If you are an avid skier, you likely have a collection of old ski wax building up. Ski wax is essential for helping your skis glide smoothly across snow, but it doesn’t last forever. Once ski wax absorbs too much dirt and debris, it becomes less effective and needs to be replaced. This leaves many skiers wondering: what should I do with my old ski wax?
Can I reuse old ski wax?
In most cases, old ski wax cannot be effectively reused for its original purpose. As the wax absorbs contaminants from repeated ski runs, its chemical structure changes and it can no longer provide the same glide performance. Reapplying old wax to your skis will likely result in a slower, stickier glide. The dirt and oxidization built up in the wax can also damage the base of your skis if applied repeatedly in thick layers.
However, it is possible to salvage lightly used ski wax. If you only used a particular wax for one or two short ski trips before retiring it, it may still have some life. To reuse old ski wax, start by scraping off the top contaminated layer. This will expose the still usable wax underneath. You can then iron some of this wax back onto your skis for another couple uses. But do so sparingly, and rotate with fresh wax applications. Heavily oxidized or dirty wax still needs to be retired fully.
Can I melt down old ski wax?
One common question is whether old ski wax can be recycled by melting it down and reusing it. In most cases, this is not recommended. The melting process cannot reverse the oxidization and contamination absorbed by the wax. Melted old wax will still contain the embedded dirt and debris that made it ineffective in the first place.
However, if you have wax scraps left over after sharpening and repairing your skis, these can be safely melted down. Fresh wax shavings have not yet been used and will still provide great glide. To melt wax, use a double boiler or improvise your own by placing wax scraps in a can or tin suspended above simmering water. Once melted, let the wax cool and harden again before applying to skis as usual.
What household uses are there for old ski wax?
Though old ski wax won’t help you glide down the slopes anymore, it still has plenty of household uses and can be upcycled in creative ways:
- Waterproof outdoor wood projects – Apply a protective coat to wood patio furniture, planters, bird houses, etc.
- Lubricate drawers and doors – Rub wax on sticky tracks and hinges.
- Protect tools from rust – Coat hand tools to prevent corrosion.
- DIY ski wax candle – Melt old wax and pour into a candle mold or tin can.
- Start a fire – Wax is flammable and can help start campfires, fireplaces, etc.
- Protect carpet and furniture from cats – Apply to deter scratching.
- Shine snowboards and skis – Buff a thin layer for a polished look.
- Make wax resin – Melt and mix with turpentine for a wood finish.
Using old ski wax outdoors
One of the best ways to reuse old ski wax is by using it to weatherproof and add shine outdoors. As wax is designed to repel water, it can be applied to wood projects to help protect them from moisture damage. This is perfect for any outdoor wooden furniture, raised garden beds, planters, bird houses, or decorative items.
To apply, warm the wax so it goes on smoothly. Using a cloth, rub a thin coat into the wood grain. Let the wax fully soak in and dry. Buff gently with a clean cloth. The wax will help beads of water roll off treated wood instead of soaking in during rains. Reapply annually or whenever the waterproofing effect seems to wear off.
Wax can also be worked into wooden decking or fences to help preserve them. It gives a long lasting, natural shine while preventing rot and decay. This protective coating is safe for plants and pets once dried.
Fixing sticky drawers and doors
Over time, drawers and doors can become sticky and difficult to open smoothly. This is often due to wood swelling and contracting which throws off the alignment. Ski wax can come to the rescue by lubricating the tracks and hinges.
To fix a sticky drawer, remove it fully and use a paper towel to wipe dirt and debris from the tracks. Apply a thin coating of ski wax directly onto the tracks and rub it in evenly. Then reinstall the drawers. Open and close them several times so the wax coats all contact points and lets them slide easily again.
For sticky doors, focus the wax application on the hinges. Remove any loose debris or rust. Then rub wax directly onto the hinge pins while moving the door back and forth. This allows the wax to penetrate fully for maximum lubrication. Just a small amount goes a long way.
Preventing rust on tools
The waterproofing abilities of ski wax also make it great for preventing rust on metal tools. This works especially well for any tools kept in a damp garage, basement workshop, or shed. Wire brushes, shovels, hand saws, and gardening tools are prone to rusting if moisture in the air oxidizes their bare metal surfaces.
