Brooke Martin
Citronella candles are a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the summer months without the nuisance of mosquitoes. The candles are made with natural citronella oil, which is extracted from a grass plant related to lemongrass, and is known to effectively keep mosquitoes at bay. While commercially available options exist, many opt to make their own citronella candles, allowing for customization of the container and scent. This involves melting wax, adding citronella oil, and pouring the mixture into a container with a wick. The number of candles needed depends on the size of the area, as each candle typically covers a radius of 3 to 4 feet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Each candle works for up to 3-4 feet, so several candles are needed to cover a porch |
| Use | Keeps mosquitoes away and adds ambiance to outdoor spaces |
| Ingredients | Wax, wicks, and citronella oil |
| Wick type | ECO 14 |
| Wax type | Soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of the two |
| Wax weight | Approximately 16 oz (454 g) of wax to fill three 8 oz candle tins |
| Fragrance load | 1 oz (28 g) of citronella oil per candle, approximately a 7% fragrance load |
| Cooling process | Candles should cool slowly and evenly at a consistent temperature of 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) |
| Additional essential oils | Eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass oils can also be added to ward off different insects |
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What You'll Learn
Citronella candles keep mosquitoes away
Citronella candles are an excellent way to keep mosquitoes away and add a pleasant ambiance to your outdoor space. The number of candles you need depends on the size of the area you want to protect from mosquitoes. It is recommended that each candle will effectively keep mosquitoes away within a radius of 3 to 4 feet. Therefore, if you have a larger space, you may need several candles strategically placed to create a mosquito-free zone.
To make your own citronella candles, start by anchoring a wick to the bottom of a jar or tin using a wick sticker or sturdy tape. You can use vintage cups, teacups, or any vessel of your choice. For a sustainable option, consider reusing glass yogurt containers or other containers that you can repurpose. Once your wicks are in place, keep the containers in the oven at a low temperature while preparing the wax.
For the wax, blend soy wax with beeswax using an 80:20 ratio to raise the melting point, ensuring the candle stays solid during warm summer days. Melt the wax blend in a double boiler or on a hot plate. While the wax is melting, prepare your container by wiping it with isopropyl alcohol. Once the wax reaches 185°F (85°C), add citronella fragrance oil, approximately a 7% fragrance load. Remove from heat and gently stir to incorporate the oil.
Allow the wax to cool to 160°F (71.1°C) before carefully pouring it into your prepared containers. Secure the wicks with wick bars and let the candles cool slowly at a consistent room temperature to prevent cracks. Once completely cooled, trim the wicks, and your candles are ready to use! You can decorate the containers to fit your backyard decor or add labels for a finished look.
Citronella candles make excellent gifts and are perfect for warm-weather gatherings. They provide a natural and pleasant solution to keep mosquitoes at bay without having to rely on insect repellents. By making your own citronella candles, you can ensure they are effective and free from synthetic fragrances.
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How to make your own citronella candles
While there is no exact answer to how many citronella candles you need, it is recommended to have several on hand to cover a larger area. Each candle typically offers protection within a radius of 3 to 4 feet.
Now, here is a guide on how to make your own citronella candles:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a candle container, such as a mason jar, a tin can, or a vintage vessel. You will also require candle wax, which can be purchased or recycled from old candles, and a candle wick. Citronella essential oil is the key ingredient, and you can add other fragrances if desired.
For the wax, a blend of soy wax and beeswax is recommended to ensure the candle stays solid during warm summer days. The recommended ratio is 80:20, with approximately 16 oz (454 g) of wax needed to fill three 8 oz candle tins.
Now, it's time to make your candle:
- Melt your wax in a double boiler or on a hot plate.
- While the wax is melting, prepare your container by wiping it with isopropyl alcohol to ensure it is clean.
- Centre the wick in the container using a wick sticker or hot glue gun.
- Once the wax reaches 185°F (85°C), add 1 oz (28 g) of citronella oil, which is approximately a 7% fragrance load.
- Remove the wax from the heat and gently stir for 2 minutes to fully incorporate the oil.
- When the wax cools to 160°F (71.1°C), carefully pour it into the container up to the embossed ring.
