Scented candles can instantly elevate the ambiance and aroma of your home, but purchasing them can be a significant expense. Many of us have fallen in love with a fragrant candle only to be deterred by the price tag. Moreover, concerns about chemicals in our homes are increasingly prevalent.
Fortunately, making scented candles at home is not only a cost-effective solution but also allows for complete control over the ingredients used.
Unlike commercial candles, homemade ones don’t have to adhere to proprietary formulations, so you can rest assured that what you put in them is safe and natural.
In this article, we’ll demystify the process of making scented candles, showing you just how easy it is to create your own bespoke candles.
Picking Your Scent
When selecting a scent for your home, it’s not just about finding one that pleases your sense of smell. The purpose behind the choice is crucial in determining its impact on your mood, energy levels, and even sleep quality. A stimulating aroma might be perfect for a living room or office space to keep you focused and motivated, while a calming scent could be more suitable for a bedroom or meditation area.
Don’t feel pressured to create a distinct candle for each room, but rather consider the desired ambiance and mood you want to evoke in each space.
Lavender
The calming properties of lavender have made it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy products, such as pillow sprays and teas. By infusing this soothing scent into candles, you can create a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding. The origins of lavender, known scientifically as Lavandula, date back to southern Europe and northern and eastern Africa. Historically, this calming herb has been used to alleviate symptoms of depression and promote relaxation.
With over 30 species and countless hybrids and cultivars within the genus, there’s a rich variety of lavender to explore. When it comes to harnessing the relaxing effects of lavender, lighting a candle is an excellent way to do so.
Cinnamon
While many people associate cinnamon with festive baked goods, its warm, inviting aroma makes it an ideal choice for kitchen candles. When lit, these scented candles can create a cozy atmosphere perfect for cooking up a storm or enjoying a relaxing evening at home. Research has also shown that the scent of cinnamon can have a positive impact on cognitive function, helping to improve memory and focus.
And while there’s no guarantee that the same benefits will be derived from the scent of cinnamon in candle form, it’s certainly worth giving it a try! Additionally, cinnamon is known for its natural insect-repelling properties, including the ability to deter mosquitoes. In fact, studies have shown that the oil extracted from cinnamon can even kill mosquito eggs. So not only can cinnamon candles add warmth and ambiance to your kitchen, but they may also help keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil’s multifaceted benefits extend far beyond its calming effects on nerves and alleviation of depression. Its therapeutic properties also make it a valuable remedy for digestive issues, inflammation reduction, and stress relief. In fact, the mere act of inhaling peppermint can have a profound impact on the body, suppressing appetite in some individuals while providing comfort to those struggling with anxiety.
Furthermore, the invigorating scent has been shown to offer solace to those experiencing nausea, including women suffering from menstrual cramps, making it an excellent natural aid for overall well-being.
Citrus
While citrus fruits are often touted for their nutritional benefits, they also possess subtle yet potent aromas that can have a profound impact on one’s emotional state. A few drops of lemon or orange essential oil can quickly fill a room with a refreshing scent, promoting feelings of upliftment and rejuvenation. Lime, in particular, is said to possess purifying properties that can help alleviate negative emotions and bring clarity to the mind.
This is why lighting lime-scented candles can be an effective way to cultivate positive thoughts and emotions. When placed in a bedroom or living room, these candles can create a vibrant and happy atmosphere, perfect for spending quality time with loved ones or unwinding after a long day.
How To Make Scented Candles at Home
To craft scented candles, you’ll need the following basic materials: soy wax, wicks, dye (if desired), essential oil or fragrance, candle jars or holders, mold template (optional), double boiler, and thermometer. While fragrance oils are a popular choice for their affordability and ease of use, they are synthetically manufactured and may not appeal to those seeking natural alternatives. Essential oils, on the other hand, are derived from plants and offer a naturally scented option.
However, high-quality essential oils can be more expensive than fragrance oils, making them better suited for experienced candle makers looking to upgrade their ingredients. For beginners, sticking with fragrance oils is a great way to get started. Once you’ve selected your preferred oil, you’re ready to begin the process of creating your scented candles.
