Use this process to make a candle scented with any favorite essential oil. A large citronella candle like this one in a bucket could ward off pesky mosquitoes all summer.
How to Make a Citronella Candle
Follow these steps to make a candle that will add ambiance to any outdoor setting.
Supplies Needed:
Fire-resistant vessels to hold candle wax (like a bucket or Mason jars)Premade wicksTapeTwo pencils or chopsticksMeasuring cupSoy waxDouble boiler or large pot and metal mixing bowlCitronella oil (or your favorite essential oil, if you want to make a different scented candle)Metal spoonCrayons or oil-based dye (optional)Scissors
Step 1: Anchor and Support the Wicks
Step 2: Melt Wax
If you’re unsure how much wax you’ll need, use the candle container to measure. For example, if you’re using a Mason jar, fill the jar two times as deep as you want the final candle with unmelted wax. One pound of wax fills about 20 ounces of volume or three candles in 8-oz. Mason jars if you don’t fill them to the brim. Bring water to boiling in a double boiler or a large pot under a heat-resistant mixing bowl. Add the wax to the double boiler or bowl, and stir it occasionally as it melts. Editor’s Tip: We recommend using soy wax because it’s biodegradable. Drips of melted wax on a table or countertop can be cleaned up with soap and water. Soy wax will also burn longer than other waxes, like paraffin, so your finished candle will last longer.
Step 3: Stir in Oil
Step 4: Pour the Melted Wax
Once fully melted, pour the wax mixture into the pail and allow it to cool and solidify. The wax will start to harden immediately, but you’ll have to be patient before it’s ready to light for the first time. Soy candles usually need at least 4 hours to solidify, but the wax in a large vessel like a bucket requires at least 24 hours to settle and harden. Use a wet paper towel to wipe as much warm wax out of the double boiler after you pour the wax into your container, then wash it with hot soapy water.
Step 5: Trim the Wicks
Before you light the candle for the first time, trim the wicks to at least ¼ inch above the wax. Then your candle is ready to start keeping away mosquitoes! This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambiance. You can play around with the wax color and container. (For the safest candle, use heat-resistant metal, glass, or terra-cotta containers.) A homemade citronella candle (or a few) makes a great centerpiece for almost any outdoor space while helping to keep bugs at bay.
