Tyler Brooks
Citronella oil is a popular natural resource that has been valued for centuries for its pleasant fragrance and practical applications. It is a powerful insect repellent, often used to keep mosquitoes away during outdoor activities. When burned, citronella candles release the oil into the air, creating a protective barrier that masks human scents that attract mosquitoes. This guide will explore the process of extracting citronella oil from candles, as well as its various uses and benefits. Whether you're interested in creating homemade candles or exploring the insect-repelling properties of citronella oil, this guide will provide valuable insights and instructions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Soy wax, beeswax |
| Type of oil | Citronella essential oil |
| Amount of oil | 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax |
| Additional scents | 0.5 oz of other scents per pound of wax |
| Wick type | ECO 14 wick |
| Wick placement | Centred in the jar using a wick sticker |
| Wax temperature | 185°F (85°C) when adding oil, 160°F (71.1°C) when pouring into the container |
| Cooling temperature | 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) |
| Cooling time | At least 6 hours |
| Wick length after cooling | 1/4 inch (6 mm) |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the wax
To prepare the wax for your citronella candles, you'll need to decide on the type of wax you want to use. Soy wax and beeswax are popular choices, with some people opting for an 80:20 ratio of soy wax to beeswax. You can also use paraffin wax, which is commonly found in store-bought candles.
Once you've chosen your wax, you'll need to melt it. This can be done using a double boiler or a similar setup to ensure even melting. While your wax is melting, prepare your candle containers or moulds. If you're using old containers, you can remove the wax by freezing it overnight and then using a butter knife to carefully peel it away. Clean your containers with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel.
When your wax is melted, it's time to add the citronella oil. For a strong citronella scent, use 1 oz of oil per pound of wax. If you want to add other fragrances, use 0.5 oz of additional scents per pound of wax. Stir gently for about 2 minutes to ensure the oil is fully incorporated.
Before pouring your wax, it's important to prepare your wicks. Centre one wick in each container using a wick sticker or hot glue gun to secure it to the bottom. Warming your containers before pouring in the wax can help prevent cracking. You can also wrap the holders in a cloth to avoid rapid temperature loss.
Slow cooling is recommended to prevent cracks from forming on the surface of your candles. Aim for a room temperature between 72°-75°F (22.2°-23.9°C) and ensure the room is free from drafts. Allow your candles to cool completely before removing any wick supports and trimming the wicks to the desired length.
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Melt the wax
To melt the wax for your citronella candles, you'll need a wax blend that can withstand the summer heat. A blend of soy wax and beeswax is a good option. Golden Brands 444 soy wax and yellow beeswax in an 80:20 ratio is a good combination. You can also use paraffin wax, but soy and beeswax are healthier options.
Prepare your candle containers by wiping them with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. This will ensure that your wicks adhere properly. Use a wick sticker to centre one ECO 14 wick in each jar.
Now, melt your wax. You can do this using a double boiler method, ensuring you don't burn the wax. Once your wax has reached 185°F (85°C), it's time to add the citronella oil. Use a ratio of 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax, with an additional 0.5 oz of other scents of your choice per pound. Stir gently for 2 minutes to ensure the oil is fully incorporated.
Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool slightly. You want to avoid cracking, so you can warm your holders before pouring in the wax, or wrap them in a cloth to avoid rapid temperature loss. Carefully pour the wax into your containers, stopping at the embossed ring of each candle tin.
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Add citronella oil
Citronella oil is a powerful insect repellent, making it a popular ingredient in candles for outdoor use. When making citronella candles, it's important to use the right amount of oil and ensure it's well-incorporated into the wax.
To add citronella oil to candles, start by measuring out your wax. For every pound of wax, you'll want to add 1 ounce of citronella oil. If you plan to add other fragrances, you can reduce the amount of citronella oil to 0.5 ounces per pound of wax.
Melt your wax, and once it reaches 185°F (85°C), add the citronella oil. You can also add other fragrances at this point if desired. Remove the wax from the heat and stir gently for about 2 minutes to ensure that the oil is fully mixed into the wax.
Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into your containers. If you're using wicks, centre them in each jar before pouring in the wax. Secure the wicks with a wick bar or chopstick to keep them in place as the wax cools.
Let the candles cool undisturbed for at least 6 hours, or preferably 48 hours, before trimming the wicks and lighting the candle. Enjoy your homemade citronella candles and their bug-repelling properties!
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$9.99
Pour wax into containers
When the wax has melted and you've added the citronella oil, it's time to pour the wax into your chosen containers. Before you do so, however, you should prepare your containers. Wipe them out with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. Centre a wick in each jar using a wick sticker. If you don't have wick stickers, you can use hot glue or regular glue.
Once the wax has cooled slightly, carefully pour it into your containers. You can warm up the holders before pouring in the wax to avoid cracking. Alternatively, you can wrap the holders in a cloth to prevent quick temperature loss. Try to keep the wicks centred as the wax cools. If you're having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin.
You can repurpose old candle holders or get creative with containers you already have at home, such as mason jars, shot glasses, tins, or empty baby food jars.
Leave your candles to cure for 48 hours before burning. When you light your candle for the first time, let it burn until there is a full, wide pool of wax before blowing it out. This will help the candle burn evenly in the future.
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Cure the candle
Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. This is an important step in the candle-making process and will ensure that your candle burns properly and efficiently. During this time, the candle should be left in a safe place where it won't be disturbed or knocked over.
After 48 hours, you can light your candle. For the first burn, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before blowing it out. This first burn is important as it sets the tone for all subsequent burns, so try not to blow it out too early.
If you're using a wick sticker, make sure the wick is centred in the jar. You can secure it with a wick bar while the wax is cooling, but remember to remove it once the candle is fully set. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm) before lighting.
If you're making your own citronella candles, you can add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax, and then add other fragrances if you like. Just be sure to let the wax cool slightly before pouring it into your containers.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to melt your wax.
You should add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax.
Yes, you can add 0.5 oz of other fragrances per pound of wax.
After adding the fragrance, carefully pour the wax into your containers.
Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning.