Get the Containers Ready
When it comes to creating scented candles, the first step is often overlooked: preparing your candle jars or containers. While you can purchase specialized candle holders, there are many creative ways to reuse old containers to get started. Thrift stores, for example, offer a treasure trove of affordable options, including mason jars and drinking glasses.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can also repurpose old candle jars by giving them a good cleaning and refilling with a solution of boiling water and melted wax. Simply pour the mixture into the container, filling it about halfway, let it sit for a bit to allow the wax to dissolve and rise to the surface, then pour out the water and wax and wipe clean. This simple process can breathe new life into old containers, making them perfect for your scented candle-making endeavors.
Measure the Wax
To determine the amount of wax required for your scented candles, a bit of calculation is necessary. A standard pound of wax yields approximately 20 ounces of candle volume. To arrive at your answer, simply add the number of candles you’re creating and divide by 20. For instance, if you’re aiming to produce ten eight-ounce candles, begin by multiplying the number of candles (ten) by the weight of each candle (eight). This yields a total of 80 ounces.
Next, divide this figure by 20, which reveals that you’ll need four pounds of wax to achieve your desired output. It’s essential to ensure that your scale is set to zero – including any containers – prior to pouring in the wax, as this guarantees an accurate measurement.
Prepare the Wicks
Before starting the candle-making process, it’s crucial to prepare the wicks by trimming them to about three inches longer than the jar. To secure the wick in its holder, center it within the jar and fix the base using stickers or hot glue. This is essential, as an unsecured wick will shift during the pouring of wax, leading to poor burn quality.
Once the wick is affixed, place a pencil across the top of the jar and wrap the excess length around it to prevent the wax from covering the wick when poured. Alternatively, you can opt for specialized wick-centering tools. For larger containers, multiple wicks are required – a general guideline being: under three-inch jars need one wick, while four-inch jars require two, five-inch jars need three, and so on.
Melt the Wax
To begin the melting process, first prepare your double boiler by filling its base halfway with water and bringing it to a boil. Once the water is simmering, carefully pour in the desired amount of wax, dividing it into batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding. As you melt the wax, gently stir it with a chopstick or similar tool to achieve a silky smooth consistency.
Monitor the temperature to ensure the wax melts at a steady pace, without reaching boiling point and creating unwanted bubbles.
Add the Scent
When incorporating essential oils or fragrances into your melted wax, be mindful of the ratio to avoid overpowering the scent. A general guideline is to use between 6-10% fragrance and 90-94% wax. However, if you’re unsure about the perfect blend, consider utilizing apps that can calculate the proportions for you. To add a personal touch or create something entirely new, experiment with blending two or more scents together.
Seasoned candlemakers often develop their unique fragrances by combining their favorite aromas, allowing them to craft one-of-a-kind candles that reflect their personal style.
Pour Wax Into the Candle Holder
The final step in crafting scented candles involves pouring the melted wax blend into the desired holder. It’s crucial to ensure the wax has reached an ideal temperature of 120–140°F, as this affects the subsequent solidification process.
When pouring, be mindful not to cover the wick end with the wax, and wait until the wax cools and hardens before trimming any excess. The time it takes for the mixture to solidify depends on factors such as the type of wax used and ambient temperature.
In some cases, it may take up to 24 hours for the wax to fully set, although hot summer days can prolong this process even further.
Tips
When crafting scented candles, remember the following expert tips to ensure a successful process:
Act swiftly when dealing with spills – clean the wax as soon as possible.
For safety reasons, keep hot wax out of reach from children and pets.
Maintain vigilance and never leave your candle unattended while it’s burning.
If you’re looking for inspiration, our guide offers creative DIY ideas to elevate your candles’ appeal.
As you explore the world of scented candles, don’t be afraid to experiment with different fragrances. Who knows? You might stumble upon a unique blend that surpasses your expectations!
