Lyla Lindsey
Making soy candles with essential oils is a fun and simple DIY project that can be a great homemade gift idea. Soy candles are a safe, healthy, and natural alternative to store-bought candles, especially when paired with plant-based waxes and essential oils. Soy wax is a preferred choice due to its long burn time, ease of cleanup, and ability to transmit the scent of essential oils effectively, allowing for endless personalisation options. With a few supplies and some easily accessible guidance, you can create your own unique scented soy candles with essential oils right at home in Australia.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
When it comes to choosing the right wax for your soy candles, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you achieve the desired results. Soy wax is a popular choice for candle makers, known for its slow and clean burn, as well as its eco-friendly and renewable nature. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best soy wax for your candle-making process:
Type of Soy Wax
There are different types of soy wax available, and the right choice depends on the type of candle you want to make. For container candles, which are candles poured into a jar or container, container soy wax blends are ideal. These waxes are designed to adhere well to the sides of the container and have a smooth, creamy appearance. If you plan on making pillar candles or candles without a container, look for soy wax blends specifically formulated for pillar candles. These waxes have a higher melting point and produce a harder, more durable candle.
Melt Point
The melt point, or melting point, of soy wax is an important consideration. Soy waxes come in various melt points, typically ranging from low to high. The melt point affects the hardness of your candle and how it burns. A lower melt point wax will result in a softer candle with a stronger scent throw, while a higher melt point wax will produce a harder, more durable candle with a slightly weaker scent throw. Choose a wax with a melt point that aligns with the desired characteristics of your candle.
Fragrance Compatibility
When adding essential oils to your soy candles, it's crucial to ensure that your wax and fragrance oil are compatible. Soy wax tends to be versatile and compatible with most fragrance oils. However, always check the recommended fragrance load of your wax, as using too much fragrance oil can affect the burn of your candle. Additionally, some waxes may require you to heat the wax and fragrance oil together to a specific temperature to bind them properly.
Colour Options
If you plan on adding colour to your soy candles, consider the colour options available with different soy waxes. Some soy waxes are naturally white or ivory, providing a neutral base for your chosen colour. Others may have a more yellow or creamy hue, which can still be coloured but may affect the final shade. Choose a soy wax that offers the best colour options for your desired candle design.
Supplier and Quality
Lastly, it's essential to source your soy wax from a reputable supplier to ensure consistent quality. High-quality soy wax should be pure, natural, and free from impurities that may affect the performance of your candles. Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and, if possible, request samples to test before committing to a large quantity. A reliable supplier will
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Essential oil measurements
Essential oils can be added to homemade soy candles to create a personalised scent. When measuring essential oils, it is important to always measure by weight and not by drops, as essential oils vary in density. Measuring by weight ensures accuracy.
One source recommends adding 100 drops of essential oil or 2 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of soy wax. However, another source suggests that 15 drops of essential oil are enough to scent a small candle, while 20 drops are better suited for a medium-sized candle.
It is recommended to start with low percentages of essential oil, as some oils can shift at higher loads. Candle-approved essential oils will typically have a recommended usage percentage on the product page, which can be used as a guide.
When making a larger batch of candles, a formula can be used to calculate the amount of wax needed. This formula takes into account the volume of the container and the desired percentage of fragrance oil. For example, if you want to add 8% fragrance oil to your candles, you can calculate the volume of wax needed by multiplying the volume of the container by 0.08.
It is important to remove the wax from the heat source before adding essential oils, as heat can cause the scent to evaporate. Once the essential oil is added, stir gently for about 2 minutes to ensure it is fully incorporated into the wax.
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Heating and pouring
Heating
Firstly, gather your materials and prepare your workspace. You will need a heat source, such as a stove, a heat-proof container, a pot for simmering water, and a pouring pitcher or jug. You will also need a flat surface, such as a counter or tabletop, where the candles can set and cool.
Next, measure out the soy wax flakes or chunks. The amount of wax needed will depend on the size of your container and the number of candles you wish to make. A good starting point is 1.5 cups of wax for one 8-ounce candle.
To heat the wax, create a double boiler by placing the heat-proof container with the wax in a pot of simmering water. Alternatively, you can use a hot plate. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat until the wax completely melts.
