Damon Mcknight
Citronella candles are a natural way to repel mosquitoes and other insects. They are made using citronella oil, which is distilled from plants in the lemongrass family. While store-bought citronella candles are an option, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and create an eco-friendly product. DIY citronella candles can be made using a variety of waxes, such as beeswax, soy wax, or a blend of the two, and essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and lavender. The process involves melting the wax, adding the oil, stirring to combine, and then pouring the mixture into a jar with a wick. With the right materials and a bit of time, you can create your own mosquito-repellent candles that are both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Repel mosquitoes and insects |
| Main Ingredient | Citronella oil |
| Other Ingredients | Soy wax, beeswax, coconut oil, coconut wax, dried herbs, essential oils |
| Containers | Glass jars, terracotta pots, candle tins |
| Wick | Wood, soda/beer can tab, or store-bought |
| Cooling Temperature | 68-75°C |
| Cooling Time | 2-6 hours |
| Cooling Location | Draft-free, consistent temperature of 22.2°-23.9°C |
| Warning | Not effective against Zika, Malaria, or mosquito-borne illnesses |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a container
You can also repurpose old candle containers by melting the remaining wax and scooping it out with a spoon. This will allow you to reuse the container for your new citronella candle. If you are using glass jars, you can remove sticky labels by using a product like isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel.
The size of the container will determine the amount of wax and oil needed for your candle, so choose a container that is appropriate for the amount of wax you plan to use. Additionally, consider using a container with a lid to keep the rain out and preserve your candle when it is not in use.
When choosing a container, you may also want to consider the number of wicks you plan to use. If you are using multiple wicks, ensure that the container is wide enough to accommodate them. You can attach the wicks to the bottom of the container using hot glue or a metal base, which can be made from a soda or beer can tab.
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Melting wax
Once the water is boiling, place your heat-proof container or bowl on top of the saucepan. Make sure the water does not touch the base of the bowl. Now, add your wax to the bowl. You can use any type of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or even recycled wax from old candles. If you're using beeswax, you can add coconut oil or coconut wax to create a more consistent burn and enhance the scent.
Stir the wax occasionally as it melts to ensure even melting. You can also add extra ingredients to your wax at this stage. For example, if you want to include dried flowers or herbs in your candles, you can add them to the melting wax and stir to combine.
Keep the water simmering until the wax is completely melted. The melting time will depend on the type and amount of wax you are using. Soy wax, for example, can take a couple of minutes to melt completely. Always be cautious when working with hot wax to avoid any accidents or burns.
Once your wax is melted, you can proceed to the next steps of candle-making, such as adding fragrance oils, preparing the wicks, and pouring the wax into your chosen containers. Remember to work carefully and follow safety guidelines when working with hot wax.
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Adding essential oils
Citronella candles are typically made with citronella essential oil, which is distilled from plants in the lemongrass family. This oil is a powerful insect repellent, particularly effective at deterring mosquitoes. When making your own citronella candles, you can use either essential oil or fragrance oil, depending on your preference.
If you opt for essential oil, you can source it from health food stores to ensure good quality. You will need to use a small amount of oil relative to the wax—for instance, one source recommends adding 1 teaspoon of citronella essential oil to 3 cups of wax pellets. Another suggests 28 grams of oil to 25.6 grams of wax. You can also add other essential oils to your citronella candles, such as lemongrass and lavender, to create a unique fragrance.
To add the essential oil to your candle, first melt your wax in a heat-proof container or pitcher placed inside a saucepan of boiling water. When the wax reaches the desired temperature (between 71 and 85 degrees Celsius), add your essential oil and stir gently for 1-2 minutes. Then, carefully pour the wax into your chosen candle receptacles, holding the wick upright and centred.
Allow your candles to cool slowly and evenly at room temperature. Avoid drafts and disturbances, as these can cause cracks to form on the surface of the candles. Depending on the size of your receptacles, the candles may take several hours to solidify.
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Pouring wax into containers
When pouring wax into containers, it is important to prepare the containers before you begin the candle-making process. First, wipe out your candle tins or jars with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. Then, place a wick sticker in the centre of the base of each container.
Next, melt your wax. You can do this by placing a stainless steel bowl on top of a saucepan of boiling water. Ensure that the water does not touch the base of the bowl. Keep the water simmering and add your wax into the bowl, watching it melt. If you are using beeswax, add coconut oil or coconut wax for a more consistent burn and better scent throw.
Once the wax has melted, allow it to cool slightly. You can then add your citronella oil. Stir the mixture continuously for around 90 seconds to ensure the oil is thoroughly mixed into the wax. After stirring, allow the wax to cool slightly further. To avoid cracking, you can warm up your holders before pouring the wax in. Alternatively, wrap the holders in a cloth to avoid rapid temperature loss.
Carefully pour the wax into your containers, holding the wick upright and centred. It may take several hours for the candles to solidify, depending on the size of the container. Place the candles in a safe place where nobody can tip them over and leave them for at least six hours. Once the candles have set, trim the wicks, leaving at least half an inch in length.
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Trimming the wick
Before lighting your citronella candle for the first time, use a wick trimmer or scissors to trim the wick to about 5mm in length. This initial trim will ensure a clean burn and help prevent the wick from becoming too hot, which can cause smoking or sooting. It is also important for safety, as an overly long wick can lead to a larger flame and potential fire hazard.
After the first burn, let the candle cool completely. Then, before relighting, trim the wick again to 5mm. Regularly trimming the wick will help maintain a clean, even burn and prevent the wick from becoming too curved or crooked, which can lead to uneven burning and excess smoke. Ideally, you should trim the wick before each use to ensure the best performance and to extend the life of your candle.
If you notice any black residue or 'soot' on the wick or around the top of the candle, this is a sign that the wick needs trimming. Soot buildup can occur if the wick is too long or if the candle has been burning for an extended period without being trimmed. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to gently wipe away the soot, and then trim the wick to the correct length.
Always ensure you dispose of the trimmed wick fragments carefully. Do not leave them on or near the candle, as they could potentially catch fire. Some people like to keep a small dish or tray near their candles to place the trimmed wicks, ensuring a mess-free space and reducing the risk of accidental fires.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a heat-proof container, a saucepan, wax, a wick, and citronella essential oil. You can also add coconut oil or coconut wax to your candles for a more consistent burn and better scent throw.
You can use any type of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax.
You can buy citronella essential oil from health food stores or craft stores.
Add 1 teaspoon of citronella essential oil per 3 cups of wax pellets, or about 7% of the total wax content.
To prevent cracks, allow your candles to cool slowly and evenly in a room with a consistent temperature of 22.2°C to 23.9°C, and avoid drafts.
