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Homemade citronella candles are an eco-friendly and effective way to enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors without the nuisance of mosquitoes. By using soy wax as the base, these candles burn cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax, making them a more sustainable choice for your home and garden.
Citronella, with its fresh citrus scent, is a natural mosquito repellent that works by masking the smells that attract these pests. Combined with other essential oils, it creates a powerful barrier while adding a soothing fragrance to your space.
We are going to walk you through the steps to create your own citronella candles using soy wax.
Supplies for Candle Making
- 1 cup soy wax (in candle making kit)
- Candle making kit or double boiler
- 2 teaspoon citronella essential oil (around 150ish drops)
- 4 ounce glass jar
- wicks
*If you opt for a candle making kit, most of these supplies will already be in the kit.
How to Make DIY Citronella Candle
- Melt the soy wax on medium low heat on the stove.
- While it is melting, add the wick to the bottom of the candle jar.
- Once it is all melted, let it cool slightly, before adding in your citronella essential oils.
- Pour the melted wax into the glass jar and allow to harden. If it caves in once melted, melt a bit more wax and pour on top.
- Trim the wick and it is ready to go!
What Other Containers Can You Use for Candlemaking?
There are many options for containers for soy candles, and you don’t have to buy something new. Get creative! Here are few options to consider:
- Use recycled old jars or tins that you find at garage sales or thrift stores. Thrift stores often have vintage teacups that can also be used to pour your
beeswax candles. They also make an awesome and unique gift. - If you want to make a bunch of uniform candles, you can use
mason jars or metal candle tins purchased online or from container suppliers. When choosing tins, be sure to check that they are appropriate for use in candlemaking. - Skip the container altogether and make candles in molds. Molds are available in sizes ranging from votive candle molds to large pillar candles and all sorts of unique shapes.