Pouring
Once the wax has melted, it's time to add your essential oils or fragrance. Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool slightly. The ideal temperature for adding scent is around 80- 85 degrees Celsius. Add your chosen oil and stir gently for about 2 minutes to ensure it is fully incorporated.
After mixing, carefully pour the wax into your prepared jars. Be sure to check that the wick is centred in each jar before pouring. Secure the wick with a wick bar or glue, and adjust the top of the wick with a clothespin or wick sticker if needed.
Now, simply let your candles cool and set. This typically takes 24 hours or more, depending on the room temperature. Once fully hardened, trim the wicks to 1/4 inch (6 mm) and apply warning labels to the bottom of each candle. Your soy candles with essential oils are now ready for use or gifting!
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Adding scent
Adding a scent to your candle is a great way to personalise your creation and make it truly unique. Soy wax is an excellent carrier of essential oils, transmitting the scent extremely well.
When adding essential oils, it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure the best results. Firstly, measure the essential oil by weight, not by drops, as essential oils vary in density. Check the recommended usage percentage on the product page of your chosen oil, and start with a low percentage to avoid unpleasant results and waste. For a small to medium-sized candle, 15 drops of fragrance oil or 20 drops of essential oil is a good starting point. You can also refer to the weight of your wax to calculate the amount of oil needed; for every pound of soy wax, add 100 drops of essential oil or 2oz of fragrance oil.
Remove the wax from the heat source once it reaches 80-85 degrees Celsius, and allow it to cool for a few minutes. The ideal temperature for adding scent is between 130 and 135 degrees Celsius, as this ensures the scent doesn't evaporate. Add your chosen essential oil, such as Patchouli, and stir gently for about 2 minutes to fully incorporate the oil.
You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of essential oils to create unique scent profiles. Vanilla, Sandalwood, Crushed Lime, and Sea Salt are some interesting options to explore.
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Curing and storing
Once your candles have cooled completely, you can remove the wick bars and trim the wicks to 1/4 inch (6 mm). Place a warning label on the bottom of each container. Allow your soy candles with essential oils to cure for at least two weeks before use. This curing process ensures the candle burns properly and evenly. During curing, the fragrance oils bind with the wax, and the wax itself crystallises, resulting in a cleaner burn and improved fragrance throw.
After curing, store your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Soy wax has a long shelf life and can be stored for years if properly cured and stored. Keep the candles in airtight containers or wrap them in plastic wrap to retain their scent and prevent discolouration.
If you plan to reuse your jars, clean them thoroughly between uses. Remove any remaining wax and rinse the jars with hot water and soap, or use rubbing alcohol for more stubborn residue. Ensure the jars are completely dry before pouring in new wax.
Leftover soy wax can be reused as well. Simply store it in its melted state in a sealed container until you're ready to make more candles. Alternatively, you can let the wax harden and use a wax warmer or oil burner to melt it again when needed.
Soy candles with essential oils are a safe and natural alternative to store-bought candles. By curing and storing them properly, you can ensure their longevity and enjoy their warm glow and delightful fragrances for a long time.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need soy wax flakes, essential oils, a heat source, a heat-proof container, a pot, jars, wicks, a flat surface, rubbing alcohol, paper towels, a wooden popsicle stick, glue, a clothespin, tea towels, and a thermometer.
First, weigh out the soy wax flakes and melt them with a double boiler or hot plate. Next, wipe out your jars with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. Centre a wick in each jar using a wick sticker. Once the wax has reached 80-85°C, remove it from the heat and add your essential oils. Stir gently for 2 minutes. When the wax cools to 55-57.2°C, carefully pour the wax into the jars. Secure the wicks with wick bars and allow the candles to fully cool and harden. Finally, trim the wicks and place a warning label on the bottom of each candle.
Always measure essential oils by weight, not by drops. Check the recommended usage percentage on the essential oil product page and start with low percentages. For a small scented candle, you can use around 15-20 drops of essential oil.
Soy candles with essential oils are a safe, healthy, and natural alternative to store-bought candles. They make great homemade gifts and allow you to create your own bespoke scents. Soy wax burns cleanly and is safe for your family, unlike paraffin wax, which releases toxic carcinogens. Soy candles also transmit the scent of essential oils extremely well, giving you many options for personalisation.
