Tyler Brooks
Aromatherapy candles made with essential oils are a great way to fill your space with natural fragrances. Making your own candles is an easy process and allows you to get creative with containers, wicks, and essential oils. You can use coconut oil to help your candle burn longer and add an even melt. Soy wax is a popular choice, but you can also use beeswax or coconut wax. The essential oils you choose will depend on your preference, but some like lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus have better scent throws than more subtle floral or herbal oils. It's important to note that essential oils can be dangerous to cats if inhaled, so take the necessary precautions. The process of making essential oil candles involves melting the wax, adding the essential oils, stirring, and then pouring the mixture into a container with a wick. The amount of essential oil added varies depending on the desired strength of the scent, but it typically ranges from 15 to 40 drops per ounce of wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Spark romance, encourage relaxation, refresh a space, aromatherapy, etc. |
| Ingredients | Wax, wicks, essential oils, jars, etc. |
| Wax | Soy wax flakes are easy to use, non-toxic, and produce a clean, even burn with minimal soot. |
| Wicks | Natural hemp-based wicks are preferable to traditional wicks that release butane gas. |
| Essential Oils | Use pure essential oils, check the burning point, and start with low percentages. |
| Application | Avoid applying oil to the wick, apply to the sides of the candle. |
| Benefits | Natural, chemical-free, eco-friendly, non-toxic, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a popular choice for candle-making due to its eco-friendly nature and clean burn. It is made from soybean oil, biodegradable, and has a lower melting point, allowing it to burn slower and longer. Soy wax also holds colour and fragrance well, making it an excellent option for scented candles. Soy wax flakes are a good choice for beginners as they are easy to use, non-toxic, and produce a clean, even burn with minimal soot.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another natural alternative that burns cleanly and has a subtle honey-like aroma. However, it is important to note that beeswax is not a vegan option.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is commonly found in store-bought candles, but it contains petroleum byproducts and may release harmful toxins when burned. It is praised for its superior scent throw but may not be the best option if you are looking for a natural, eco-friendly alternative.
Temperature Considerations
Regardless of the type of wax you choose, heating the wax to the right temperature is crucial when working with essential oils. If the wax is too hot, it can degrade the essential oils, and if it's too cool, the oils may not mix properly. Generally, adding essential oils at temperatures between 120°F and 180°F is recommended, but this may vary depending on the specific wax and oil you are using. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature with a thermometer to ensure the wax is at the ideal range for adding the essential oils.
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Blending essential oils
Firstly, it is important to understand the concept of fragrance notes. A good candle scent typically includes a top note, a middle note, and a base note. The top note creates the first impression of the scent, while the middle note forms the body of the scent. The base note, which is often derived from vanilla, spices, musks, woods, or amber, is the lasting impression that lingers after the candle is extinguished.
When blending essential oils, a helpful rule to follow is the 30, 50, 20 ratio. This means using 30% top note, 50% middle note, and 20% base note oils. For example, if you use a total of 10 drops of essential oils, you would use three drops of a top note, five drops of a middle note, and two drops of a base note. You can use multiple oils within each note category, ensuring that the total quantity adheres to the ratio.
It is recommended to start blending with fragrances that you are already familiar with. You can also take inspiration from existing candle scents that you enjoy. For instance, if you like Yankee Candle's Citrus and Sage, you can try blending sage, citrus, and lavender oils. Additionally, keeping your blends simple, especially when you're just starting out, can lead to better results. If you want to create a complex fragrance, combine a simple blend with a more complex fragrance.
Some popular essential oils for candles include lavender, bergamot, eucalyptus, clary sage, cinnamon, orange, pine, and lemon. These oils have strong aromas and can be blended in various combinations to create dynamic and complex scents. For instance, a blend of woodsy spruce, rich vetiver, and smoky black pepper creates a unique and appealing scent.
Finally, take detailed notes as you experiment with different blends. Record the combinations of scents, the ratios used, and whether you tested them in a candle. This will help you refine your blending process and create consistent and enjoyable fragrances.
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Adding essential oils to wax
One popular method is to use a wax warmer or oil burner. This involves placing wax melts in the tray of the warmer and lighting a candle below to melt the wax and release the fragrance. Essential oils can be added directly to the melted wax or diluted with water first. It is generally recommended to start with just one oil and a low concentration to avoid an overpowering scent. The dilution method involves filling the upper dish of the wax warmer with water, leaving some room for essential oil. As the wax warmer heats up, the water will evaporate, carrying the aromatic molecules of the essential oil into the air.
