How To Make Candles With Essential Oils: 5 Simple Steps
Creating your own essential oil candles is a rewarding craft that allows you to personalize your home fragrance while avoiding potentially harmful chemicals found in commercial candles. Homemade candles make thoughtful gifts and can be customized to suit any preference or occasion. With just a few supplies and some basic techniques, you’ll be crafting beautiful, natural candles in no time.
What You’ll Need
Supplies:
– Soy wax flakes (or another natural wax like beeswax)
– Essential oils of your choice
– Candle wicks with metal tabs
– Heat-resistant containers (mason jars, teacups, etc.)
– Double boiler or a pot and heat-safe bowl
– Thermometer
– Wooden skewer or chopstick
– Scissors
– Optional: dried flowers, herbs, or colorants
Step 1: Prepare Your Containers and Wicks
Before melting any wax, it’s important to properly prepare your containers and wicks.
Container Preparation
– Clean your containers thoroughly and dry completely
– For best results, warm containers slightly to prevent wax from cooling too quickly against cold glass
– Measure and cut wicks approximately 2 inches longer than your container’s height
– Attach the metal tab to the bottom of your container using a small amount of melted wax or double-sided tape
– Center the wick and secure it in place by wrapping the excess around a wooden skewer or pencil laid across the top of the container
Wick Selection Tips
Choose the appropriate wick size based on your container diameter. For containers under 3 inches in diameter, a small to medium wick works well. Larger containers may require thicker wicks to ensure even burning.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
The melting process requires careful temperature monitoring for optimal results.
Melting Method
– Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl over a pot of simmering water
– Add soy wax flakes to the bowl (calculate approximately 1.5x the volume of your containers)
– Heat gently, stirring occasionally until completely melted
– Monitor temperature with a thermometer – ideal melting temperature is between 170-180°F
Pro Tip: Never melt wax directly over an open flame as it’s highly flammable. Always use the double-boiler method for safety.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils
This critical step determines the scent strength and quality of your candles.
Essential Oil Measurement
– Allow wax to cool to 135-165°F before adding essential oils
– For soy wax, use approximately 30-40 drops (or about 1 tablespoon) of essential oil per 8 oz of wax
– For stronger scents, you can increase to 200-240 drops total for three 8 oz candles as recommended by experienced candle makers
Mixing Technique
– Add your essential oils to the melted wax
– Stir continuously for at least 2 minutes to allow the molecules to properly bond with the wax
– This mixing step is crucial – don’t skip it or rush through it
Popular Essential Oil Combinations:
– Lavender and vanilla for relaxation
– Lemon, lime, and orange for an energizing citrus blend
– Eucalyptus and mint for a refreshing, clear scent
– Cinnamon and orange for a warm, seasonal aroma
Step 4: Pour the Wax
Pouring technique affects both the appearance and burning quality of your candles.
Pouring Method
– Pour the scented wax slowly into your prepared containers
– Leave about ½ inch of space at the top
– If the wick moves, recenter it immediately using your wooden skewer
– For multi-colored or layered candles, allow each layer to partially set before adding the next
Troubleshooting Common Issues
– If you notice air bubbles forming, gently tap the sides of the container
– For uneven surfaces, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer on low setting to smooth the top
– If the center sinks while cooling, reserve some wax to top off after initial cooling
Step 5: Cure and Trim
Patience during the curing process results in better scent throw and burning performance.
Curing Process
– Allow candles to cool and solidify completely at room temperature (approximately 4-5 hours)
– For best results, let candles cure for 24-48 hours before burning
– This curing period allows the essential oils to fully bind with the wax
Final Touches
– Once fully cured, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax surface
– Add decorative elements like labels, ribbons, or twine
– For the first burn, allow the candle to develop a full melt pool (usually 1 hour per inch of container diameter)
Tips for Essential Oil Candle Success
Scent Strength Considerations
Essential oils generally produce a more subtle scent than commercial fragrance oils. If you prefer stronger scents, consider these options:
– Use more potent essential oils like cinnamon, clove, or eucalyptus
– Add a fixative like benzoin or orris root to help the scent last longer
– Layer complementary scents rather than using a single oil
Safety Precautions
– Always burn candles on heat-resistant surfaces
– Keep away from drafts, pets, and children
– Never leave burning candles unattended
– Keep the wick trimmed to prevent excessive smoke
Why Make Your Own Essential Oil Candles?
Making your own candles with essential oils offers several benefits over store-bought options:
– Control over ingredients, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals
– Customizable scents tailored to your preferences
– Cost-effective for candle enthusiasts
– Therapeutic benefits from pure essential oils
– Sustainable option with natural, renewable ingredients
By following these five simple steps, you can create beautiful, natural candles that fill your home with delightful aromas. Experiment with different essential oil combinations to discover your favorite blends, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something both useful and beautiful by hand.