Maddie James
Citronella candles are a great way to keep mosquitoes and other flying insects away while enjoying the outdoors. Citronella oil, which is distilled from the leaves and stems of the Cymbopogon plant, a cousin of lemongrass, has been used as a natural insect repellent for decades. With just a few simple steps, you can make your own citronella candles at home using essential oils, wax, and containers. Not only will you benefit from a mosquito-free zone, but you'll also enjoy the pleasant fragrance and ambiance that these candles bring to your outdoor space. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating your own citronella candles, from preparing the wax to adding fragrance and pouring your very own mosquito-repelling candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Repel mosquitoes and other flying insects |
| Container | Terra cotta pots, small planters, leftover glass jars, galvanized buckets, canning jars, or other candle containers |
| Wax | Beeswax, old candle wax |
| Heat | Medium heat, double-boiling method |
| Temperature | 170º, 140º, 75º Celsius, 68-70º Celsius |
| Wick | String, skewers, pencils, or chopsticks |
| Centering Wick | Clothespin, bamboo skewer, glue dots, tape, or hot glue |
| Citronella Oil | 1 oz per pound of wax, 25.6 g per 294.4 g of wax, 3 drops per cup of wax |
| Additional Scents | Lemon eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, rosemary, lemon, peppermint, patchouli |
| Burning Instructions | Direct the flame at the base of the wick, allow wax to melt out to the side of the jar, avoid leaving unattended |
| Curing Time | 48 hours |
| Burn Time | 30 hours |
| Effectiveness | 40% effective rate, stay within a 3-foot radius |
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What You'll Learn
Melting wax and adding citronella oil
To make a citronella candle, you'll need to melt your wax over medium heat until it is completely melted. Stir the wax occasionally to help it melt evenly, and break up larger wax chunks so they melt faster.
Once the wax is melted, it's time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax. If you want a stronger citronella scent, you can use up to 1.5 oz per pound. You can also augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. For example, you could add 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus, 20 drops of geranium, and 15 drops of rosemary per pound of wax. It is important to add the fragrance after the wax has melted so you don't burn off the fragrance.
Stir the wax until you can no longer see droplets of fragrance oil. If you want to colour your candles, add a few pinches of wax dye flakes and stir until they dissolve. Be aware that the cooled wax will be much paler than it appears in liquid form.
After adding the fragrance and any desired colour, let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour it into your containers. You can use a variety of containers, such as tin soup cans, small planters, or glass jars. Before pouring the wax, use a hot glue gun to affix the wicks to the bottom of your containers. You can also use a dot of hot glue to keep the wicks centred in the jar. If you are having trouble keeping the wicks centred, secure them with a chopstick, clothespin, or skewer.
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Preparing candle containers and wicks
Preparing the candle containers and wicks is one of the most important parts of candle-making. If the incorrect wick is selected, your candle will not burn properly. When choosing candle wicks, you should aim for a consistent flame size, minimal or no blooming (carbon deposits), a consistent moderate container temperature, and a well-formed wax pool with no dripping.
To prepare your candle containers and wicks, start by selecting the right wick for your candle. You can use plain cotton string for DIY wicks, but the added step of soaking them in wax gives the wick structure, making it easier to work with when making candles. It also makes the candles easier to light and they perform better. Using the correct wick size will result in an optimal melt pool (about ¼-½ inch deep), cleaner burning, no flickering, and a longer-lasting candle. The size of the wick will depend on the type of wax and the width of the container.
Next, prepare your candle containers. You can use any container of your choice, such as canning jars or small planters. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before using them. If you are using old containers, remove any wax residue or labels.
Now it's time to attach the wicks to the containers. Cut your wick to size, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) taller than your container. You can use a metal wick sustainer tab or a wick tab to secure the wick to the bottom of your container. Open the tab with a pair of small pliers and carefully push one end of the wick into the opening. Then, clamp the metal around the wick to secure it in place. Alternatively, you can use sturdy tape or hot glue to anchor the wick to the bottom of the container.
Once the wick is secured, you can adjust it to ensure it stays centred as the wax cools. You can use a chopstick, a clothespin, or a skewer to keep it in place.
