Candles are beautiful; they light up the home, offer warmth, and make the home smell nice (i.e., if you prefer using scented candles). Wax melts, on the other hand, are similar to scented candles because they also produce fragrance when heated. However, wax melts are different from candles. While candles require a wick to function, wax melts can do without them.
It’s easier to buy candles or wax melts, but sometimes we might end up hating the products we purchased. It could be that the fragrance produced is too light, too heavy, or you don’t just like the scent. If you have experienced that, making your own candles or wax melts should be the best option.
If you use both candles and wax melts in your home, then you must have thought of ways to recycle your used or unused wax melts, as the case may be, into something else—for example, a candle.
Some candle lovers know that wax melts were created from candles (the leftover or unused wax used in creating wax melts). However, making candles from wax melts is a whole new game altogether. Is it even possible? If you are curious, then you should continue reading.
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Can you make candles using wax melts?
Yes, it’s possible to make candles using wax melts. The method used to achieve it is the double-boiler method. With the double boiler method, you can convert your favourite scented wax melts into candles.
However, when using the double boiler method to make candles out of wax melts, you can avoid cracking your container (i.e., if you’ll be using a glass container) by heating both the glass and the water simultaneously. Metal containers also work fine, but if you use them, make sure to use a piece of cloth to hold the metal when transferring the wax.
How to make candles using wax melts — the step-by-step guide
Now you know that you can make candles out of wax melts. Let’s dive into making one.
Step 1: Choose your candle container
Start by choosing the container you’d like to use in carrying the candle. No container is perfect, which means that you can get creative here. If you don’t know what to use, you can start with drinking glasses, mason jars, used candle containers, flower pots, teacups, small bowls, etc.
When choosing the container, pick one that’s heat resistant (safe from the heat), and since most ceramic vessels and glasses are often safe from the heat, it’s better to start with them. If you choose to use old candle containers, then make sure to remove all the wax in them and clean it afterward using a piece of dry cloth.
Step 2: Determine the amount of wax you’ll need
Determining the amount of wax required can sometimes be a difficult step to achieve. Well, you don’t have to be a math wiz to accurately determine the right amount of wax (wax melts) you’ll be needing.
To determine the amount of wax you’ll need, you’ll have to first determine the volume of the container you are using. To easily do this, you can fill the container or vessel with water and then transfer the water in the container into a measuring cup(s).
You might choose to ignore this step, but it is essential because it helps you determine whether you are using a fair amount of wax.
Step 3: Choose the wick size
When choosing your wick size, don’t just do it out of feelings. There are several things you’ll have to consider before you can select the proper wick. You’ll have to consider the size of the container, the amount of fragrance you need, and the brand of the wax you want to use, among other things.
Most wick companies provide their customers with a chart that helps them select the proper wick. So when buying your wick, you can ask for the chart.
Step 4: Melt the wax
For the wax, I’ll use scented wax cubes. To melt the wax, you’ll be using the double boiler method. But if you don’t have a double boiler, you can use your regular cooking pot and a heatproof bowl. Pour some water into the bottom of your pan and set it on the stove (or fire).
Place the heatproof bowl on top of the pot and pour your wax cubes (or wax melts) into it. Put the stove on medium heat so that your wax will start melting once the water starts boiling. Ensure that you don’t walk away or leave your wax unattended while waiting for it to melt.
While the wax is melting, you can begin preparing your vessel with the wick secured at the bottom of the vessel or container.
Step 5: Pour the melted wax into your container or vessel
Once the wax in the pot has completely melted, carefully pour the melted wax into the container or vessel. If the wick goes out of place, straighten it before the wax hardens.
Once your wax hardens, your very own candle from wax melts (or scented cubes) has been made, and you can now use it whenever you want.
