Coffee grounds can be used to make homemade candles. Mix them with melted wax and pour into a container with a wick.
Here's a recipe for making two homemade candles with coffee grounds:
Materials:
- 1 pound of soy wax flakes
- 1/2 cup of dried coffee grounds
- 2 candle wicks
- 2 glass jars (As a general rule of thumb, you'll need glass jars that can hold about 8-10 ounces of wax to make two medium-sized candles)
- Wooden skewer or chopstick
- Double boiler or a makeshift one (e.g., a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water)
- Wooden spoon or stirrer
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing your work area. Cover your workspace with newspaper or a tablecloth to protect it from any spills or drips.
- Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler or makeshift one. Make sure to use a heat-resistant container for melting the wax. Alternatively, you can melt the wax in a microwave, following the instructions on the packaging.
- Once the wax is melted, add coffee grounds to the mixture. Stir well with a wooden spoon or stirrer until the coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the wax.
- Add a few drops of essential oils, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to give the candle a pleasant scent (optional).
- Place the wick at the center of the container and hold it in place using a wooden skewer or chopstick. Make sure the wick is centered and straight.
- Pour the melted wax and coffee grounds mixture into the container slowly, making sure not to spill any wax outside of the container. Fill the container to about ½ inch below the top.
- Let the candle cool and harden for several hours or overnight. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax.
- Light the candle and enjoy the coffee aroma as it burns.
Note: Adding coffee grounds to the wax can create a slightly uneven burn, so keep an eye on the candle while it's burning and make sure to trim the wick regularly to prevent soot buildup.