To help tools avoid this corrosion, give them a protective coating using old ski wax. Make sure the metal is clean and dry fully. Then simply rub a thin layer of wax directly onto all tool surfaces. The wax provides a barrier preventing water droplets from coming into contact with the metal. Recoat tools whenever the wax appears worn to keep them looking shiny and new despite the humidity.
Making custom candles
If you have lots of old ski wax to use up, consider turning it into homemade candles. This is a great way to get one final use out of your retired wax. The wax helps provide a long, slow burn when made into a candle.
Start by finding candle molds or improvised containers like glass jars or empty tin cans. Place wicks into the molds if needed. Next, use a double boiler to fully melt down old ski wax until liquefied. Carefully pour the melted wax into the awaiting molds or containers. Cool completely until the wax fully hardens again. Finish off your custom candles by trimming wicks if needed. The reusable candles make great gifts or cozy additions to any room.
Fire starting capabilities
The flammable nature of ski wax also makes it helpful for starting fires. Wax can be used to quickly and safely ignite campfires, fireplaces, charcoal grills, chimneys, and more. It catches flame at lower temperatures than newspaper or kindling.
To use wax as a fire starter, form small balls or shave peelings from a wax block. Place these directly under logs or kindling. When ready to light the fire, a single match held to the ski wax will cause it to quickly catch and spread flames to the waiting tinder above.
For fireplaces or chimneys, add wax peels onto cold ashes left over from the last fire. Light the wax first when ready to start a new fire. For grills, use balls of wax tucked by charcoal bricks. The wax helps flames spread evenly across briquettes.
Deterring pet scratches
Cat and dog owners can also get creative with old ski wax. If you have pets that like scratching up carpets and furniture, wax can help deter this behavior. Place wax along baseboards, doorway corners, couch legs, and anywhere else claws tend to strike.
When attempting to scratch, pets will be met with the waxy resistance instead of catching their claws in fabric and carpet fibers. This provides just enough distraction to deter scratching on most treated surfaces. The wax can simply be warmed with a hair dryer and wiped away when ready to remove.
Polishing sports equipment
A light buffing with ski wax can also refresh the look of your sports gear. For example, rub a thin coat onto old snowboards and skis to make them shine like new again. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the wax and buff into all surfaces.
The light wax coating helps fill in any micro-scratches in the board or ski topsheet. This makes them appear freshly waxed and speeds glide over snow slightly. Avoid waxing the bases still, as those require proper hot waxing. But the tops can be quickly waxed with old ski wax and buffed out for a cosmetic boost.
Homemade wax resin
Finally, old ski wax can be transformed into a durable finishing wax for woodworking. By mixing wax with turpentine, the solution penetrates deeply into wood pores to provide a protective, polished coat.
Melt old ski wax in a double boiler until fully liquid. For every 1 cup of melted wax, mix in 1 1⁄2 cups of turpentine. Stir together and let cool until semi-hardened. Rub the wax resin onto wood pieces using steel wool or a cloth. Allow to soak in for 10 minutes before buffing out a shine. This works great on tables, cutting boards, children’s toys, or anything needing a smooth wax finish.
How else can I repurpose ski wax?
With some creative thinking, the possibilities are endless for giving old ski wax new life! Got any other ideas for reusing this versatile product? Share them with the skiing community to inspire even more ways to reduce waste!
| Project | How to Repurpose |
|---|---|
| Waterproof outdoor wood | Rub a thin wax coating into wood grain |
| Fix sticky drawers | Apply wax to tracks and rub smooth |
| Prevent tool rust | Coat metal surfaces to protect from moisture |
| Make candles | Melt old wax and pour into molds to harden |
| Help start fires | Use wax shavings and peelings as kindling |
| Deter pet scratches | Apply wax to surfaces susceptible to scratching |
| Shine skis and snowboards | Gently buff a thin wax coating for sheen |
| Wax resin finish | Mix melted wax with turpentine and apply to wood |
Conclusion
Retired ski wax may no longer be suitable for the slopes, but it can still provide value around your home. Get creative with projects like weatherproofing outdoor items, lubricating drawers and doors, preventing tool rust, making candles, starting fires, deterring pet scratches, and more. With a little ingenuity, you can find the perfect way to repurpose old ski wax rather than letting it go to waste.
