Maddie James
Making a candle out of Crisco is a creative and eco-friendly DIY project that repurposes this common kitchen staple. Crisco, a vegetable shortening, can be melted and combined with a wick to create a simple, long-burning candle. This method is not only cost-effective but also a great way to experiment with candle-making without the need for specialized wax. By adding essential oils or natural dyes, you can customize your Crisco candle to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and sustainable option for home crafting. Whether you're looking to reduce waste or explore a new hobby, this guide will walk you through the steps to transform Crisco into a functional and fragrant candle.
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What You'll Learn
- Gather Supplies: Crisco, wick, container, double boiler, thermometer, fragrance oil, dye (optional)
- Melt Crisco: Use a double boiler to melt Crisco slowly, avoiding direct heat
- Add Fragrance & Dye: Stir in fragrance oil and dye (if desired) after melting
- Prepare Container: Secure wick in the center of the container using glue or tape
- Pour & Cool: Pour melted Crisco into the container, let it cool, and trim the wick
Gather Supplies: Crisco, wick, container, double boiler, thermometer, fragrance oil, dye (optional)
To begin making a candle out of Crisco, you'll need to gather all the necessary supplies. The primary ingredient, Crisco, is a vegetable-based shortening that serves as the candle wax. Ensure you have enough Crisco for the size of the candle you plan to make. Typically, a 16-ounce container will require about 2 cups of Crisco. Next, you’ll need a wick, which is the part of the candle that burns. Choose a wick size appropriate for the container and type of wax; cotton wicks work well with Crisco. The container itself is another essential item—opt for heat-resistant glass or metal jars that can withstand the melting point of Crisco.
A double boiler is crucial for melting the Crisco safely. This setup prevents the shortening from overheating or burning, which can ruin the wax and pose a fire risk. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. A thermometer is also necessary to monitor the temperature of the melted Crisco, ensuring it stays within the safe range (around 180°F to 190°F). This step is vital for achieving a smooth, even burn in the final candle.
To personalize your candle, consider adding fragrance oil for scent. Choose a high-quality oil specifically designed for candle-making, as this ensures it blends well with the Crisco. Add the fragrance oil at the correct temperature to preserve its potency. Optionally, you can include dye to color your candle. Use candle dye or natural colorants, as regular food coloring may not mix well with the wax. If using dye, add it gradually until you achieve the desired shade, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Before starting, organize all your supplies in a clean, well-ventilated workspace. Lay out the Crisco, wick, container, double boiler, thermometer, fragrance oil, and dye (if using) within easy reach. Prepare the container by securing the wick at the center using a wick holder or a dab of melted Crisco to keep it in place. Double-check that your thermometer is calibrated and ready for use. Having everything prepared beforehand streamlines the process and ensures a smooth candle-making experience.
Finally, take a moment to review your supplies for completeness. Making a candle out of Crisco is a straightforward process, but having all materials ready beforehand eliminates interruptions. Ensure your workspace is free of flammable materials and that you have a flat surface for pouring the melted Crisco into the container. With all supplies gathered and organized, you’re now ready to move on to the next step: melting the Crisco and creating your unique candle.
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Melt Crisco: Use a double boiler to melt Crisco slowly, avoiding direct heat
When melting Crisco for candle-making, it’s crucial to use a double boiler to ensure the process is safe and controlled. A double boiler consists of two pots: a larger one filled with water and a smaller one placed inside it to hold the Crisco. This method prevents the Crisco from coming into direct contact with the heat source, reducing the risk of overheating or burning. Start by filling the larger pot with a few inches of water and placing it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to simmer gently before adding the smaller pot with the Crisco. This indirect heat distribution is key to melting the Crisco evenly and safely.
Place the Crisco into the smaller pot of the double boiler setup. Cut the Crisco into smaller chunks or spoon it in to ensure it melts more quickly and uniformly. As the water in the larger pot heats up, the rising steam will gradually melt the Crisco. Stir the Crisco occasionally with a heat-resistant spatula to help distribute the heat and prevent any hotspots. Patience is essential here—rushing the process by increasing the heat can lead to uneven melting or damage to the Crisco’s structure, which may affect the final candle’s quality.
