How do you filter dirty candle wax so that you can reuse it? Sometimes even the slabs you get from suppliers somehow have specks on them. That becomes extremely unsightly if they end up on the top of your candles.
Candle Filter Ideas
Of course the logical thing to use is a stainless steel strainer, but it has to have a fine mesh. For example, the strainer pictured here from Candles and Supplies.com has a fine mesh. It’s specifically for candle making, but you can find similar strainers in hardware stores or household sections of department stores.
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.
Paper towels work as filters in a pinch. If you don’t have any of those, pantyhose will also work. I got this idea from my son in law since that’s how he filters dirty oil.
It’s a shame to waste wax scraps, spills or dirty wax. This is especially true if you do a lot of candle making because you’re going to have more left over! If you use another method, feel free to share.
VERY carefully melt chunks or bits of candle wax in water brought to the boil and simmering .in an old pan you set aside for this purpose. making sure that the pan is not too full. This gets very hot.. when the wax is melted allow to go almost cold. There will be a thick layer of wax on top of the water which you remove – scrape around side of pan with old knife – turn upside down and scrape off any tiny bits of muck. The bulk of the rubbish will have sunk to the bottom of the pan. You can then melt this ‘thick layer’ as and when you need it – knowing it is fairly clean.