Maddie James
Homemade candles are a fun, rewarding, and popular DIY project. They can be made using simple ingredients and in just 20 minutes, with both scented and unscented options. The process is simple and therapeutic, and it can be a great project for kids to get involved with. To make homemade candles, you'll need wax, a wick, a pot, essential or fragrance oils for scent, and a stove-top. Common waxes for candle-making include soy, coconut, paraffin, and beeswax. Wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. Essential oils are natural but can be volatile when heated, while fragrance oils tend to produce a stronger, longer-lasting scent. To melt the wax, a double boiler is commonly used to heat the wax evenly. Once the wax is melted, add the oil and pour it into your container with the wick, let it cool and solidify, and your candle is ready!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Ingredients | Wax, wick, jar, stove-top, essential oil or fragrance oil |
| Wax Types | Paraffin, Soy, Beeswax, Coconut |
| Wick Types | Paper, Cotton, Zinc, Wood, Hemp |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Scent Ratio | 1 oz of scent oil for every 1 lb of wax |
| Scent Throw | Affected by wax's melting point, amount of oil, and type of oil |
| Dye | Use candle-specific dye |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
The type of wax you choose for your homemade candles will depend on a few factors, including cost, sustainability, and the candle's desired characteristics, such as scent and burn time. Here are some of the most common types of waxes used in candle-making and their unique properties:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used in commercial candle-making due to its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour well. It has a melt point of 49°C–82°C (120°F–180°F). However, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is not the most natural or sustainable option. It also releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned, so it may not be the best choice for eco-friendly candles.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a popular choice for DIY candle makers, especially those focused on sustainability. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is a natural, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax. Soy wax is inexpensive and easy to find, and it holds fragrance better than some other natural waxes. It is often sold in flakes or blocks, making it convenient for measuring and melting. Soy candles are slow-burning and can be customised with essential oils or fragrance oils to create unique scents.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax that has a subtle, sweet fragrance without the need for added oils. It is another inexpensive and easily accessible option for candle makers. Beeswax has a unique honey scent that many people find appealing. However, it may be more expensive than soy wax and can be more difficult to work with. Beeswax works best with a cotton braid wick, and it is a good choice for those seeking a natural, eco-friendly option.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is another natural option that has gained popularity among candle makers. It is made from hydrogenated coconut oil and can be used on its own or blended with other waxes. Coconut wax is sustainable and non-toxic, and it burns cleanly, making it a safe choice for those concerned about indoor air quality.
When choosing the right wax for your homemade candles, consider your priorities in terms of cost, sustainability, and desired characteristics. Experiment with different types of wax and find the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
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Adding fragrance
There are two main options for adding scent to your candles: essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful, but they can be volatile when heated and often have a lighter scent. They work best in smaller, more intimate spaces. Essential oils are also very potent and can be toxic when burned, so it is important to do your research and use them safely. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, tend to produce a stronger, longer-lasting scent and are easier to work with in candle-making. They are often synthetic or blended with essential oils. However, if you are aiming for eco-friendly candles, synthetic fragrances are not the best option.
When adding fragrance oil to your candle, the ratio of wax to oil matters. You may think that adding more oil will make a stronger-scented candle, but this is not true. If you add too much oil, it can weigh down the wax. As a general rule, you should use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. Most candles perform best when the wax accounts for 93% of the candle and the fragrance oil accounts for the remaining 7%.
You can also add dried herbs, such as dried lavender or rosemary, to your candles for a natural fragrance. Simply add these to the melted wax during production, following the same steps as you would for adding essential or fragrance oils.
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Preparing the wick
To prepare your wick, start by securing it to the base of your vessel with a wick sticker. You can also use hot glue to fix the metal bottom of the wick to the centre of your container. Ensure the wick is centred and stable while the wax cools by using a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around a pencil or popsicle stick.
