Brooke Martin
Citronella candles are a natural and environmentally friendly way to repel mosquitoes and other insects. They are perfect for outdoor use in the summer months when mosquitoes are most active. Making citronella candles is a simple craft that can be easily done at home using heat-proof containers, candle wicks, wax, and citronella oil. The wax is melted and combined with the oil, then poured into the containers with the wicks in the centre. The candles need to cool completely before use and should be placed on the ground, at a distance from people, food, and flammable objects. While citronella candles may not be effective against all mosquito-borne illnesses, they can be useful for keeping mosquitoes away when spending time outdoors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To repel mosquitoes and other insects |
| Container | Heat-proof containers such as Mason jars, recycled cans, glass jars, small terracotta pots, etc. |
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, coconut oil, old candles, or a blend |
| Wick | Plain or with adhesive dots, secured with hot glue or wick stickers |
| Oil | Citronella essential oil, fragrance oils, or a blend |
| Oil Quantity | 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax, with additional scents making up 0.5 oz per pound |
| Additional Scents | Herby and citrus scents |
| Temperature | Heat wax to 185°F (85°C) and cool to 160°F (71.1°C) before pouring |
| Cooling | Allow candles to cool slowly and evenly at a room temperature of 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) |
| Warning | Place a warning label on the bottom of each candle |
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Choosing containers
Choosing the right container for your citronella candle is important, both for aesthetic and practical reasons. The container will determine the overall look of your candle, but it also needs to be able to withstand the heat of the melting wax and the burning candle.
You can use just about any type of container for your citronella candle, as long as it has a sturdy base and can handle the heat. Glass jars, recycled cans, and small terracotta pots are all popular choices. If you're using a recycled container, make sure to remove any labels and residue, and clean and dry it thoroughly before using it.
When choosing a container, consider the size of the candle you want to make. Larger containers will require more wax and may need multiple wicks. A good rule of thumb is to use approximately one pound of wax for a small container or two to three pounds for a larger container.
It's also important to think about the melting point of your wax when choosing a container. Some wax blends, such as a blend of soy wax and beeswax, have a higher melting point and can withstand warmer temperatures. This is especially important if you plan to use your candle in the summer months.
Finally, consider the overall look of your candle. You can use decorative tins or fancy jars to create a more elegant or unique candle. Adding labels or decorations to your container can also give your candle a finished and polished look.
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Melting wax
To melt the wax, you will need a double boiler or a large pot of simmering water with a stainless steel bowl or smaller pot inside. You can also melt wax in a microwave in a glass bowl. If you are using a microwave, place around one pound of wax in the bowl and heat for several minutes. If using a boiler, fill the bottom pot with enough water so that it doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl above. Keep the water simmering and place the wax in the top bowl.
You can speed up the melting process by cutting the wax into smaller chunks with a knife or shaving it. Stir the wax occasionally to help it melt evenly, and break up larger chunks as you go.
If you are using old candles, you can melt the wax in the candle container by placing the base of the candle in a sink of hot water or in the oven at 100°C. This will melt the wax from the outside in, making it easy to scoop out with a spoon.
For a blend of beeswax and soy wax, use an 80:20 ratio of soy wax to beeswax. This blend will raise the melting point of the wax so that it stays solid in warm summer temperatures.
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Adding oil
When adding the oil to your candles, the general rule is to use 1 ounce of citronella oil per pound of wax. This amount ensures that your candles are fragrant and effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects. If you prefer a stronger citronella scent, you can increase the amount of oil to 1.5 ounces per pound of wax.
It is important to add the oil at the right time during the candle-making process. First, melt your wax over medium heat in a double boiler or a glass bowl in the microwave. You can use a variety of wax types, such as soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of both. Stir the wax occasionally to ensure even melting, and break up larger chunks to speed up the process. Once the wax is completely melted, remove it from the heat source.
Now it's time to add the fragrance. For every pound of wax, add 1 ounce of citronella essential oil. You can also experiment with adding other scents, such as lemon eucalyptus or other citrus and herbal fragrances. For every pound of wax, add an additional 0.5 ounces of your chosen scent. Stir gently for about 2 minutes to fully incorporate the oil into the wax.
The next step is to prepare your containers. Choose containers with sturdy bases that can withstand the heat, such as glass jars, small terracotta pots, or recycled cans. Clean and dry them thoroughly, removing any residue or labels. Center your wicks in each container using wick stickers or hot glue guns to secure them in place.
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Pouring wax
Now that your wax has melted, it's time to add the fragrance. For a batch of candles using 2-3 lbs of wax, add 3 oz of citronella oil. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of citronella oil per 1 lb of wax. You can also add 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. Stir the oil into the wax using a bamboo skewer. If you're using recycled containers, make sure they're clean and dry before pouring in the wax. Choose a surface that can withstand the heat.
Before pouring the wax, centre your wicks in each container. If you're using a larger container, you may need to add two or three wicks spaced apart around the centre. You can use wick stickers or hot glue to secure the wicks to the bottom of the container. If your wicks come with adhesive dots, stick them to the bottom of the container. You can also use plain wicks and leftover washers to secure them to the bottom of the container.
When pouring the wax, work slowly and carefully to avoid spills. Use oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat. You can use bamboo skewers or chopsticks to keep the wicks from moving while you pour.
After pouring the wax, check that the wicks are still centred. Use a pencil or chopstick to prop the wicks up in the centre. If your wicks are not dipped in wax, you may need to tape them to the pencil or chopstick to keep them in place.
Finally, allow your candles to cool slowly and evenly to prevent cracks from forming on the surface. It's recommended to cool the candles in a room with a consistent temperature of 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) that is free from drafts.
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Cooling and finishing
Once you've added your fragrance oils to the melted wax and stirred them in, it's time to pour the wax into your chosen containers. Work slowly and carefully, as the wax will be very hot. Use oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat. You can use bamboo skewers or chopsticks to keep the wicks centred and upright as you pour in the wax.
Next, allow your candles to cool. To prevent cracks from forming on the surface of your candles, it's best to let them cool at a slow and even rate. Aim for a room with a consistent temperature of 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) that is free from drafts.
Once your candles have cooled completely, remove any wick stabilisers and trim the wicks to 1/4 inch (6 mm). You can now add labels to your candles. You can create your own labels in Canva and print them out, or you can write on them by hand. Be sure to place a warning label on the bottom of each candle, and always follow candle burning safety rules.
Your citronella candles are now ready to use! Place them on your outdoor table and around your patio to enjoy a bug-free summer evening.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need heat-proof containers, wax, and citronella oil. You can also add other essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, to improve the scent.
First, melt your wax in a pot on low heat. Then, add the citronella oil and any other essential oils. Next, place a wick in the centre of each container and secure it with adhesive dots or a washer. Finally, pour the liquid wax into the containers and allow them to cool completely.
Place the candles on the ground, approximately 20 feet apart, to ensure full coverage of the area you want to protect from mosquitoes and other insects. For best results, light the candles just before sunset or slightly earlier.
Citronella candles are a natural and environmentally-friendly way to repel insects. However, always follow candle burning safety rules and keep them away from children and pets.