Another method for adding essential oils to wax is to create homemade candles. This process can be more challenging than making wax melts, but it allows for greater customisation. To make essential oil candles, it is important to select the right wax. Soy wax flakes are a good option for beginners as they are easy to use, non-toxic, and produce a clean, even burn. When making candles with essential oils, it is crucial to understand how the oils interact with the wax to ensure the best scent throw and longevity. Essential oils have low flash points, which means they evaporate at high temperatures. Therefore, it is important to add the oils to the wax once it has cooled slightly. The recommended usage percentage for the essential oil should be checked, and it is generally best to start with a low concentration to avoid unpleasant results. Once the essential oil has been added to the wax, stir gently to ensure it is fully incorporated.
There are many different essential oils to choose from when creating wax melts or candles, and it often comes down to personal preference. Some popular options include lavender, citrus, rose, peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit, jasmine, geranium, ylang-ylang, and patchouli. These oils can be blended to create unique scent profiles, such as an energy-boosting blend of peppermint, rosemary, and grapefruit or a relaxing blend of ylang-ylang, patchouli, and bergamot.
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Centering and anchoring wicks
When making candles, the wick is the lifeline of your creation, so setting it correctly is essential. Here are some methods for centering and anchoring wicks:
Centering wicks
- If you are using a mould with a removable base, remove it before oiling to avoid any mess on the wick.
- For PVC moulds, cut the end of the wick at an angle for easier insertion and slide it through the pre-drilled hole in the mould, ensuring about a 2.5cm/1-inch overhang at both ends.
- For silicone moulds, use a wicking needle to thread the wick through the mould. If there is no pre-made hole, create one at the centre of the mould. Ensure the wick is placed straight.
- Use a wick holder to keep the wick secure and taut.
- If you are not making candles for a business production line, you can use a cost-effective method by drawing up some warm wax into a disposable plastic dropper. Use this hot wax as glue to place and hold your wick.
- For gel candles, do not use a fragrance with a flashpoint of 180 or below.
Anchoring wicks
- Wrap the loose end of the wick around a pencil or popsicle stick, then drop the other end into the bottom of the candle container.
- Rest the pencil or stick across the mouth of the container to ensure the wick stays centred as the candle hardens.
- If you are reusing a metal bottom, use hot glue to attach your new wick to the bottom of your candle container.
- If you are using a paper wick, wrap it around the existing wick, then gently press just the very bottom into the softened wax.
- If you are using a wooden wick, place it beside the old wick and push it deep down into the candle.
- If you need help pushing the wooden wick into the candle, try tapping it lightly with a mallet or hammer.
- Trim the wick to about 0.5cm/1/4 inch. This length is ideal for ensuring a proper burn and preventing soot.
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Curing and storing candles
Curing candles is an important step in ensuring your homemade candles have the best fragrance throw and burn quality. This process helps the fragrance oils bind with the wax, resulting in a better scent. The curing time depends on the strength of the fragrance and can vary from 24 hours to 3-5 days for optimal results, or even up to 10 days for the strongest-smelling candles. During curing, it is best to keep the candles in a cool place to avoid sweating and separation from the fragrance.
Storing candles in a cool, dark place helps to maintain their integrity. Warm temperatures can cause the candles to sweat and separate from their fragrance. Sunlight can also cause oxidation, leading to changes in both the scent and colour of the candle. Candles made with essential oils tend to have a shorter shelf life and may start to degrade after about two years. Soy and beeswax candles have a long shelf life but may begin to crystallize on the surface over time, affecting their visual appeal.
To avoid clutter and keep your candles in perfect condition, it is recommended to store them in an enclosed, dark, cool place, and to keep like items together. If you are using a ceramic candle jar, it is advisable to store it in a plastic bag to prevent oil leakage and potential damage to furniture.
Additionally, it is important to note that essential oils have a lower flashpoint than fragrance oils and can evaporate quickly when exposed to high heat. This may result in a weaker scent once the candle is cured. To address this, you can try soaking the wick in a few drops of essential oil before placing it into the candle jar, although this may affect the burn of the wick.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, wicks, essential oils, a pouring pitcher, a basic candy thermometer, weighing scales, a small glass container, and jars.
Soy wax flakes are an excellent choice for beginners as they are easy to use, non-toxic, and produce a clean, even burn with minimal soot.
The amount of essential oil to use depends on the type of oil and how potent it is. You should always measure by weight, not by drops, as essential oils vary in density. Check the recommended usage percentage on the candle-approved essential oil product page and start with low percentages.