If you are using beeswax, it is recommended to use a cotton braid (flat or square) wick. For different wax and container combinations, you will need to select a suitable wick size through vigorous testing.
Once the wax has hardened, you can trim the wick, and your candle is ready for use!
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Melting the wax
Prepare Your Wax
First, you need to decide on the type of wax you want to use. Common options include beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, and paraffin wax. Each type has unique properties, sustainability considerations, and costs. Soy wax, for example, is eco-friendly and holds fragrance well, while beeswax has a natural honey scent. You can also create your own blend of waxes.
Measure the Amount
Use a food-grade scale to measure the amount of wax you need. Typically, you'll want your candle to be mostly wax, with fragrance oil making up a smaller proportion. A common ratio is 93% wax and 7% fragrance oil. For a standard candle, 12 ounces of wax is a good starting point.
Set Up Your Double Boiler
Fill a pot with water and place it on your stove. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Place your metal container (with the measured wax) into the simmering water. This setup ensures gentle and even heating of the wax.
Melt the Wax
As the warm water transfers heat to the metal container, your wax will start to melt. Keep the setup on the stove and stir occasionally until the wax is completely melted. This process should take around ten minutes. Be careful not to overheat the wax.
Check the Temperature
Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the melted wax. The ideal temperature range for pouring candle wax is typically between 160–185 °Fahrenheit (or 49–82 °Celsius). If the wax is too hot, let it cool down slightly before proceeding to the next step.
Add Fragrance and Colour (Optional)
If you want scented candles, now is the time to add your fragrance oil or essential oil. The general rule is 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. You can also add candle-specific dye to give your candles colour. Always follow the instructions on the packaging for any additives.
Remember, melting the wax is just one part of the candle-making process. There are many other steps, including preparing your wicks and containers, and you should always be cautious when working with hot wax to avoid any accidents.
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Pouring the wax
When pouring the wax, it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure the best results. Firstly, prepare your workspace by laying out all the necessary materials, including your melted wax, fragrance oils or essential oils (if desired), wick, and heat-proof container. The type of wax you use is important; common options include soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, or a blend. Soy wax is a popular choice for its eco-friendliness, affordability, and ability to hold fragrance. Beeswax is another natural option with a subtle honey fragrance but can be more expensive. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is widely used due to its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour, but it is less natural and sustainable.
Once you've chosen your wax and added any desired fragrances or colours, use a double boiler or a slow cooker to melt the wax evenly. A double boiler involves placing a metal container with wax into a pot of simmering water, heating the wax indirectly. This method ensures controlled warming and even melting. You can also use an oven to melt the wax in oven-safe containers, which can be more convenient when making multiple candles simultaneously.
Now, you're ready to pour the wax into your container. Before doing so, ensure your wick is centred and secured to the bottom of the container using a wick sticker or hot glue. You can use popsicle sticks or pencils to stabilise the wick while the wax cools. When pouring, be cautious as the wax will be very hot. Fill your container with the melted wax, leaving some space at the top to allow for the wick.
As the wax begins to cool, you may need to adjust the wick to keep it centred. The wax will start to harden within 20 minutes or longer, depending on the type of wax and the temperature of your workspace. If desired, you can add dried herbs or flowers to the wax as it cools for a decorative touch. Once the wax has completely solidified, trim the wick, and your candle is ready for use or gifting!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a heat-proof container, a stove, a pot, and fragrance or essential oils.
Common waxes for candle making include soy, coconut, paraffin, and beeswax. Soy wax is a popular eco-friendly option, while beeswax is the only truly "natural" wax. Paraffin is the most common commercial wax, but it is derived from petroleum and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
Wicks are commonly made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. Avoid wicks with metal cores and choose cotton or wood wicks instead.
Aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. Most candles perform best when the wax accounts for 93% of the candle and the fragrance oil accounts for the remaining 7%.
First, melt your wax. Once the wax is fully melted, remove the container from the heat source and add your fragrance oil.
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