How to Make Citronella Candles
An Easy Tutorial for How to Make Citronella Candles
There are several different ways to make your own candles. By changing the type of wax and adding different oils, you can make a variety of different scents to meet your purpose. During the summer months, citronella beeswax candles are ideal because they are natural, slow burning, and repel insects. Making your own is a fun DIY and a fairly simple process. This recipe will make four small candles.
Here’s What You Need
Time: One Hour
Materials:
This materials list contains affiliate links to recommended products.
- 14 oz. Beeswax
- 4 drops Citronella Oil
- 4 drops Eucalyptus Oil
- Candle Wicks
- Wooden Skewers
- Small Rubber Bands
- Small Clay Pots
- Paint Brush (optional)
- Acrylic Paint (optional)
- Duct Tape
Equipment:
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Pyrex Measuring Cup
- Pot
- Pot Holder or Oven Mitt
- Scissors
Making the Candles
Instructions:
Choose your vessel. Small clay jars work nicely, but you can use any vessel that will withstand heat like glass jars or tin cans. To add some color to match your décor, consider painting the clay pots with acrylic craft paint.
Prep the Beeswax
Next, cut your beeswax. Beeswax can come in pellets or blocks. You can purchase a 14 oz. block at a craft or hobby store. Using a cutting board and sharp knife, carefully cut the beeswax into small pieces.
Melting the Beeswax
Melt the beeswax, using a double broiler or a Pyrex measuring cup and pot. Fill the pot halfway with water and place the glass measuring cup inside. Turn the burner on to a medium high heat. Place the beeswax inside the cup. Allow the wax to melt completely. This may take up to 30-40 minutes. If you are using a thermometer, the wax should be melted to 145-175 Fahrenheit.
While the wax is melting prepare the clay pots. Place a piece of duct tape over the hole to prevent the wax from leaking out.
Adding the Wick
Place a wick in between one wooden skewer cut in half. Measure the length by placing it inside the pot, pinching the sticks together so that they hold the wick, and then securing each end with small rubber bands. Small children’s rubber hair ties work very well. With this method, the wick will stay centered and in place without having to tape the wick to the bottom of the pot.
When the wax is melted, add citronella oil and eucalyptus oil. Stir the mixture with a wooden skewer.
Carefully pour the wax into the clay pots using an oven mitt, making sure the wick stays centered. Allow the wax to cool completely and remove the duct tape.
These candles look and smell great on your outdoor patio. They are also convenient to take camping or can even be packaged together and given as a hostess gift. Best of all, they keep the insects away.
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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List in July 2016 and was updated and improved.
