Brooke Martin
Candles are a great way to provide light and warmth during emergencies, especially when you're trying to save your flashlight's battery. In such situations, you can make a candle using Vaseline. All you need is a paper wick and a container full of Vaseline. Dip the wick in the jelly so that its end is coated, then push the wick down into the centre of the container and light it. You can also make candles using crayons, corrugated cardboard, and wax, or even an orange and olive oil.
How to make a candle out of Vaseline
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Emergency candle |
| Ingredients | Paper wick, Vaseline |
| Method | Dip the paper wick in Vaseline, turn it over and push it down into a container of Vaseline, then light |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare a paper wick by dipping it in Vaseline
To make a wick for your Vaseline candle, you can use a variety of household items. A simple option is to use toilet paper. Cut a square of toilet paper into quarters, then twist one of the quarters into a tiny rope and fold it over to create a "fishhook" shape. This shape will serve as the wick for your candle. You can also use other paper products like cardboard, paper towels, or newspaper. Roll these materials tightly to create a wick of sufficient thickness and rigidity.
If you want to use a toothpick, popsicle stick, or wooden wick, you don't need to dip it in Vaseline. However, for paper-based wicks, dipping them in Vaseline is essential to ensure they burn effectively. Once you've prepared your paper wick, dip it into the Vaseline so that the end is thoroughly coated.
It's important to note that Vaseline candles should be placed in a fire-proof container, such as a glass or metal surface, rather than the plastic container they are usually sold in. This is crucial for safety reasons. Additionally, make sure the wick stands about one-fourth of an inch above the Vaseline.
If you're using a jar or container with a lid, you can simply poke a hole in the lid and insert the wick, ensuring it stays in place. However, if your container doesn't have a lid, you can use a paper clip to hold the wick securely in the centre of the Vaseline.
With your wick prepared and coated in Vaseline, you're now ready to light your homemade candle. Remember to always have matches or a lighter on hand and ensure you follow proper safety precautions when using open flames.
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Push the wick down into the middle of the Vaseline container
When making a candle out of Vaseline, it's important to ensure that you are using a fire-proof container, such as a glass jar, rather than the plastic container that Vaseline is usually sold in. This is because you will be placing a flame directly onto the Vaseline, and you want to make sure that the container can withstand the heat.
Once you have your fire-proof container, you can begin preparing your wick. Roll a sheet of paper into a thin wick, ensuring that it is about a quarter of an inch longer than the height of your container. This will allow you to light the wick without burning your fingers and will also ensure that the flame is contained within the jar.
Now it's time to prepare the wick by saturating it with Vaseline. Dip the end of the paper wick into the Vaseline so that it is completely coated. This will provide fuel for the flame and ensure that your wick burns for a longer period. Make sure to coat the wick generously, as the amount of Vaseline on the wick will determine how long it burns.
Finally, push the wick down into the middle of the Vaseline container. You may need to use a thin tool, like a pencil or a butter knife, to help guide the wick into place without damaging it. Ensure that the wick is centred and secure before lighting it. Once lit, your Vaseline candle will provide a bright and long-lasting flame.
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Use crayons as a substitute for wax
While it is possible to make candles with crayons, it is recommended to add some candle wax to the crayon wax, as candles made entirely from crayons tend to burn quicker and less brightly. The ratio is about 6 crayons per 1 cup (225 grams) of wax.
To make a candle, you will need to first peel the crayons and cut or grate them into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will melt. Next, set up a double boiler by filling a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and placing a heat-safe measuring cup inside. Place the crayons and wax into the measuring cup and heat until melted. If you want to make a striped candle, melt each colour separately.
Once the wax and crayons have melted, prepare your candle holder. Place a tabbed wick in the middle of the holder and secure it with a drop of hot wax, super glue, or double-sided tape. You can also use an untabbed wick, but it may be more difficult. Place two sticks, such as pencils or popsicle sticks, across the top of the candle holder to hold the wick steady.
Now, carefully pour the melted wax and crayon mixture into your candle holder. Let the candle set for a few minutes, then snip off the excess wick, leaving about 1/2-1 inch above the candle.
When choosing the size of the wick, consider the size of your candle. The wick should generally match the candle size, with small candles using small-diameter wicks. Wicks that are too small will leave unburned wax around the outside of the candle, while wicks that are too large will cause excessive smoke and may cause the wax to overflow.
Instead of making a candle, you can also use crayons as a pigment for melted art on canvas or construction paper.
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Melt wax and pour it over cardboard coils in a tin can
To make a candle out of Vaseline, you will need a source of wax. You can melt wax from old candles or crayons, or buy wax in bulk. Once you have your wax, follow these steps to make your candle:
First, cut long strips of corrugated cardboard about as thick as the tin can you will be using is tall. Coil these cardboard pieces tightly inside the tin can, preferably a flat tuna can. Make sure the coil fits snugly inside the can. Check that the lid still fits snugly on the can and doesn't drop off when held upside down.
Next, melt your wax. You can do this by placing the wax in a small pot and then placing that pot inside a larger pot filled with water. Bring the water to a simmer. Different types of wax have different melting points, so some waxes may take longer to melt. Alternatively, you can melt the wax on a low temperature on a gas hob to prevent spitting, smoke, and auto-ignition. Make sure not to put the wax in the microwave, as this can be dangerous.
Once your wax is melted, slowly pour it into the tin can over the cardboard coil. Fill the can to the rim so that the wax saturates the cardboard. You can add a small amount of paraffin to help the candle burn better, but this is not necessary.
Finally, allow the wax to cool and harden. To light your candle, set it on a brick or concrete block and use a match to light the wick. The flame should spread across the top of the can. If using indoors, make sure to place the candle in front of a door or window that is open at least one inch.
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Make a tealight-style candle using an orange and olive oil
Making a candle out of Vaseline is quite simple. However, if you want to make a tealight-style candle using an orange and olive oil, follow these steps:
First, cut around the circumference of an orange, making sure to only cut through the peel and not the fruit itself. Carefully remove the peel from the bottom half of the orange, ensuring that you take the pith (the long white part) out as well. Be cautious when handling sharp kitchen tools and always wear appropriate kitchen gloves to ensure your safety.
Next, you will use the orange peel as a vessel for the olive oil. Decorate the orange peel vessel with clove seeds, then pour olive oil into the vessel until it is halfway full. The olive oil serves as the candle's fuel, and you can easily top it up as it burns to extend the candle's life.
Now, it's time to prepare the wick. The stem of the orange will act as the wick, so be careful not to damage it during the previous steps. If you find that the stem is too short or fragile to use as a wick, you can carefully trim the orange peel to create a longer wick. Alternatively, you can use a cotton wick specifically designed for candle-making.
Finally, light the wick and enjoy your homemade tealight-style candle! Remember that while the olive oil can be refilled to extend the candle's life, the wick will not last indefinitely. As the wick burns down, you may need to trim it occasionally to maintain a stable flame.
You can also add essential oils or fragrance oils to your olive oil to create scented candles. Additionally, consider decorating your candle with simple household items or dried herbs to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
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Frequently asked questions
Dip a paper wick in Vaseline so that the end is coated. Push the wick down into a container of Vaseline and light the exposed end.
Paper makes a good wick for a Vaseline candle. Dip the paper in Vaseline before lighting it to improve its performance.
You can use any container for your Vaseline candle, as long as the wick can be securely placed in the centre.
