As you know from my previous post on candles, that I love candles, especially ones from Bath & Body Works.  Unfortunately, when the wicks burn out there is often times about a half of an inch leftover in the jar.  I never want to just throw it out, because its still good wax and has the lovely scent still in it too. Throughout the year BBW has many sales on their candles, both the big and small ones.  Most times, especially during the holidays I like to stock up, so I can burn them throughout the season.  This is great, until you are left with 4 or 5 candles with a half inch of wax left in them.  If you have this same issue, here’s what to do:

1. Place candle in freezer for a few hours (1-2).  This will harden the wax and make it separate from the glass easier.

2. Once the wax is frozen, remove from freezer and with a knife, spoon, fork, I recommend a knife puncture the wax.  It should break up into large pieces and come cleanly off the glass.

3. Use this wax in a wax warmer, which you can find at most craft and décor stores.  Most of these wax warmers are no more than $15 and come with a lightbulb that is easily replaceable.  Some do come with tealight candles, but I recommend the lighbulb ones, because they last longer and are less maintenance.

You typically need to switch the wax out after a few week, depending on how often you warm it.  Wax warmers make nice decorative elements to your space, and double with scenting your home.  Your also able to use the leftover wax, so you don’t feel like you didn’t get your money’s worth out of the candle.

Of course if you’re super crafty you can have a conglomerate of waxes leftover from several candles and make new candle.  This would require you to to purchase a container to put the candle in and a wick to burn it, but would otherwise be pretty simple.

I hope this gives you some ideas for how to use leftover wax!  I know we all want to get our money’s worth out of things we purchase and enjoy them to the fullness, sometimes finding a new way to repurpose something does just that.

Happy bumping!

xxoo,