This tutorial will teach you how to make homemade wax melts using leftover candle wax!
Learn how to make homemade wax melts!
You know what’s really annoying? When you burn a candle all the way down to the bottom of the wick, but there’s still an inch of wax. Normal people would just chuck the candle.
But, especially when they are homemade beeswax and coconut oil candles, you really don’t want to throw away that beeswax. So, I’m going to show you how I make homemade wax melts from old candles. It’s an easy process that uses many of the same steps I use to make a candle.
Here’s what I used:
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- Old candle wax
- Double boiler or make-shift double boiler. (Note: If you’re working with beeswax, remember that beeswax is flammable. Do not melt beeswax in a pan on direct heat, and watch it closely while you’re melting it using a double-boiler method.)
- Foil tin (like this kind)
- Small cupcake/muffin liners (I used some from Giant that were marketed as “good for making candy”).
Tip: If I need to get the wax out of the candle holder and the top of the candle holder it wider than the bottom, I put the candle in the freezer for a few minutes and then easily pop the block of wax out.
If I can’t pop a solid block of wax out (like, if I have a Yankee candle where the top is narrow), I can melt the wax by warming it on top of my double boiler.
And here’s how to make homemade wax melts!
(Do not use any appliances or work with new materials without proper training, precautions, and supervision from a professional. Make sure you research fire safety and take all necessary precautions before working with beeswax. If you’re looking for a professional-quality candle recipe to sell, you may want to consult a candle-making professional. Read my full terms of use here.)
Step #1: I don’t have a double boiler, so I’m using a make-shift double boiler consisting of a pot with a pan resting on top of it. I put 2 in of water in the pot and about 1/2 in of water in the pan. I bring the water in the pot to a boil; this heats the water in the pan.
Step #2: I put my wax in the aluminum tin and set the tin in the pan (the top); I monitor the wax closely as it melts and fish out the old wick using a toothpick.
After the wax has melted completely…
Step #3: When the wax is completely melted, I gently pour it into the cupcake holders. I used two wrappers on some and one wrapper on others, but I didn’t really notice a difference. Once the melts are solidified enough to move them, I pop them in the fridge for a half hour or so.
Tip: The aluminum tins have corners that really help to make the pours even. Also, wax solidifies very quickly, so I threw the tin back on the double boiler for a minute or so every few pours.
And done! As a bonus, they look like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
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Brittany is a seasoned DIY home and garden expert, running a creative brand since 2014 that inspires others with approachable plant care guides, woodworking tutorials, and decor projects. She is a certified project manager and has completed extensive coursework in the art and science of growing your own plants. Her work has been recognized by major publications, and she routinely collaborates with fellow DIY industry leaders—but her favorite thing to do is inspire you! Learn more about her here.
Wax melts lose their scents over time as to regular candles when they’re melted. That’s why we go through them so quickly. I would think the homemade wax melts above wouldn’t have any scent to them when placed on the warmer because they’ve already been melted. If so, what do you do about that, what do you add and when in the process is it added? I’m new at this. Thank you. These are so cute and a great idea!
Just an easy answer… Yes, they still have sent. Just like your candle does each time you burn it … Until the wax itself dissipates and burns up. That’s when you lose the scent. I recommend better brands candles, Yankee & BBW are two good ones.
Can we add scents? And how? I have some old unscented candles and candle parts I want to upcycle. Thank you
Of course! Try adding essential oils for a mild scent or soap/candle making fragrance for a stronger scent. I have a honey-almond soap-making fragrance from Michaels that is awesome in candles.
I’m with Jessy what to do with them seams like not very much !
Terrific!
What do you do with it after? It has no wick? I would still like to use it
Hi, Jessy! You can use these in tart burners, or you could get one of those plug-in warmers (I have one from Bed, Bath, and Beyond) and melt them in a heat-safe container on that.
excellent post, very informative.
T hanks! ! Wonderful idea! I hate to waste also. . Thank you for sharing this great hint 😉
Thanks, Cheri! You’re very welcome.
I also hate wasting the wax at the bottom of a candle. This is a good solution for this problem! Thanks!
Nancy, it’s the worst. Glad you found this helpful!
great use of all that leftover wax. Thank you!
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!