How to Turn Candle Into Wax Melts

Are you tired of spending money on expensive candles that only last for a short period? Do you want to get more out of your candles and save money in the long run? Then why not turn them into wax melts? Wax melts are small, scented pieces of wax that can be melted in a wax warmer or tea light to release their fragrance.

Transforming candles into wax melts is an innovative way to repurpose those fragrant favorites that have burned unevenly or are nearing the end of their wick. Wax melts offer a flameless alternative, allowing you to enjoy the aroma without an open flame, making them a safer choice in homes with pets or children.

This guide will walk you through the simple yet satisfying process of how to turn candle into wax melts, ensuring that none of that delightful scent goes to waste.

What are the Benefits of Wax Melts?

Not only are wax melts a safer option than burning candles, but they also have many other benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider turning your candles into wax melts:

• Long-lasting Fragrance: Unlike candles that burn out quickly, wax melts can provide fragrance for up to twice as long.
• More Economical: By transforming your candles into wax melts, you can get more out of them and save money in the long run.
• Easy to Store and Transport: Wax melts come in small, compact pieces that are easy to store and transport. You can take them on trips or give them as gifts without worrying about breakage.
• Customizable Scents: You can mix and match different scents to create your own unique fragrance combinations.
• Eco-friendly: Wax melts produce less waste compared to burning candles, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

These are just a few of the many benefits of using wax melts. So, let’s dive into how you can turn your candles into wax melts!

What Will You Need?

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• Old or used candles
• Double boiler or a heat-safe glass bowl and pot
• Wax melt molds (can be found in most craft stores)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Wax paper
• Scissors

Once you have gathered your materials, it’s time to start!

10 Easy Steps on How to Turn Candle Into Wax Melts

Step 1: Prepare Your Candles

Start by gathering all the old or used candles you want to convert into wax melts. Remove any decorations or stickers from the candles. If they’re in containers, carefully loosen the wax from the sides and remove it from the container.

Trim the wick away from the wax if it’s still present. Make sure the wax is clean and free from any debris. Place the candle wax pieces on wax paper so that they’re ready to be melted down in the upcoming steps.

Step 2: Cut the Candle Wax into Smaller Pieces

Cut the cleaned candle wax into small, even pieces to make the melting process more efficient. Smaller amounts of wax melt more quickly and evenly, which is essential for creating high-quality wax melts.

Use the scissors to snip the wax into chunks that are about 1 inch in size or smaller. Spread these pieces on the wax paper to prevent them from sticking together before the melting process begins.

Step 3: Melt the Candle Wax

Using a double boiler or a makeshift one with a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot, melt the wax on medium heat. Stir the wax gently as it melts to ensure uniformity and prevent burning. If you don’t have a double boiler, fill the pot with water and place the bowl on top, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.

This indirect heat will allow the wax to melt safely. Keep a close eye on the wax; it should become liquid without reaching a boil. Once the wax is fully melted, remove it from heat immediately to prepare for the next step.

Step 4: Prepare the Wax Melt Molds

While the candle wax is melting, prepare your wax melt molds. Spray a light coating of non-stick cooking spray into each mold to ensure that the wax melts will release quickly once solidified. If you don’t have cooking spray, rub a thin layer of oil using a paper towel.

Place the molds on a flat surface lined with wax paper to catch any drips or spills during the pouring process. Ensure the molds are completely dry and free from dust or debris to prevent imperfections in the wax melts.

Step 5: Add Fragrance or Dye (Optional)

If you wish to enhance your wax melts with additional fragrance or color, now is the time to add essential oils or candle dye. Stir in your chosen scent or paint into the melted wax until well combined.

It’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the amount of fragrance or dye to ensure perfect consistency and avoid any issues with the wax setting. Start with a few drops or a small amount and adjust according to your preference, remembering the scent will be more potent once the wax has solidified.