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Pouring wax into containers
To make citronella candles, you'll need to pour melted wax into containers. Here's a step-by-step guide for pouring wax into containers:
- Prepare your containers: Choose heat-resistant glass containers, ensuring they're in perfect condition without any chips or cracks. Wipe the containers' interiors with paper towels and rubbing alcohol to remove dust and debris. Clean the exteriors with cloth and soapy water.
- Measure the wicking: Cut the wicking so that one end touches the bottom of the container. Wrap the other end around a pencil balanced across the rim.
- Anchor the wick: Remove the measured wick and set it aside. Pour a thin layer of melted wax into the container, then re-insert the wick and let it harden.
- Pour the wax: Heat the wax to the appropriate temperature. When the wax is melted, add fragrance oils and stir. You can add colour by melting crayons or using dye.
- Fill the containers: Once the bottom layer of wax has hardened, fill the containers with wax, leaving a small space from the rim. Alternatively, fill the containers almost to the top, then add crayon chunks and another layer of wax to create colourful layers.
- Centre the wicks: Use pencils, chopsticks, or skewers to keep the wicks centred as the wax cools. Secure them with clothespins if needed.
- Final steps: Allow your candle to cure undisturbed for 48 hours before burning. When you first light the candle, let it burn until there is a full, wide pool of wax before blowing it out.
Remember to work carefully when handling hot wax, and always ensure your containers and wicks are secure and centred.
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Curing the candle
Curing is an important step in candle-making, and the process allows the candle's scent to meld with the wax, enhancing its fragrance throw and burn time. The time it takes for a candle to cure depends on the wax used, with some candles needing to cure for longer periods of time. For example, soy candles poured on a Monday will be harder on Sunday than they are on Tuesday or Wednesday.
There are two main curing methods: curing with the lid on or off. Curing with the lid on is favoured by those who prioritise cleanliness and fragrance control. This method protects the candle from dust and debris and helps to maintain a consistent fragrance profile. However, curing with the lid off promotes better air circulation, allowing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to dissipate quickly, leading to a potentially faster cure time.
When curing your citronella candle, it is recommended to let the candle sit undisturbed in a cool, dark place for at least 48 hours before burning. This ensures that the fragrance oils bind completely with the wax. The first burn is important, as it is said that candles have a memory, so letting the first burn create a full, wide pool of wax before blowing it out will set the tone for subsequent burns.
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect how candles cure. A stable environment is important to prevent the scent from dissipating too quickly and ensuring consistent curing throughout the batch. The composition of the candle, including the type of wax, fragrance load, and colourant, can also influence the optimal curing time and conditions.
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$23.11 $26.94
Burning the candle
Burning your homemade citronella candle is the final step in the process of making your own candle. But before you light up, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your candle and to maintain safety.
Firstly, it is recommended to allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning it for the first time. This will help to ensure that your candle burns evenly and effectively. Once the 48 hours are up, you can light your candle. Direct the flame at the base of the wick so that some of the wax melts and is drawn up into the wick. This will help the candle burn properly.
Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts out to the sides of the jar. This will help prevent tunnelling, which is when the middle of the candle melts down with lots of wax left over around the edges. It is said that candles have a memory, so it is best to let the first burn set the tone for all the rest. Therefore, make sure the first burn is long enough for the wax to melt out to the sides.
To maximise the effectiveness of your citronella candle in terms of bug repellent, it is recommended to stay within a 3-foot radius of the candle. If you are using your candle in a larger outdoor area, you can place multiple candles 18 inches apart to increase the mosquito-free zone.
Finally, always remember to never leave a candle unattended and to keep flames away from flammable objects and materials.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a container, and citronella oil.
Heat the wax over medium heat until it is completely melted. Remove it from the heat and stir in the citronella oil. Move quickly as the wax will begin to harden as soon as it cools.
Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax. You can augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer just citronella, you can use 1.5 oz per pound.
Anchor a wick to the bottom of your container using sturdy tape or hot glue. Place the melting pot on your scales and turn them on. Weigh out your wax.
Once the wax is fully melted, pour it into your container and check the position of the wick to make sure it is centered. Use a pencil or chopstick to prop the wick up in the center.
