Making use of leftover candle wax

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/09/2013 (4425 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hi Reena,

I was wondering if you have any suggestions on what to do with the leftover candle wax once the wick has burned all the way down. I buy a lot of jar candles, pillar candles and mini candles as I enjoy using them. However, I always find that there is so much wax left over once the wick has burned up and feel it’s such a waste to throw it out. That being said, I also have a lot of glass jars from these used-up candles. What else can I do with the glass jars, as they come in all sorts of neat shapes and sizes?

– Steph

Dear Steph,

Since your candles already carry a scent, there are additional ways to get every penny’s worth from the leftover wax. Melt the wax and dip pine cones into the wax (add additional fragrance and sparkles to decorate for upcoming holidays) let wax harden. Wrap pine cones in cellophane and give them out as hostess gifts.

Wax-coated pine cones make great fire starters and table decorations for Christmas. Or, melt wax and pour into silicone muffin tins, allow the wax to harden, pop wax out of the muffin tins and toss them into sandwich bags. Seal bags and make a few holes in the bags.

Put homemade wax fresheners into unused suitcases, drawers and bathrooms to freshen the room. Many people own candle warmers, use your old candles to create your own wax cubes in these devices to save yourself lots of money.

Before using the jar, pour hot water inside to melt leftover wax. Clean the jar. Use jar for storing silver jewelry (add a piece of chalk to prevent tarnish). Store loose coins, first aid kit, pen holder, vase, button holder or put small gifts in jars and wrap with paper.

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Dear Reena,

How many teaspoons are there in a stick of butter?

– Landon

Dear Landon,

There are 24 teaspoons in a stick of butter.

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Feedback from readers who care

Regarding Dents in Carpet:

I thought I would offer an additional solution, less demanding than the damp cloth/hot iron one: The ordinary fork! I have wall-to-wall carpeting, best described as “carved pile.”  It is pretty forgiving for spills, but it does retain deep dents when furniture is moved. I had an inspiration one day and used an ordinary fork, putting the tines in the middle of the dent and “twiddling” gently to lift and separate the pile. It worked beautifully! If the dent is large I just move the fork all over the entire area, twiddling and teasing until the dent is no longer visible. I hope this is useful. Jeanie

Fabulous tip of the week:

• My tip is to use inexpensive hair conditioner rather than shaving cream to shave my legs, works like a charm and one less product to have in your shower area. Submitted by: Susan

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