DIY Wax Melts Made by Recycling Old Candles

Have you noticed the price of wax melts?  Some of them can be pricey and if you try to be cheap and buy the less expensive brands they don't seem to last as long or smell as wonderful.  My solution?  Make my own.  I originally started this project to make my own using wax I had purchased but along the way I figured out I could do it even cheaper.  I did this by using old candles I picked up at a garage sale a long time ago and wax from old candles I had sitting around.  I especially loved the fact I found a use for what was left of the Glade candles I had saved for a year. The point:  look around and use what you have first.  This project is super easy and quick-it won't take any time at all to make them.

For this project you will need the following:

1.  8 oz of any kind of wax this was equal to 4 votive candles-use whatever you would like that is similar in scent or use unscented.  Some scents just do not go together such as Pumpkin Spice and Lavender.  Trust me on this:-))

2.  Molds-I use both an ice cube tray and the tray some wax melts came in.

Supplies for making wax melts

3.  Essential oil(s)-between 25-40 drops (depending on the brand)

if your wax is not very fragrant.  Try to make it a scent that works with the scent of the wax you are working with.  Some candles did not need an addition of essential oil.  These included Glade, Yankee and Colonial brands.

4.  A double boiler system and a mixing tool.  Here is what I used:

Melting wax using a double boiler system

Here are the steps to make your own wax melts:

1.  Remove the tag, wick and the metal collar from the candle and chop up your wax so that it melts easier and faster.  Here is how I did votive candles:

Remove tag from votive

Remove wick from votive

Chop votive

Here I just cut the wax out of the glass holder (be sure to find the wick and collar and remove it) or you can set it in a pan with a small amount of boiling water for a few seconds to remove it.

2.  Place in your melting container-I used glass:

3.  Place over simmering water:

4. Melt slowly over simmering (NOT boiling) water:

5.  When almost completely melted (just a few small pieces remaining) remove from the heat and stir until completely melted:

6.  If it needs some scent add it now and gently stir it in.  The green wax did not need any but the white votives did:

7.  Pour into your molds:

8.  Allow to cool:

9.  When cool place in your warmer and enjoy!

If you do not want to use old candles or old wax for this project go ahead and use new wax.  The steps are exactly the same.  This project works with any kind of wax-soy, beeswax, paraffin etc.  Just remember you are not limited.  You can also create your own scents this way.  I hope you like this money saving project and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them.

Happy Planting!
Rhonda