot liquids and won’t crack from heat exposure. Enamel-coated metal mugs work too.

In general, avoid using plastic mugs or cups, as the hot wax can melt the plastic. Also avoid paper or foam cups, as they are flammable.

How to Melt Down the Old Candle Wax

There are a few different methods you can use to safely melt down old candle wax so it can be reused in a mug or other candle container:

Double Boiler

One of the most common ways to melt candle wax is using a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with a couple inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the old candle wax in a heat-proof bowl or measuring cup that fits securely over the saucepan without touching the water. As the water heats up, it will gently melt the wax.[1]

Microwave

You can also use a microwave to melt down candle wax. Put the old wax in a microwave-safe container and microwave it in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the wax is fully melted.[1] Be very careful removing the container from the microwave, as melted wax can be extremely hot.

Oven

If you have a large amount of candle wax to melt down, you can use your oven. Place the old wax in an oven-safe container and put it in the oven at 200°F, checking it every 5-10 minutes until melted. Be sure to use oven mitts when handling the hot melted wax.[1]

Preparing the Mug

Before pouring candle wax into a mug, it’s important to properly clean and prepare the mug first. Start by giving the mug a thorough wash with soap and hot water to remove any residue. Scrub the inside well, including the bottom and handles. Rinse thoroughly after washing.

Make sure to fully dry the mug before pouring in wax. Any moisture left in the mug can cause the wax to stick or prevent it from adhering properly. Let the mug air dry completely or carefully dry it with a towel.

Some candle makers recommend washing the mug with a mix of vinegar and water before pouring in wax. The vinegar helps remove oils and soap residue that could keep the wax from sticking. After washing with the vinegar solution, rinse the mug well with clean water and let it fully dry [1].

It’s best to avoid using mugs that have had coffee, tea, or other beverages in them. The wax may absorb old tastes and smells. Stick to using clean mugs that have never held liquids.

Pouring the Melted Wax

Properly pouring the melted wax is a critical step in creating candles in mugs. The wax should be heated to between 140-160°F before pouring, according to experts (1). Pouring at higher temperatures can cause sinkholes or an uneven finish on the candle. At lower temperatures, the wax can start to solidify too quickly and make pouring difficult.

It’s best to pour the wax slowly and steadily into the center of the mug. Tilt and rotate the mug gently as you pour to coat the sides. Make sure your workspace is lined with paper or foil to catch any spills. Allow the wax to cool completely before moving the mug (1). When working with hot wax, be cautious and wear protective gloves to avoid burns. With the proper preparation and pouring technique, you’ll end up with a smooth, cohesive candle in your upcycled mug.

(1) https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/heating-and-pouring-waxes/

Adding Fragrance and Dye

One of the best parts of making candles in mugs is being able to customize them with fragrance and color. There are lots of options when it comes to scents and dyes so you can personalize your homemade candle.

For fragrance, you can use either fragrance oils or essential oils. Fragrance oils come in tons of different scents from floral to food-inspired. Some popular fragrance oil scents include lavender, vanilla, apple pie, coffee, and more. Just a few drops of fragrance oil per mug of wax will make it smell wonderful. Essential oils also work well and provide lovely natural scents like lemon, orange, peppermint, etc. Be careful not to overload the wax with too much fragrance as it can get overpowering.

As for dye, liquid candle dye is the best option as just a couple drops will create a vibrant color. You can find candle dyes in every color of the rainbow. Another option is to use old crayon bits to color the wax – just shave them into the melted wax. You can get creative with color combinations too. For example, try a red and yellow swirl or blue and green swirled together.

Scent and color allow you to make mug candles tailored exactly to your tastes. Play around to find your favorite fragrance and color pairings. Refer to this source for some of the most popular candle scents if you need inspiration.

How Long Does It Take the Wax to Set?

The time it takes for candle wax to set and harden depends on the type of wax used. Paraffin wax, a common candlemaking wax, will generally set within a few hours after pouring. According to Armatage Candle Company, paraffin wax doesn’t change much 24-48 hours after pouring¹. Soy wax, another popular option, takes longer to set completely. On Reddit, users report soy wax taking 6-12 hours to fully harden after pouring².

To test if the candle wax has hardened, gently press on the top surface with your finger. The wax is ready when it feels solid and no indentation is left. Don’t test too soon while the wax is still very warm – this could leave fingerprints and marks on the surface. Allow plenty of time for the wax to fully set up before handling the finished candle.

Trimming and Finishing the Candle

Once the wax has fully set and hardened in the mug, you will need to trim the wick before lighting the candle. Trimming the wick to 1/4″ will help the candle burn properly and prevent excess smoking or an uneven flame.

Use sharp scissors or a candle wick trimmer to snip the wick. Cut perpendicular to the wick, not at an angle. Make sure not to trim the wick too short, as this can prevent the candle from staying lit.

In addition to trimming the wick, you’ll also want to clean up the look of the finished candle by evening out the top surface. Carefully peel off any dried wax drips on the sides of the mug. You can use a sharp knife to gently scrape and smooth the top of the candle wax. Get rid of any bumps or ridges so it has a flat, even surface.

Properly trimming the wick and evening out the top are important finishing steps before you can safely burn your homemade candle in a mug. This helps ensure proper and safe burning.

For more tips, see this helpful guide on properly trimming candle wicks from The Harlem Candle Company: https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/blogs/journal/candle-care-101-how-to-trim-candle-wicks-the-right-way

Safety Tips for Burning Candle Wax in Mugs

When burning candle wax in mugs, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips to prevent fires or injuries.

Proper placement of the mug candle is crucial. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Safety with candles, you should keep burning candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can ignite, like curtains or furniture. It’s best to place the mug on a sturdy, nonflammable surface away from high traffic areas.

Never leave a burning mug candle unattended, even for a minute. According to Candles.org, you should always monitor lit candles and blow them out before leaving a room. It’s also wise to extinguish the candle when it reaches within two inches of the mug rim.

Be sure to fully extinguish the candle when finished. The NFPA recommends gently blowing at the flame or using a snuffer to fully put out the candle. Don’t rely on blowing out the flame without checking to ensure no embers remain.

By following these basic safety precautions, you can safely enjoy candlelight in mugs without worrying about accidental fires or injuries.