Chloe Adams
Citronella candles are a great way to keep mosquitoes away, especially during the summer months. They are easy to make and can be decorated in a variety of ways to fit any backyard decor. Whether you're using a mason jar, a tin can, or a terracotta pot, there are plenty of options to customise your candle and make it look cute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Upcycled tin soup cans, terracotta pots, mason jars, shot glasses, baby food jars, etc. |
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, recycled candle wax |
| Wicks | ECO 14 wicks, candle wicks |
| Scent | Citronella essential oil, lemongrass and verbena citronella, ginger and saffron citronella, pear and thyme citronella |
| Other decorations | Yarn, twine, burlap, white markers, paints |
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What You'll Learn
Using different types of wax
When making citronella candles, you can use different types of wax, including paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Each type of wax has its own unique properties and benefits.
Paraffin wax is a popular choice for citronella candles as it is effective at dispersing fragrance. It is a good option for outdoor candles as it has a stronger scent throw. However, it may not be the best choice for indoor use due to potential concerns about breathing in toxins.
Soy wax is a natural and organic alternative to paraffin wax. It is a good choice for those seeking a healthier option, especially if you have pets. Soy wax typically has a slower burn rate than paraffin wax but faster than beeswax. Blending soy wax with beeswax can create a balance, ensuring the candle withstands the summer heat while maintaining a good scent throw.
Beeswax is another natural option that burns slowly, making it ideal for a longer-lasting candle. It is a good choice for glass containers as it burns at a lower temperature, reducing the risk of the glass breaking. However, an additional inexpensive oil is required to lower the burning temperature.
When using wax, it is important to melt it completely over medium heat. Stir the wax occasionally to ensure even melting, and break up larger chunks for faster melting. Once melted, add the citronella fragrance oil and any additional scents. Stir gently to incorporate the oil, and then carefully pour the wax into your chosen containers.
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Choosing a container
When making your own citronella candles, you can get creative with the candle holder. You can repurpose items you already have at home, such as mason jars, shot glasses, tins, empty baby food jars, terracotta pots, or even a florist dish.
If you want to hang your candles from a sturdy tree branch, opt for smaller containers like baby food jars. You can also use candle tins, which are available in various sizes, such as 8 oz candle tins.
For a unique and decorative touch, consider using vintage flower pots or ceramic containers. You can also upcycle tin soup cans or use glass jars for a more sustainable option.
When choosing a container, consider the size of your candle and the amount of wax you will need. For example, a 20 oz candle holder typically requires 5 cups of wax. If you want to hang your candle or place it in a small space, choose a smaller container.
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Adding colour
Choosing the Right Wax
The type of wax you use can impact the final colour of your candle. For example, you can opt for a blend of Golden Brands 444 soy wax and yellow beeswax, which will result in a natural pale yellow colour. You can also use soy wax if you have leftovers from other projects, as suggested by Hungarican Journey. Alternatively, beeswax is another option, and it will give your candle a more golden hue.
Using Crayons or Colour Blocks
An easy and creative way to add colour to your candle is by using crayons or special colour blocks made for candle-making. Simply shave or break off small pieces of the crayon or colour block and melt it along with your wax. This method allows you to control the intensity of the colour by adding more or less crayon as desired. Remember that the colour will appear lighter once the wax cools down, so you may want to make it a bit darker to begin with.
Choosing Containers and Jars
Selecting colourful containers or jars to hold your citronella candle is another way to add a pop of colour to your creation. Blue mason jars, for instance, can add a nice touch to your outdoor ambiance. You can also repurpose colourful glass jars, such as baby food jars, or use terracotta pots to hold your candles. Decorating your containers with paint is another fun way to add colour and creativity to your candles.
Natural Colour with Essential Oils
If you want to add a subtle hint of colour while also enhancing the fragrance of your candle, consider using essential oils. For example, lemongrass or ginger essential oils can add a yellow or golden tint to your candle, while also providing a refreshing aroma.
With these tips and a bit of creativity, you can make colourful citronella candles that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Adding essential oils
When making your citronella candle, it's important to use essential oil, not the fuel oil you might find for tiki torches. You can buy citronella oil inexpensively at candle shops and online. You can also use candle-approved essential oils such as lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender.
When adding essential oils to your candle, make sure the wax has melted, so you don't burn off the fragrance. As a general rule, add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer a stronger citronella scent, you can use 1.5 oz per pound. Stir the oil into the wax, then let the wax cool slightly before pouring it into your container.
It's important to use good-quality essential oils for your candles. Cheap citronella candles often don't contain natural citronella oil and use synthetic fragrances, which are less effective at deterring mosquitoes. Look for therapeutic-grade essential oils, and check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page, starting with low percentages.
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Trimming the wick
Firstly, the type of wick you use is important. For a large candle, consider using multiple wicks to ensure even burning. For example, for a 20 oz candle, you could use three wicks. This will ensure the wax melts evenly.
When you are ready to trim the wick, the candle must be fully cooled. This is important to ensure the wax has set and will not be damaged by the trimming process. Once the candle is cool, remove any wick bars or supports that were used during the setting process.
For a standard-sized candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm). This is the ideal length for a consistent burn. If the wick is too long, it may produce a large flame, which can be dangerous and cause the candle to burn through wax too quickly. If the wick is too short, the candle may not light or stay lit.
If you are using a lid with a hole for the wick, as described in some DIY candle guides, ensure 1/8 inch of the wick is exposed. This will allow the candle to burn effectively without being too close to the lid, which could be a fire hazard.
Finally, always exercise caution when burning candles. Keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended, especially around children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
You can decorate your citronella candles with white markers and paints. You can also repurpose household items such as mason jars, shot glasses, tins, and empty baby food jars as containers for your candles.
You can use soy wax or beeswax for your citronella candle.
You can use citronella essential oil, which can be found at candle shops, health food stores, or online. You can also use fragrance oils, which tend to be cheaper.
You should add roughly three drops of oil per cup of wax.
