Reclaimed Chapstick

Hi folks, if your like me and can't live without chapstick then you know that when it gets to the bottom you have to scrape out the stuff with your finger to get at the rest of it. If not a good portion of it goes to waste. Well I got tired of spending a $1.50 just to throw away a half inch or so of it! In this (my first Instructable) I'll show you how to take 2 or 3 near empty tubes of chapstick and make a whole new tube! Waste not want not right?

Step 1: Materials Needed

For this Instructable you need: near empty tubes of chapstick, a small cup (microwavable), something to scrap out the tubes (I used a metal nail file) and your microwave.

Step 2: Scrap Out Tubes

Next you take your half emptys and scrap them out with your nail file. Try to get out as much as you can.

Step 3: Into the Cup You Go

Put all the chapstick you scrapped into the microwavable container.

Step 4: I'm Melting, Melting, Melting!

Place container into microwave and set for about 20 to 30 seconds. All microwaves are different so you want to keep an eye on it. Most of the chapstick should be liquid now. If not just give it a stir, some small lumps are fine.

Step 5: Pour It In

Lower the inner part of the tube by twisting it down and pour your chapstick liquid into your tube. If it starts to solidify its ok just scrap out the rest with a clean finger and put it into the tube. Make sure to replace the cap on the tube.

Step 6: Almost There

By now it should already begin to turn solid, see picture.

Step 7: Ahhh Nice Soft Lips Again ;)

Now place your tube into the freezer to make sure it becomes completely solid. Half a minute should do it. When its done Ta da you have just saved yourself a trip to the store for more chapstick and some money! If you want to be really green save the tubes, there are Instructables I'm sure where you can make homemade chapstick!

Comments

[chaospanda2005]

Thank you!!!

[needforsleep]

Great stuff! I discovered today that if you pop off the bottom knob and manually push up the guide rod inside the chapstick you can keep from having to go through this process. The only caveat is that you have to do this each time you want to use that last 1/4" of lip balm, but it works!

[Maydethg1016]

nice job proud of you:)

[avkrisnik]

I am so glad someone else is as thrifty as I. I can't stand throwing away chapstick tubes with stuff still in there! Thanks!

[doo da do]

Epty containers store aaa batteries Doodado

[Delete_]

I tried this and I have to say it worked out nice, my only problem was when I was pouring the liquid from the cup into the tube, it missed alot. Besides that, great!

[Depraved]

Thanks for looking and maybe you could use a measuring cup with a pour spout instead of a shot glass. That's just what I had on hand. Glad you liked it though. :)

[dawnflower14]

I enjoyed your Instructable, but I have to say this one thing: It's is spelled "scrape" and "scraped". A "scrap" is trash or leftovers.

Sorry... It's just a pet peeve of mine, and I feel like it would help this Instructable seem more professional if it had proper spelling of a key word is all.

[Depraved]

You know, I never noticed it. Your right and that's what it meant but since most of my typing is done on my iPod I'm really bad at typing on a key board! Now if I can figure out how to correct it that would be great! Lol.

[masterochicken]

Good first instructable.