Jessie Taylor
Aromatherapy and wellness are closely associated with essential oils, which are known to bring benefits to the mind and body. Essential oils are used in diffusers, for air purification, and in candles. When making candles, it is critical to use only the best essential oils to ensure that the aroma lasts the entire time the candle is burning. The number of oils used in a mix is not regulated, but it is recommended to start with 3-4 oils. The key thing when using essential oils in candles is to ensure they are pure and do not produce toxins when burnt. Cinnamon essential oil, for example, can be harmful as it burns human skin. It is also important to never add more oil while the candle is burning, as essential oils are volatile substances and can create a big burst of flame. When adding essential oils to wax, the wax should be slightly cooled to avoid burning off the scent. The number of drops of essential oil needed varies, with sources recommending between 20 and 40 drops per 100ml.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Essential oils vs fragrance oils | Essential oils are derived from organic plant matter and are more expensive than fragrance oils. |
| Cost | Essential oils are costly, but you can find affordable options online. |
| Equipment | Basic equipment includes a candy thermometer, weighing scales, a pouring pot, and a stirrer. |
| Wicks | You can purchase ready-made wicks or make your own by soaking cotton kitchen string in saltwater and drying it. |
| Wax | Common waxes include soy, palm, and coconut oil. The wax should be melted before adding essential oils. |
| Amount of essential oil | The amount of essential oil varies depending on the desired scent strength, but a general guideline is 20-40 drops per 100ml of wax. |
| Mixing | Essential oils should be mixed for at least 2 minutes to allow the molecules to bond. |
| Temperature | The wax temperature should be below the flash point of essential oils. For palm wax, this is 205°C-210°C. |
| Containers | Glass jars or containers are commonly used for pouring the candle mixture. |
| Additives | Some people add beeswax pastilles or dyes to their candles. |
| Safety | Essential oils are volatile substances and should never be added to a burning candle. |
| Storage | All candle scraps should be saved and stored as they can be reused. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right essential oils
The next step is selecting the desired scent profile. This is a creative process where you can experiment with different combinations of essential oils to create unique fragrances. Start with 3-4 oils and adjust the quantities to achieve the desired scent strength. Remember, it takes a lot of oil to produce a noticeable scent, so don't be afraid to use more drops.
When mixing essential oils, it is important to optimise the scents by finding the right temperatures. Essential oils are volatile substances, so never add more oil while the candle wax is still hot or burning. Allow the wax to cool slightly, then add the essential oils and mix well for about 2 minutes to allow the molecules to bond.
If you're making soy candles, a combination of rosemary, cedarwood, and spruce or fir creates an earthy, woodsy fragrance. You can also add vanilla to this mix, but ensure it's well-blended to prevent it from settling at the bottom of the candle. For a warm, "holiday" scent, try mixing equal parts orange and cinnamon bark essential oils, with optional additions of clove, nutmeg, or ginger.
Always purchase high-quality essential oils from reputable brands. While they can be expensive, they are essential to candle-making and will greatly impact the final product's scent and therapeutic benefits.
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Mixing essential oils with wax
When mixing essential oils with wax, it is important to get the temperature right. If the wax is too hot, you will burn off the scent of the essential oils. The ideal temperature for mixing essential oils with wax is around 200°F. You can use a double boiler or a crockpot on the lowest temperature setting to achieve this temperature. Alternatively, melt the wax in a microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring each time until it is fully melted.
Once the wax is melted, it is time to add the essential oils. The number of drops of essential oil needed will depend on the desired scent strength and the type of essential oil being used. A general rule of thumb is to use about 20 to 40 drops of essential oil per 100ml of wax. However, some sources suggest using as many as 35 drops per 100ml. It is important to mix the essential oils and wax thoroughly for at least 2 minutes to allow the molecules to bond.
You can also experiment with different combinations of essential oils to create unique scents. For example, you can mix equal parts orange and cinnamon bark essential oils and add clove, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, "holiday" scent. Another option is to combine rosemary, cedarwood, and spruce or fir needle for a woodsy, "manly" fragrance. It is recommended to start with 3-4 essential oils in your mix and adjust from there.
After mixing the essential oils and wax, let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it into your chosen container. Place the wick in the centre of the container, securing it with a wick-centering tool, a dab of hot glue, or a pencil. Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely, which can take up to 24 hours. Finally, trim the wick to the desired length.
It is important to note that essential oils are volatile substances, and you should never add more oil to a candle while it is still burning. If you want to strengthen the scent, let the candle melt, extinguish the flame, and then add more essential oils. Always exercise caution when working with wax and essential oils to ensure a safe candle-making experience.
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Adding essential oils at the right temperature
Firstly, it is important to understand that adding essential oils when the wax is too hot will burn off the delicate scent molecules, resulting in a waste of your precious oils. Therefore, you should aim for a temperature range that is warm but not hot. For coconut oil, this can be achieved by using a double boiler or a low oven temperature of 200°F (93°C). You can also use a crock pot on its lowest setting.
When melting wax in the microwave, use short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring each time, until the wax is fully melted. Avoid overheating the wax, as this can affect the scent and also be a fire hazard. Always use a double boiler or a water bath to melt the wax and never leave it unattended.