While melting the Crisco, monitor the water level in the larger pot to ensure it doesn’t boil away completely. If the water evaporates, the double boiler system will lose its effectiveness, and the Crisco could be exposed to direct heat. Add more water as needed to maintain a consistent simmer. The goal is to keep the temperature steady and controlled, allowing the Crisco to melt slowly without scorching. This method also helps preserve any additives, like fragrance oils or dyes, that you may incorporate later in the candle-making process.
Once the Crisco is fully melted, it should have a smooth, liquid consistency with no lumps or solid pieces remaining. Remove the smaller pot from the double boiler and wipe any water droplets from its exterior to prevent them from contaminating the melted Crisco. At this stage, the melted Crisco is ready for the next steps in candle-making, such as adding a wick or pouring it into a container. Using a double boiler ensures that the Crisco melts gently and safely, setting a strong foundation for a successful Crisco candle.
Avoiding direct heat is particularly important when working with Crisco because it has a relatively low melting point and can easily burn if exposed to high temperatures. Direct heat can also cause the Crisco to separate or lose its consistency, making it less ideal for candle-making. By employing the double boiler method, you maintain control over the melting process, ensuring the Crisco remains stable and suitable for creating a long-burning, high-quality candle. This careful approach is a small but significant step in transforming a simple kitchen ingredient into a functional and fragrant candle.
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Add Fragrance & Dye: Stir in fragrance oil and dye (if desired) after melting
Once your Crisco has fully melted and reached the desired temperature (typically around 185°F or 85°C), it’s time to add fragrance and dye to personalize your candle. Begin by removing the mixture from the heat source to allow it to cool slightly, as adding fragrance oil and dye to extremely hot wax can cause the scent to burn off or the color to fade. Let the melted Crisco sit for a minute or two, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t start to solidify. This step is crucial for achieving an even distribution of fragrance and color throughout your candle.
Next, measure out the fragrance oil according to the recommended usage rate, typically 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax (or about 6-8% of the total weight of your Crisco). Pour the fragrance oil into the melted Crisco slowly, stirring continuously to ensure it blends thoroughly. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can introduce air bubbles into the mixture, which may affect the appearance of the finished candle. The fragrance oil will not only add a pleasant scent but also enhance the overall ambiance when the candle is lit.
If you’re adding dye, use candle-specific dye chips or liquid dye designed for wax. Avoid using food coloring, as it can clog the wick and produce excessive smoke. Start with a small amount of dye, as a little goes a long way, and add more gradually until you achieve your desired shade. Stir the dye into the melted Crisco and fragrance oil mixture gently but thoroughly, ensuring the color is evenly distributed. Keep in mind that the color may appear darker in the liquid state than it will in the solidified candle, so test a small amount on a paper towel if you’re unsure.
After incorporating the fragrance oil and dye, let the mixture sit for a minute to allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface. You can gently tap the container on a countertop to help release trapped bubbles. This step ensures a smooth, professional finish to your candle. Once the mixture is free of bubbles and well combined, it’s ready to be poured into your prepared container with a wick.
Remember, the fragrance and dye are optional but highly recommended for creating a candle that not only burns well but also appeals to the senses. Experiment with different scents and colors to make your Crisco candle unique. Always follow safety guidelines when handling hot wax and fragrance oils, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a beautiful, fragrant candle using Crisco as your base.
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Prepare Container: Secure wick in the center of the container using glue or tape
Before you begin melting your Crisco, it’s crucial to properly prepare your container to ensure the wick stays centered and secure. Start by selecting a heat-safe container, such as a glass jar or tin, that can withstand the temperature of the melted Crisco. Clean the container thoroughly to remove any dust or residue, as this can affect the candle’s appearance and burn quality. Once clean, dry the container completely to ensure the adhesive for the wick sticks properly.
Next, you’ll need to secure the wick in the center of the container. A metal wick sustainer with a tab is ideal for this purpose, as it provides stability and keeps the wick upright. Place a small dot of glue, such as a hot glue gun or a high-temperature adhesive, directly in the center of the container’s bottom. Press the metal tab of the wick sustainer firmly onto the glue, ensuring it is perfectly centered. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set. If you don’t have a wick sustainer, you can use a wick with a metal base or even a wooden bead at the bottom to weigh it down.
