Wondering how to melt candle wax safely and without making a mess? Whether you're making candles from scratch or trying to fix a tunneling candle, here are five common ways to melt candle wax.
Safety Tips
Melting wax can be dangerous if you're not careful. Follow these precautions to avoid injuries, damage to items, or starting a fire:
- Never let the temperature of wax exceed 250° F.
- Never melt wax in direct heat (e.g., don't place it directly in a pot over the stove).
- Never leave melting wax unattended.
- Keep melted wax away from pets and children.
- Use potholders or oven mitts when handling hot pans or glassware.
- Wear safety goggles or glasses to prevent wax from splashing into your eyes.
- Have a fire extinguisher available in case of a fire. Don't use water to extinguish a wax fire.
How to Melt Wax for Candle Making
1. Double Boiler
The double boiler method is a convenient way to melt new wax for making candles at home. You'll need a large pot, a water-resistant pouring container, and a thermometer.
- Fill the large pot with about an inch or two of water and place it over low to medium heat.
- Put your wax into a heat- and water-resistant container like a glass pitcher or metal can.
- Once the water is boiling, place the pouring container inside the large pot.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, adding water as needed to maintain the level.
- Monitor the wax temperature with your thermometer.
- Once the wax is fully melted, remove it from the heat before adding fragrance oils (optional).
2. Microwave
Using a microwave is a quick and convenient way to melt wax. It's ideal if you have kids or pets around since it doesn't involve an open flame.
- Use "microwave-safe" containers such as ceramic, heatproof glass, or certain plastics labeled for microwave use.
- Place the wax in the container and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring and checking the temperature between each interval.
- Once the wax is completely melted, remove it from the microwave and let it cool.
3. Wax Melter
A wax melter is an appliance designed for melting wax. It resembles a pot with a spigot for pouring out the melted wax. Most models are electric and come with temperature controls.
- Place the wax melter on a table or counter with the spigot over the edge for easy pouring.
- Plug in the wax melter and set the temperature based on the type of wax you're using.
- Place the solid wax into the melter pot. The wax should melt quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Once melted, open the spigot to pour the wax into a container for mixing, measuring, and pouring.
How to Melt Wax to Fix a Candle
4. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
This method is useful for melting a small layer of candle wax to fix issues like tunneling or buried wicks. A heat gun offers more control, but a hair dryer works in most situations.
- Wipe away any dust or debris from the top of the wax with a paper towel.
- Turn on the heat gun or blow dryer and set it to high heat.
- Hold it about 6 inches above the wax surface.
- Use a wick dipper or toothpick to gently prod any unmelted wax on the sides.
- Continue until the wax has liquefied evenly across the candle's top surface.
5. Aluminum Foil
Using aluminum foil is an effective method to melt candle wax and fix tunneling or remove extra wax. The foil traps heat, speeding up the melting process.
- Wipe any dust or debris from the top of the wax with a paper towel.
- Prepare a piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover the top of the candle.
- Cut a small, 1-inch hole in the center of the foil.
- Light the wick and wrap the foil over the candle, positioning the hole directly over the flame.
- Allow the candle to burn for a few hours until the top layer of wax melts evenly.
By following these methods, you can safely and efficiently melt candle wax, whether you're crafting new candles or fixing existing ones. At Sweet U Candles, we offer high-quality candles like the to enhance your home with delightful scents.