Once the wax has melted, allow it to cool slightly before adding the essential oils. The ideal temperature range is when the wax is still liquid but has cooled down enough to be comfortably handled. At this point, add your desired amount of essential oils, keeping in mind that essential oils have a delicate scent, so you may need more drops than you expect. For example, one source suggests adding 25 drops of essential oil per cup of melted coconut oil, while another suggests 35 drops per 100ml of wax.
After adding the essential oils, mix thoroughly for at least 2 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the scent molecules to bond with the wax, ensuring a consistent fragrance throughout your candle. Once the oils are mixed, you can immediately pour the mixture into your chosen container.
If you are making palm wax candles, the melting temperature is higher, ranging from 205°C to 210°C. At this temperature, you can add your chosen scent, and if the mixture starts to stiffen, simply reheat it within the same temperature range.
Remember, the key to successful scent throw is finding the right temperatures and optimizing the combination of scents you use. Always allow the candle to cool completely before lighting it, and be cautious never to add more oil while the candle is burning, as essential oils are flammable and can create a burst of flame.
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Using the right wick
Choosing the right wick is a crucial step in candle-making. The wrong wick can cause a variety of issues, from inhibiting your scent throw to causing improper combustion, leading to excessive heat, smoking, or even self-extinguishing. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you select the right wick:
Firstly, understand that the type of wick you choose depends on the type of wax you are using. Different waxes have different densities, melting points, and viscosities, requiring different levels of heat from the wick for optimal burning. For example, beeswax, known for its hard and sticky consistency, pairs well with Cotton Braid wicking, while zinc wicks are recommended for paraffin wax but should be avoided for soy wax. If you're using a cored wick, ensure it's made of zinc, cotton, or tin, avoiding lead-core wicks.
Secondly, the fragrance and dye you use will also influence your wick selection. Fragrance oils, being composed of essential oils and aromatic compounds, can affect how the candle burns. Different scents will burn differently in the same wax blend, so it's important to test various combinations of wax, fragrance, and dye to determine the best wick. Additionally, avoid using excessive amounts of scent and dye as this can alter the way your candle burns.
Thirdly, the size of your wick matters. A properly wicked candle burns cleaner, providing reliable burn times and fragrance throw. An under-wicked candle will burn down the middle or 'tunnel', while an over-wicked candle will produce excess carbon, causing 'mushrooming' on the wick and soot inside the container. To determine the right wick size, you can refer to wick guides or perform burn tests with different wick sizes, using the same wax and container for accurate comparisons.
Finally, when wicking your candle, ensure the wick is secured in place and centred to achieve the best burn. Tools like wick stickums and wick centring tools can help you accomplish this. Remember, choosing the right wick may involve some trial and error, so don't be afraid to experiment and adjust your wick size accordingly.
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Safety precautions
When making candles with essential oils, there are several safety precautions to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some detailed instructions to follow:
- Always mix essential oils with wax before heating: Never heat essential oils directly. Essential oils have a lower flashpoint than fragrance oils, meaning they can ignite more easily if exposed to high heat. Mixing them with wax helps to prevent accidental ignition.
- Research safe essential oils: Not all essential oils are suitable for candle-making. Some oils may contain compounds that can be hazardous when heated. Be sure to research and choose essential oils that are safe for candle use.
- Avoid overheating the wax: Essential oils should be added to the wax when it reaches a temperature of around 160°F (71°C). Overheating the wax can affect the scent and increase the risk of ignition.
- Stir gently: After adding essential oils to the melted wax, stir gently for 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate the oils. Avoid stirring too fast to prevent introducing air bubbles, which can cause imperfections in your candles.
- Use the right amount of essential oil: Follow guidelines for the appropriate amount of essential oil to use. Using too much oil can affect the scent and increase the risk of ignition.
- Choose the right wax and wick: Opt for waxes like soy or beeswax, which have lower melting points and can better retain fragrances. Choose a wick that is taller than your container and ensure it is centred and straight.
- Never add oil to a burning candle: Do not add more essential oil to your candle while it is still burning. Essential oils are volatile substances, and adding them to a burning candle can create a large burst of flame.
- Keep candles away from flammable items: Always burn your candles in an open area, away from anything flammable. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Allow proper cooling time: After pouring the wax into your container, let it cool completely before trimming the wick and lighting the candle. This helps ensure the candle sets properly and reduces the risk of spills or uneven burning.
- Ventilate the area: When burning your essential oil candle, ensure the space is well-ventilated. This helps prevent the build-up of any potentially harmful compounds and allows you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils.
- Consult a doctor if necessary: If you have any health concerns or sensitivities, consult your doctor before using essential oil candles. Some individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of certain essential oils.
By following these safety precautions, you can confidently create and enjoy your essential oil candles while minimising any potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of essential oil drops needed depends on the desired strength of the scent. Some sources suggest 25 drops of essential oil per cup of wax, while others suggest 35 drops per 100ml. However, it's important to note that essential oils have delicate scents, so more drops may be needed to achieve a stronger fragrance.
Popular essential oil combinations for candle making include rosemary and spruce or fir needle, creating a woodsy and earthy scent. You can also mix rosemary with cedarwood and spruce or fir. Another favourite combination is equal parts orange and cinnamon bark essential oils, sometimes with added clove, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, "holiday" scent.
First, melt the wax using a double boiler or a microwave. Then, add the essential oils and stir well to ensure the oils are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour it into your chosen container. Centre the wick and secure it in place using glue or stickers. Leave the candle to solidify for 24 hours, then trim the wick to the desired length.
