Tarts From Leftover Candles

Intro: Tarts From Leftover Candles

I figured out an easy way to make use of the still-delicious-smelling end of candles, once the wick burns out.

You need:
old candles
dedicated ice cube tray
a way to melt the wax
a freezer
tart warmer so you can melt your tarts

STEP 1: Melt the Wax

Melt the wax.  You can use a candle warmer (same as a coffee cup warmer), or the burner of a drip coffee pot.  

Wax smoke is bad for you.  Wax can catch fire.  Don't heat too hot.  Use a double-boiler if you have to use the stove.

STEP 2: Pour Wax Into Ice Cube Tray

Pour the melted wax into a dedicated ice cube tray.  The smell will permeate the tray, so you won't want to make ice cubes in it any more.  

You may want to put newspaper under the tray to catch drips; but wax comes off hard surfaces pretty easily, so don't worry too much.

A 14 cube tray can hold the ends of 2 or 3 large jar candles.  So you may want to wait til you have a couple ready before making tarts.

STEP 3: Allow Wax to Cool

I let the wax set for about 15 minutes on the counter.  That way the wax doesn't splash out when you move the tray.  Transfer the semi-set wax cube tray to the freezer to harden.  The wax needs about 20 minutes to cool in the freezer.

STEP 4: Crack the Tarts Out

Now that the wax is cool in the tray, twist the tray as you would to get ice out.  The wax won't pop out, but it easily slides out when you turn the tray upside down.

STEP 5: Tarts!

There you have them!  Put them in a tart or oil warmer to melt.

The ice cube tray will clean easily, but the smell won't disappear.  Keep the tray for next time!

Comments

[andrewcaseley]

i have done something similar but i shredded paper and mixed it in with the wax when i poured it into the ice cube molds and use them as fire lighters

[tipptytatt]

Wow that’s a very smart creative idea. I’m going to try it out. Did you use plain white printer paper or any kind of paper??
Thanks

[Andrewc450]

No just normal paper and they work a treat I also use 'junk mail' that gets posted through the letter box ( it's free !!)

[bandione]

is there a way to do the opposite of this? i guess the wax tarts don't melt down, they just lose scent or something, i don't know... is there a way to make candles from this used tart wax? i have lots of these tarts i got as a gift, and i would like to try the other scents.. but i can't bring myself to just, what? throw the used tart wax stuff away? that seems wasteful.. if i could make candles from them that would be preferable

[Maxdugan]

Yes. Melt the wax in a double boiler, prepare the candle jar with wick, and pour it in. I melt candles and tart wax all the time and create new scents from the combination of two or more scents.

[lemonie]

I'd not heard of these kind of tarts before, I'd call the castings billets or ingots.

L

[aliberry]

Me too, tarts in the United Kingdom are open pastry cases with cooked fruit or fruit conserve (jelly)! Or a slang term for ladies of low morals & high hemlines!

I'd call them wax cubes but I really like 'ingots' Lemonie.

[capricorn]

Very good and intelligent way of reusing rests

Two thumbs up, thanks for sharing :)

[scoochmaroo]

Very clever re-use!