Candles have long been cherished for their warm glow and fragrant aromas that can transform the ambience of any space. But aside from their traditional use to provide a scented backdrop for a cozy evening in or lift the mood during a bubble bath, candles hold numerous creative and practical uses around the house.
With a little imagination, their decorative and functional potential goes well beyond their wicks. Here are ten alternative ways to incorporate candles into your home life without ever having to strike a match.
1. Create a Focal Point in Decor
Place a variety of candles of different sizes and shapes but in similar colors on a decorative tray or in a clear vase to create an appealing visual display. This enhances the room’s aesthetic and allows you to enjoy your candles’ textures and hues as a part of your interior design.
2. Support for Taper Candles
You can use a thick candle as a base to hold a taper candle. Simply press the taper candle into the top of a larger, wider candle, ensuring stability for the taper. This can create a unique look and save on buying new candle holders.
3. Use as a Dry-Erase Marker Cleaner
Rub a wax candle over stains left by dry-erase markers on a whiteboard to lift the old marks. The wax will help remove the residue once you wipe the board clean again.
4. Lubricate Sticky Drawers or Windows
A candle stub can serve as a lubricant for drawers, windows, or doors that stick. Simply run the candle along the tracks or edges where there is friction, and the wax will help them slide smoothly.
5. Protect Metal from Rust
Rubbing candle wax on tools, screws, and other small metal items can form a barrier against moisture, keeping them free from rust and corrosion. This can significantly extend the life of your items.
6. Craft Projects
Melt down old candles to reuse the wax for new candles, or use the wax in other craft projects. You can also use candle wax to seal envelopes, giving a personal and classic touch to your letters.
7. Preserve Cheese
Just like sealing wax, candle wax can be used to cover the cut surface of hard cheese to keep it from drying out. Make sure you use unscented, non-toxic wax for this purpose.
8. Make-shift Fire Starter
Wrap a candle in a piece of paper and place it beneath your kindling when starting a fire. The wax will help the fire catch and burn more consistently at the onset, making it easier to light larger pieces of wood.
9. Non-Slippery Sewing
Drag the edges of your sewing thread over a candle to lightly coat it with wax. This can make threading needles easier, prevent tangles and knots, and allow for a stronger hold in the stitches.
10. Jar Opener
Use a candle to rub wax along the rim of a stubborn jar. The lubricating effect of the wax will help you grip and twist the lid off with less effort.
While the warm light and delicious scents of candles are certainly enjoyable, their versatility in household applications is often overlooked. Remember these alternative uses to get the most out of every candle in your home—even those that are no longer suitable for burning. From decoration to practical fixes, repurposing candles can add a new layer of utility and charm to your living space.
