Introduction: Microwave Candlemaking
Use old wax to create another candle from prior candles.
Step 1: Gather Supplies and Prepare Wax
Old candles, any type.
A microwave safe glass jar.
Some wicks.
Scrape the wax out of the jars.
Break up the wax.
Remove any metal wick holders or other debris.
Step 2: Fill Candle and Cook
Start filling your jar and put in the wick.
This is the tricky part.
Fill the rest of the jar while keeping the wick in the exact center.
Put the filled jar on a microwave safe plate and nuke it for a minute or two at a time.
Watch it while it melts.
Don't disturb the wick.
Push down the wax then top off with more old wax after each cooking session.
Microwave cooking time are approximate.
Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven.
Step 3: Done
Let your candle cool all day.
Trim your wick and light it.
The jar used here was a pine candle and the outcome was a mostly green candle.
The smells were waxy with some pine and sweetness from other source candles that I collected.
My plan was not to do this in the microwave, but alas it was easier.
6 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
I've been doing this for years. I found that you need a very fine strainer to strain out the sooty particles. I also add some candle scent from the craft store.
I prefer the jar type candle for safety and aesthetic reasons. Any old container works fine as long as it has straight sides
14 years ago on Introduction
great 'ible, though i personally would be cautious about doing this in a microwave. there is always the possibility that, because microwaves often have a tendency to cook unevenly, that the wax could melt in layers, form bubbles, and explode. as to the likelihood of that actually happening, i have no idea. it may not happen at all, but i'm going to be very careful about this.
14 years ago on Step 3
Congrats on your first Instructable. Does the glass get hot when microwaved?
Reply 14 years ago on Step 3
yes it gets hot, also the candle gets hot
14 years ago on Introduction
Great work, using a microwave is a good idea. One warning though, when we tried this the resulting candle gave off alot of blacker smoke, which actually stained the wall and ceiling.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I noticed more soot also, but just keep your wick short it will not be too much of a problem, I burned my candle inside my apartment and it didn't stain the white walls or ceiling.