If you prefer not to use glue, tape can be an effective alternative. Cut a small piece of heat-resistant tape, such as masking tape or washi tape, and place it horizontally across the bottom of the container. Position the wick in the center of the tape and press the wick’s base firmly onto it. Wrap the tape around the wick base to secure it, ensuring it remains upright and centered. Be mindful not to use too much tape, as it could interfere with the candle’s burn.
For added stability, you can also use a wick centering device or create a makeshift one with household items. For example, place two skewers or pencils across the top of the container, parallel to each other, and rest the wick on top of them. This will keep the wick centered while the glue or tape sets. If using a wick sustainer, you can also attach the skewers to the sides of the container with tape to hold the wick in place until the candle is fully set.
Once the wick is securely in place, double-check that it is perfectly centered and straight. A misaligned wick can cause uneven burning or difficulty in lighting. If the wick appears off-center, gently adjust it before the adhesive fully dries. Allow the glue or tape to set completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding to the next step of melting the Crisco and pouring it into the container. Properly securing the wick ensures a professional-looking candle that burns evenly and efficiently.
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Pour & Cool: Pour melted Crisco into the container, let it cool, and trim the wick
To begin the "Pour & Cool" process of making a candle out of Crisco, you'll need to prepare your workspace and materials. Ensure your chosen container is clean, dry, and heat-resistant. A glass jar or ceramic container works well for this purpose. Next, center your wick in the container by attaching a wick sticker to the bottom of the container and threading the wick through a wick holder to keep it straight and taut. This setup is crucial for a clean burn and even cooling. Once your container is ready, melt the Crisco in a double boiler or a heat-safe container placed in a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the Crisco is fully liquefied and reaches a temperature of about 185°F (85°C) to ensure any additives are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
With the Crisco fully melted, carefully remove it from the heat source. Allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes, reducing the temperature to around 160°F (71°C). This step is important to prevent the hot Crisco from cracking the container or causing the wick to shift. Slowly pour the melted Crisco into the prepared container, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Pouring slowly helps to avoid air bubbles and ensures the wick remains centered. If any bubbles appear, gently tap the sides of the container or use a toothpick to pop them. The precision in pouring will directly impact the final appearance and quality of your candle.
After pouring, let the Crisco cool undisturbed at room temperature. This cooling process can take several hours, depending on the size of your candle. Avoid moving the container or placing it in a drafty area, as this can cause uneven cooling and surface imperfections. As the Crisco cools, it will begin to solidify and turn opaque. During this time, the wick will also settle into its final position. Patience is key here, as rushing the cooling process can lead to cracks or an uneven surface. For best results, allow the candle to cool overnight to ensure it is completely hardened.
Once the Crisco has fully solidified, it’s time to trim the wick. A properly trimmed wick ensures a clean, safe burn. Using a pair of scissors, carefully trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the surface of the candle. This length allows for optimal flame size and minimizes smoking. If the wick is too long, it can cause the flame to burn too large, leading to sooting and uneven melting. Conversely, if it’s too short, the candle may not light properly or could drown in its own melted wax. Trimming the wick is a simple yet essential step for a well-functioning candle.
Finally, inspect your finished Crisco candle for any imperfections. If the surface has sunk or has an uneven texture, you can remelt the top layer by carefully pouring a small amount of melted Crisco over it and letting it cool again. This technique, known as "topping off," helps achieve a smooth, professional finish. Once you’re satisfied with the appearance, your Crisco candle is ready to use. Light it carefully, enjoying the warm glow and knowing you’ve created a unique, homemade candle from a simple kitchen ingredient. Proper care during the "Pour & Cool" process ensures a high-quality, long-lasting candle that burns cleanly and efficiently.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Crisco (vegetable shortening) can be used as a candle fuel. It melts at a relatively low temperature and burns cleanly, making it a viable alternative to traditional wax.
You’ll need Crisco, a wick (cotton or wooden), a heat-safe container (like a jar or tin), a double boiler or microwave for melting, and optionally, essential oils or candle dye for scent and color.
A Crisco candle burns for about 1-2 hours per ounce of shortening. It’s safe when used properly, but always monitor open flames, keep away from flammable materials, and ensure the container is stable and heat-resistant.
