Maddie James
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they don't last forever and can be expensive. One way to make your candle-buying habits more eco-friendly is to melt old candles and create new ones. You can also add scents to your candles using essential oils or fragrance oils. There are several ways to put out a candle, but using a candle snuffer is the best way to preserve the quality of your candle wax and fragrance.
Characteristics and Values of 'How do I change a nice candle'
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ways to put out a candle | Using a candle snuffer, lid, or blowing it out |
| Candle-making process | Melting wax, adding scent/colour, pouring wax into a container, allowing it to cool, and trimming the wick |
| Candle wax types | Beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax |
| Candle wicks | Flat-braided cotton, square-braided cotton |
| Scent addition | Using essential oils or fragrance oils, typically 3-4 drops or 1 ounce per pound of wax |
| Eco-friendly practices | Reusing old candle jars, avoiding petroleum-based paraffins |
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What You'll Learn
How to put out a candle without damaging it
Blowing out a candle may seem like the most obvious way to extinguish it, but it can cause issues like wax getting everywhere, tunneling, and unevenness. It can also reduce the effect of the candle's fragrance and leave a smoky smell.
To avoid damaging your candle, it is recommended to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer. A wick dipper usually has a long handle with a hook on one end. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This will instantly put out your candle with very little smoke. Candle snuffers, also known as douters, date back to the mid-17th century. They work well with most candles, quickly extinguishing the flame and minimizing smoke. Modern candle snuffers are inexpensive and fashionably designed, and the most popular is a rounded bell shape. To extinguish a candle with a snuffer, hold the snuffer over the candle and lower the bell end onto the lit flame. Once the flame is fully extinguished, hold the snuffer in place for a moment before removing it.
If you don't have a wick dipper or a snuffer, you can also use a pair of tweezers to grasp the wick and bend it into the liquid wax, extinguishing the flame. Make sure to pull the wick out again right away and straighten it once the wax is dry.
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Choosing the right wax for your candle
Paraffin wax is one of the most widely used and inexpensive wax options. It is a byproduct of the petroleum industry, which has raised concerns about its environmental impact. However, paraffin wax holds colour and fragrance exceptionally well, making it a popular choice for highly scented and coloured candles. It comes in various melting points, allowing for the creation of container candles, pillars, and votives.
Soy wax is a natural and renewable wax made from soybeans. It is known for its slow burn and lack of soot, resulting in a cleaner flame. While soy wax is generally more expensive than paraffin wax, it is still a budget-friendly option, especially for those making large batches of candles. Its flake form makes it easy to work with and is ideal for container candles.
Beeswax is a natural and eco-friendly option that has been used for centuries. It has a subtle honey scent and a signature golden colour. Beeswax candles have the longest burn time and produce a warm-toned, smoke-free flame. Its solid nature makes it suitable for pillar and taper candles as it doesn't drip easily.
Coconut wax is a newer option that is gaining popularity due to its sustainability and clean burn. Harvested from coconuts, it holds fragrance and colour well, justifying its higher price point. Coconut wax burns with minimal soot, making it a great choice for those seeking a clean-burning candle.
Rapeseed wax is another eco-friendly and vegan-friendly option derived from rapeseed oil. It burns cleanly with minimal soot production and is excellent for blending with other waxes to achieve the desired consistency.
Palm wax is unique for its ability to create crystalline and feathered textures, adding a decorative touch to candles. It burns slowly and cleanly, making it ideal for freestanding candles like pillars.
When choosing the right wax, consider factors such as scent throw, burn time, eco-friendliness, and aesthetic. Experimenting with different waxes will help you find the perfect fit for your candle-making projects and allow you to create candles that light up your space and reflect your style.
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Adding scent to a candle
Firstly, you should always use fragrance oils that are designed for candle-making. These are usually readily available at craft stores. You can also use essential oils, but be sure to check that they are suitable for candles. Essential oils are highly concentrated scents made from plants, leaves, and flowers, and they can be more potent than fragrance oils, so a little goes a long way.
When adding fragrance, it's important to add it at the right temperature. This will help the fragrance bind to the wax and give you a stronger scent. The recommended temperature for adding fragrance to soy and paraffin wax is 180-185°F, while for palm wax, it's 200-205°F. Stir the wax and fragrance for several minutes to ensure they are well combined.
You can also add fragrance to a candle that has already been made. Light the candle and let it burn until there is a pool of melted wax around the wick. Blow out the candle and add 3-4 drops of fragrance oil using an eye-dropper. You can add more drops for a richer scent, but be careful not to add too much, as this can cause the fragrance oil to separate from the wax and create a fire hazard. Stir the wax with a toothpick and let it cool and harden completely to deeply absorb the scent.