- Secure the wick with a wick bar and allow the candle to cool slowly and evenly to prevent cracks. A consistent temperature of 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) is recommended.
- Once the candle is completely cool, remove the wick bar and trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm).
- Add warning and decorative labels to the bottom of your candle.
Your DIY citronella candle is now ready to use! Enjoy the uplifting scent and keep those bugs at bay.
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Preventing cracks in homemade citronella candles
To prevent cracks in homemade citronella candles, it is important to control the temperature and rate at which the candles cool.
Firstly, the candles should be cooled at a slow and even rate. A room with a consistent temperature of 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) is ideal for cooling the candles. Additionally, the room should be free from drafts.
Secondly, the candles should be allowed to cool overnight in a warm oven. This can be achieved by placing the candle container on a cookie sheet inside the oven. Leaving the candle to cool slowly in a warm oven for several hours or overnight helps to prevent cracking.
After cooling the candles in the oven, they should be moved to a cool place to cure completely for 48 hours.
To check for cracks during the cooling process, periodically inspect the candles. If cracks or wells develop, more melted wax can be added to fill them.
By following these steps, you can effectively prevent cracks in your homemade citronella candles, ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.
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The best essential oils to combine with citronella
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many citronella candles you need, it is said that each candle works up to 3 to 4 feet. So, depending on the size of your space, you may need several candles to effectively keep the bugs away.
Citronella candles are a great way to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay during the warm summer months. They are also thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family. You can make your own citronella candles by blending wax with essential oils.
Citronella oil blends well with several other essential oils, creating custom aromatherapy blends or enhancing its insect repellent properties. Here are some of the best essential oils to combine with citronella:
- Lemongrass oil has a similar scent to citronella and enhances its insect repellent properties.
- Lavender oil is known for its calming properties and can help balance the strong scent of citronella.
- Peppermint oil has a refreshing and cooling effect and complements the scent of citronella.
- Eucalyptus oil has a fresh, invigorating scent and can enhance the insect-repellent properties of citronella.
- Cedarwood, geranium, and pine oils also blend well with citronella, along with most other citrus oils.
When blending essential oils, it is important to consider their individual properties, such as scent, therapeutic benefits, and potential side effects. Always dilute essential oils properly and perform a patch test to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
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Where to buy citronella oil
While the exact number of citronella candles you need will depend on the size of the area you want to cover, it is generally recommended to have several candles placed around your space. Each candle typically provides effective coverage for up to 3 to 4 feet.
Now, if you're looking to buy citronella oil, there are several options available to you:
Online Retailers
You can find citronella oil on popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, as mentioned by users seeking deals on Reddit. Amazon offers a wide range of citronella oil products, including pure and undiluted oils suitable for various purposes.
Retail Stores
Walmart is another option for purchasing citronella oil. They offer a variety of citronella oil products, including those suitable for aromatherapy, diffusers, massage, and skincare. Their prices seem affordable, with options available for under $15.
Wholesale Suppliers
If you require larger quantities of citronella oil, you can consider purchasing from wholesale suppliers such as Jedwards International. They offer citronella oil in bulk quantities, such as gallons (128 fl. oz.), and supply both conventional and organic natural ingredients to various industries, including cosmetics, soap, and candle-making. However, keep in mind that their products are only available for ground shipping within the continental United States and Canada.
Specialty Stores
Depending on your location, you may also find citronella oil in specialty stores that cater to outdoor or insect repellent needs. These could include stores that sell mosquito repellents, torches, or outdoor garden supplies. Additionally, some local markets or craft stores may carry citronella oil for those interested in candle-making or other DIY projects.
DIY Options
If you enjoy crafting your own candles or experimenting with essential oils, you can create your own citronella oil blends. Citronella oil is extracted from an Asian grass plant, Cymbopogon winterianus, through steam distillation. You can research and explore methods to create your own citronella oil at home, although it may require access to specific equipment and ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
It is said that each candle works for up to 3 to 4 feet, so you will need several citronella candles to cover a porch or deck.
You can add a few drops of essential oils to your candle wax. For candle-approved essential oils, check the recommended usage percentage on the product page and start with low percentages.
You can use 8 oz candle tins for your citronella candles.
