How To Recycle Old Candles to make New Candles Using Crockpot

--old candles in glass containers
(or empty glass containers and wax suitable for candle-making from the craft store)
--3 inch wicks (this size works well for the tiny candles sold at the dollar store, the Glade candles, etc.)
--candle fragrance, essential oil, or cooking extract
candle coloring dye (not food coloring, sigh.)


Freeze the jars with the leftover trapped candle wax. Use a steak knife to pop the wax out of the jar/glass container. If your container is tapered, you'll need to chop the wax up with the knife before it can fall out. 

Cut away the old wick and discard. Chop the wax into small pieces--about 1/2 inch square or thereabouts.

Wash the containers well in soapy water and dry completely. 

Fill each glass with the chopped up wax. I put the wick in, but you don't need to until the wax has melted. If you are going to use soy wax, or another store-bought wax, fill the glass container the same way.

Nestle the containers into your crockpot. I got 6 to fit nicely in a 6.5 quart oval. 

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes.

When the wax is completely liquidy, add your color and scent. Food coloring doesn't work. I tried it. Mix with a wooden skewer, and lower in the wicks.

Unplug the crockpot. Let the candles sit in the cooling crockpot for about 4 hours, or until they have set enough to move.

Do not use for 12 hours.

Light and enjoy.