Chloe Adams
Citronella candles are a great way to keep mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay, especially during the summer months. They are also an excellent way to decorate your home on a budget. Making your own citronella candles allows you to be creative and repurpose materials, such as reusing glass jars or cans. While creating citronella candles, it is important to consider the type of wax, fragrance oils, wicks, and containers. The process involves melting the wax, adding fragrance oil, securing the wicks, and pouring the mixture into containers. Additionally, you can rewick citronella candles to utilise any leftover wax.
How to Rewick a Citronella Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Burned-down candle, wicks, wick bases, pliers, strong glue, glass container, pot, water, oven mitt |
| Step 1 | Place the candle in a pot of boiling water to melt the wax |
| Step 2 | Crimp the wick base to the wick threading with pliers |
| Step 3 | Glue the wick to the base of the glass container and allow it to set |
| Optional | Melt soy wax flakes and scoop on top of the cooled, rewicked candle |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wick thickness
Several factors determine the appropriate thickness of the wick: the type of wax, the size of the candle container, and the number of wicks used. Different types of wax burn differently. For example, beeswax burns slowly, while paraffin wax typically burns much faster. Soy wax, other vegetable-based waxes, and combination waxes fall somewhere between the two. The size of the container and the number of wicks used will influence the thickness of each wick. A wider container may require multiple wicks to ensure even burning.
When rewicking a citronella candle, it is essential to consider the original type of wax used. If you are using the same type of wax, refer to the manufacturer's instructions or online resources to determine the recommended wick size for that specific wax. If you are using a different type of wax, choose a wick thickness suitable for that wax's burning characteristics.
Additionally, the size of the candle container plays a role in wick thickness selection. A larger container may require a thicker wick to ensure proper wax melting and fragrance release. Conversely, a smaller container may call for a thinner wick to prevent excessive heat buildup and potential container cracking.
In general, it is recommended to use tried-and-true wicks, especially if you are new to candle-making. Experimenting with different wick thicknesses can be done cautiously, ensuring that the wick is secure and does not pose a safety hazard.
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Using the correct glue
When rewicking a citronella candle, it is important to use the correct glue to secure the new wick. Using the wrong type of glue can result in a weak bond that can fail when the candle is lit, causing the wick to fall over and the candle to burn unevenly.
A strong glue, such as E6000, is recommended for this purpose. E6000 is a type of adhesive that is specifically designed for bonding materials such as glass, metal, and ceramic. It is known for its strong bonding strength and ability to withstand heat and moisture.
When gluing the wick to the bottom of the candle container, apply a small amount of glue to the base of the wick and press it firmly into place. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a good bond. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
It is important to note that when working with any type of adhesive, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions, such as working in a well-ventilated area and wearing protective gloves if needed.
By using the correct glue and following the proper techniques, you can ensure that your rewicked citronella candle will burn evenly and safely, allowing you to enjoy its pleasant fragrance and insect-repelling properties.
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Adding fragrance oil
To add fragrance oil to your candle, you will need to heat your wax to a specific temperature. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is around 185°F (85°C). At this temperature, the wax will be hot enough to incorporate the oil without burning it off.
For a strong hot throw (the amount of fragrance emitted while burning), use a ratio of 1.5 ounces of fragrance oil to 1 pound of wax. This ratio can be adjusted to your preference, but too much oil may affect the burn quality. Stir the wax until the fragrance oil is fully incorporated and no longer visible.
If you are using essential oils, check the recommended usage percentage on the product page and start with a low percentage. You can experiment with different types of wax and oils to find your preferred combination. For example, beeswax burns slowly, while paraffin wax burns faster, so you may want to adjust your wick size and thickness accordingly.
When adding fragrance oil to a re-wicked candle, follow similar steps. Ensure your wax is melted and heated to the appropriate temperature before adding the oil. Stir gently to incorporate the oil, then proceed with setting your new wick.
You can also add a few drops of an inexpensive oil, such as palm oil or fractionated coconut oil, to your wax to lower the burning temperature. This can help prevent your container from breaking if you are using glass. It also reduces the risk of the candle cracking or pulling away from the container.
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Melting wax
To melt wax for a citronella candle, you will need a wax of your choice, a pot, a heat source, and a container for your candle. You can use a variety of waxes, such as paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax, depending on your preference and budget. The amount of wax you need will depend on the size of your container, but it's recommended to order at least 10 lbs of wax to have enough for multiple candles.
To melt the wax, start by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and heating it on high. You can also use a glass measuring cup and melt the wax in the microwave if you prefer. Place your chosen wax in the saucepan or glass measuring cup and heat it until it is completely melted. The wax should be melted gently and slowly to ensure it doesn't burn or scorch. Stir the wax occasionally to help it melt evenly. If you are using soy wax flakes, you can partially melt them and scoop them onto a cooled, re-wicked candle for a decorative effect.
Once your wax has melted, you can add fragrance oils and colour, if desired. For a strong fragrance, aim for a ratio of 1.5 oz of fragrance oil to 1 lb of wax. Stir the wax until the fragrance oil is fully incorporated and no longer appears as droplets. If using colour, add a few pinches of wax dye flakes and stir until they are dissolved. This may take a few minutes, and you can return the wax to the heat if needed to help dissolve the dye.
After your wax is melted and any additives are fully incorporated, you can carefully pour the hot wax into your chosen container. Fill the container to about 1/2 inch from the top, as the wax will shrink slightly as it hardens. Leave a little extra wax in your melting container for a second pour, as the surface of the candle may sink or develop divots. Allow the candle to cool and harden undisturbed for at least an hour. The larger the candle, the longer it will take to cool.
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Choosing a container
When choosing a container for your homemade citronella candle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the size of the container will determine the amount of wax and the number of wicks you'll need. You can use any size jar, from baby food jars to pint-sized mason jars to larger containers. Reusing glass jars is a great option, but it's important to keep them no taller than a traditional pint-sized jar (about 4-6 inches) to prevent the glass from breaking due to heat. You can also reuse cans made of aluminium or steel, such as those from canned tomatoes, coffee tins, or tuna cans. These are especially suitable for camping since you don't have to worry about losing a precious container.
If you're purchasing containers, glass, ceramic, or metal containers work well. You can find these at thrift stores or second-hand shops, such as Goodwill. Look for containers in the bowl section or consider using small pots or dishes. You can also use candle tins, which are available in various sizes, such as 8 oz tins.
When selecting a container, it's important to consider the type of wax you'll be using. Different types of wax burn differently. For example, beeswax burns slowly, while paraffin wax burns faster. Soy wax, other vegetable-based waxes, and combination waxes fall somewhere in between. If you're using beeswax, consider adding an inexpensive oil like palm oil or fractionated coconut oil to lower the temperature of the burn and prevent the container from breaking if it's made of glass.
Additionally, the container should have a flat and stable base so that your candle sits securely. You'll also need to ensure that the container is heat-resistant and can withstand the temperature of the melted wax when you pour it in. Always exercise caution when handling hot wax to avoid burns.
Lastly, consider the aesthetic appeal of the container. Choose a container that complements your decor or the purpose of the candle. For example, blue mason jars can add to the outdoor ambiance, or you can use repurposed glass jars for a rustic look. You can also decorate your containers with labels or hang them from sturdy tree branches on your patio or deck.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a burned-down candle, wicks, wick bases, pliers, strong glue, a glass container, a pot partially filled with water, and an oven mitt.
You should use a strong glue such as E6000.
You can use a tried-and-true wick, or make your own wick out of twine, torn pieces of cotton (like from a sock or an old towel), or shoelaces (with the plastic coating cut off).
