When making candles, there’s always a risk that the wax might become dirty or have specks in it, which can ruin the final product. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to filter dirty candle wax so that it can be reused.
One of the most common methods is to use a fine mesh stainless steel strainer. This type of strainer is readily available at candle-making supply stores, and can also be found in hardware and household sections of department stores. A fine mesh strainer ensures that any debris or specks in the wax are removed before the wax is reused.
If you don’t have a fine mesh strainer, there are other options. One clever method comes from Powers Family Homestead, where Kara made a candle out of deer fat and used a coffee filter to filter out any impurities. This is an excellent idea, especially if you don’t have a fine mesh strainer on hand.
Another option is to use a wax screen or cheesecloth. The Bee Buzz has an excellent tutorial on how to make your own wax screen. This method allows you to reuse the wax while still ensuring that it’s clean and free of any impurities.
In a pinch, paper towels can also be used as filters. If you don’t have any paper towels on hand, pantyhose can be used as a substitute. In fact, this is a trick that some people use to filter dirty oil, and it works just as well for filtering dirty wax.
If you’re a frequent candle maker, it’s a shame to let any wax scraps or spills go to waste. By using one of these filtering methods, you can reuse your wax and minimize waste. If you have any other methods for filtering dirty wax, feel free to share with others who are interested in candle making. Remember, a little bit of creativity can go a long way when it comes to candle making.
At Powers Family Homestead, Kara made a candle out of deer fat and came up with a filtering method using a strainer and a coffee filter. This is an excellent idea, especially if your strainer doesn’t have a fine mesh.
The Bee Buzz uses a wax screen or cheesecloth. For instructions on how to make your own wax screen, see the tutorial at the Bee Buzz.