Step 6: Pour the Melted Wax into the Molds

Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared molds. Fill each mold to just below the top to avoid overflow. If you have any remaining wax, you can pour it into additional molds.

Pour steadily and slowly to prevent air bubbles from forming. If you notice bubbles, gently tap the mold on the counter to bring them to the surface and pop them. Allow the wax to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 7: Let the Wax Melt, Cool and Solidify

Allow the wax to cool completely in the molds. This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the wax melts and the room temperature. Resist the temptation to hasten the process with the fridge or freezer, as this can lead to cracks or condensation. Once the wax is set and no longer warm to the touch, you can move on to the final steps of the process.

Step 8: Release the Wax Melts from the Molds

Once your wax has fully solidified, it’s time to remove them from the molds carefully. Gently flex the edges of the silicone mold away from the resin or, if using a rigid mold, lightly tap the mold on a flat surface to loosen the melts.

If you apply a non-stick spray or oil, they should pop out easily without leaving any residue. In case any melt is particularly stubborn, place the mold in the refrigerator for just a few minutes to help it contract slightly and make removal easier. Be sure to handle the wax melts delicately to maintain their shape.

Step 9: Store Your Wax Melts Properly

Once you’ve successfully released all your wax melts from the molds, you’ll need to store them in a way that preserves their fragrance and prevents them from melting. Place the wax melts in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag to keep them fresh.

If you’ve created different scents, consider storing them separately to avoid mixing fragrances. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their shape and scent integrity until you’re ready to use them.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Handmade Wax Melts

Your DIY wax melts are now ready to be enjoyed! To use them, simply place one or two melts (depending on the desired fragrance strength) into the top of a wax warmer and light a tea light or activate your electric warmer underneath. As the wax melts, it will release its aroma, filling your space with a personalized scent.

Remember to supervise any open flame and keep the warmer out of reach of children and pets. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and delightful fragrance you’ve created with your hands!

By following these simple steps, you can easily create your wax melts at home. Experiment with different scents and colors to find your perfect combination. Whether for yourself or as a gift for others, handmade wax melts are an excellent way to add some personality and warmth to any space.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Utilize Double Boiler Method: To safely melt your candle, use a double boiler or create one by placing a smaller pot or heat-safe bowl on top of a larger pot with boiling water. This prevents the wax from being exposed to direct heat, which can be dangerous.
2. Monitor Temperature Carefully: Use a thermometer to monitor the wax’s temperature. Wax should generally be melted between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Exceeding this temperature can cause the wax to burn, affecting the fragrance and color.
3. Chop for Even Melting: Before melting, chop the candle wax into smaller pieces. Smaller chunks melt more evenly and quickly, reducing the time your wax is exposed to heat and ensuring a consistent texture.
4. Add Fragrance or Color: If you want to customize your wax melts, consider adding drops of essential oils for fragrance or wax dye for color once the wax is melted. Stir the mixture well to ensure even distribution.
5. Pouring Technique: When the wax is fully melted and mixed, pour it into silicone molds, an ice cube tray, or a container lined with parchment paper for easy removal once set. Pour steadily to prevent air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can turn your candles into wax melts without hassle.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Never Leave Melting Wax Unattended: Wax can go from melted to burning in a short amount of time. Leaving it unattended can ruin your product and is a severe fire hazard. Always stay nearby and keep watch over the melting process.
2. Do Not Use Fragrance Oils for Candle Making: While fragrance oils may work well in candle making, they are unsuitable for wax melts. Fragrance oils can cause your wax to break down and separate, affecting the overall consistency and scent of your polish melts.
3. Avoid Overheating Wax: As mentioned earlier, exceeding the recommended temperature range can damage the scent and color of your wax melts. Additionally, overheated wax can create air pockets or cause the wax to stick to the mold, making it difficult to remove once cooled.
4. Avoid Using Non-Heat-Safe Containers: Using heat-safe containers when melting wax is crucial. Glass, metal, and silicone are all suitable materials for holding melted wax. Plastic containers can melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat.
5. Do Not Add Water to Melted Wax: Adding water to wax is extremely dangerous as it can cause a steam explosion, leading to severe burns and fire hazards. Always ensure your melting area and tools are arid before starting the process.

Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure a safe and successful experience when turning your candles into wax melts.

5 Different Design Ideas to Try

1. Layered Wax Melts: Create a unique look by layering different colored and scented wax in your mold. Start with one color, let it cool, and then pour another layer on top.
2. Marbled Wax Melts: Similar to layered melts, you can create a marbled effect by adding drops of different colored wax into your mold and gently swirling it with a toothpick or skewer.
3. Incorporate Dried Flowers: Add dried flowers or herbs to your wax melts for a natural touch. Place them in the mold before pouring the melted wax for a beautiful and fragrant addition.
4. Use Different Shapes: Instead of traditional cube-shaped wax melts, use different molds such as hearts, stars, or flowers for a fun twist.
5. Add Glitter: For a touch of sparkle, add a pinch of glitter to your melted wax before pouring it into the mold. This is especially great for holiday-themed wax melts.

With these design ideas, you can create unique and visually appealing wax melts that stand out. Get creative and experiment with different shapes, colors, and ingredients. 

How Do You Make Leftover Candle Wax Into Wax Melts?

1. Gather Your Materials: To make wax melts out of leftover candle wax, you will need a double boiler or two pots, a thermometer, silicone molds or an ice cube tray, and parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Wax: Chop up your leftover candle wax into small pieces and place it in the top pot of your double boiler or heat-safe bowl. If using two banks, fill the larger one with boiling water and place the smaller pot on top.
3. Melt the Wax: Monitor the wax’s temperature closely using a thermometer and ensure it stays between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir occasionally until all the wax is melted.
4. Add Fragrance or Color: Add a few drops of essential oils or wax dye for fragrance and color once the wax is melted. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
5. Pour into Molds: When the wax is thoroughly mixed and melted, carefully pour it into your desired molds, such as silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Make sure to pour steadily to prevent air bubbles.
6. Let It Cool: Allow the wax to cool and harden for a few hours, or place it in the refrigerator for quicker results. Once cooled, remove the wax melts from the molds and enjoy!

By following these steps, you can quickly transform your leftover candle wax into new and fragrant wax melts. Don’t waste any of your old candles, and try this DIY project.  Overall, turning your candles into wax melts is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite scents without constantly burning through candles.

Does Wax Melt Smell as Good as Candles?

Yes, wax melts can smell just as good, if not better, than candles. The main difference is that with wax melting, the scent is released through melting rather than burning. This means the fragrance is released consistently and can last longer than candles’ intermittent release of scent.

Additionally, since wax melts are made with a higher concentration of fragrance oils, they tend to have a more robust and longer-lasting scent than candles. This makes them perfect for larger or open spaces and those who love strong scents.

Furthermore, wax melts can be custom-blended with different fragrances to create unique and personalized scents that may not be available in candle form. So, while the format of fragrance release may differ between wax melts and candles, they can both provide equally strong and pleasant scents.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and trying out different types of wax melts to find the ones that work best for you.  So go ahead and give wax melts a try and see how they compare to your beloved candles. You might just find a new favorite way to enjoy your favorite scents!

Conclusion

In summary, how to turn candle into wax melts is not only a creative and enjoyable process but also an effective way to reduce waste and maximize the use of candles you love.

Following the step-by-step guide, from gathering materials to melting and molding, you can easily convert leftover candle wax into fragrant and aesthetically pleasing wax melts. This DIY approach allows you to experiment with various designs, scents, and colors to create custom melts that enhance your living space.

Whether you’re a seasoned craft enthusiast or trying this for the first time, the transformation from candle to wax melt is a simple and satisfying way to extend the life of your favorite fragrances. Enjoy the process, stay safe, and revel in the personalized touch that homemade wax melts bring to your home.