You can even create your own unique scent by combining two or more oils. For example, you could try vanilla and rose or lavender and pine. Experiment with different combinations and amounts of drops to find your perfect scent.
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How to make your own candle
Making your own candle is a fun and satisfying craft. It is also a great way to save money and create a cosy ambiance in your home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own candle at home:
Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. The three main components of a candle are wax, a wick, and a container. For wax, you can use soy wax flakes or beeswax. Soy wax flakes burn cleaner with little soot released and are non-toxic. Beeswax has its own honey scent, which many people find appealing. For the wick, you can use a natural hemp-based wick, or a traditional candle wick, although these release butane gas as they burn. You will also need a jar or container to hold your candle. This could be a mason jar, or you can reuse an old candle jar or washed-out jam jar. You will also need a pot, a heat source such as a hot plate or electric stove, and a wooden stirring device such as a chopstick or bamboo skewer.
If you would like to add scent and colour to your candle, you will need to purchase some additional materials. Essential oils are a highly concentrated scent produced using plants, leaves, and flowers. They offer aromatherapy benefits, promoting health, positivity, and joy. You can use scented oils designed for candle-making, which are readily available at craft stores. Popular scents include lavender, grapefruit, and eucalyptus. You will need around 80-102 drops of essential oil for a light scent, or more for a stronger scent. You can also add dye to your candle to create your desired colour.
Now that you have gathered your materials, it is time to start making your candle. Begin by preparing a clean, flat surface covered with newspaper or a brown paper bag to catch any spills. Measure the amount of wax required to fill your container. Melt the wax by pouring it into a double boiler or pot over low-medium heat. Stir the wax with a wooden stirring device such as a chopstick or skewer. Be careful not to burn the wax.
Once the wax is melted, you can add your desired amount of essential oil and stir to combine. If you are using dye, add it now and stir until the colour is evenly distributed. Next, attach the wick to the bottom of your container. You can use a bit of wax or purchased anchors to secure the wick in place. Use a chopstick or skewer to ensure the wick remains centred until the wax solidifies.
Finally, carefully pour the hot wax into your container. Allow the wax to cool and set. You can leave your candle to set in a cool location, which will take about an hour. Once set, cut the wick down before burning and enjoy your homemade candle!
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How to melt down old candles to make new ones
Melting down old candles to make new ones is a great way to recycle candle scraps and reduce waste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Harvest the Wax
Firstly, separate the wax from its container. If the wax is stuck to the container, you can try placing the candle in the freezer for a few hours to harden it, then gently pry it out with a knife or spoon. Another method is to boil some water and pour it into a shallow pan or baking sheet, placing the candle jar open-side-up in the water. Leave it for about an hour, then gently lift the wax out.
Prepare the Wick
Most wicks have double-sided stickers. Peel off one side and place the sticker in the centre of your chosen candle vessel. Peel off the other side and stick the metal base of the wick on top. Brace the wick if it doesn't stand up straight. You can use a pencil, toothpick, or popsicle stick to keep the wick in place.
Melt the Wax
Place the wax bits into a can and put the can into a saucepan of barely boiling water. If you're using scented wax from multiple sources, consider how the fragrances will blend. Also, think about the colour of the wax and how it will look when blended.
Pour and Cure
Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into your prepared candle vessel and let it cool. Leave your candles undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours in a warm spot so they cure slowly and don't crack.
Tips
You can reuse old candle jars or use tins from a candle-making kit. When choosing a wick, consider the diameter of the container, the type of wax, fragrance, colour, and burn time. Soy and beeswax candles are a good choice for eco-conscious crafters, as they have lower carbon footprints.
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Frequently asked questions
To change the scent of a candle, light the candle and let it burn until there is a pool of melted wax around the wick. Blow out the candle and add 3-4 drops of essential oil or fragrance oil into the melted wax. Stir the wax with a toothpick and allow it to harden.
Candle-making requires wax, a wick, and a container. You can melt the wax in a melting pot or directly on a stovetop. If using a melting pot, place it in a larger pot filled with enough water to cover the melting pot halfway. Heat the wax to 185°F and stir in your chosen scent. Allow the wax to cool to 125°F before pouring it into your chosen container. Place the wick in the centre of the container and brace it with skewers or popsicle sticks. Once the wax has hardened, trim the wick and your candle is ready!
To change the colour of a candle, simply add dye or coloured wax to the melted wax before pouring it into your mould or container.
Blowing out a candle can cause issues like wax tunneling and unevenness, and it can also reduce the fragrance throw of the candle. Instead, use a candle snuffer or a wick dipper to extinguish the flame without damaging the candle.
