Citronella Candle Making

 

After a long winter for our northern friends comes a hot, humid, and bug filled summer. With only a few months to enjoy the great outdoors in the Midwest; bugs and bug maintenance is often forgotten about until it’s too late. Citronella oil and citrus scented candles are becoming more widespread versus your ordinary bug spray with harmful toxins and we’ve got just the right stuff to make them on your own!

*Please note these candles do NOT protect you from any diseases carried by mosquitoes/bugs – they are only a simple repellent to keep them away from you for a short period of time.  

Supplies Needed:

EZSoy or EZParaSoy Wax

CD-12 or ECO-8 Tabbed Wicks

Jar of your choice (I used an old soup can and doctored it up so it fit as outdoor décor)

20mm Wick Stickums

Diamond Dye Chips (Not required)

Caution Labels

Fragrance Suggestions:

Citronella, Lavender, Eucalyptus Spearmint, and Lemongrass.

1.  Pre-wick your jars using the Wick Stickums on the bottom of the round metal wick tabs. Stick them down in the center of your jars and make sure they are secure. A hollowed out Bic pen works nicely for pushing down over the wick.
2. Weigh your wax on a scale. Melt the wax in the pouring pot, set inside a pot of water on the stove (like a double boiler). NEVER directly on the burner! *For smaller candles, microwave safe bowls will work, as long you continue to check and stir.
3. Once melted, add approx. 1-2 dye chips per pound of wax (depending on desired shade) and stir until dissolved.
4. Next add approx. 1 oz. of scent per pound of wax, and stir well. Some fragrances blend easier than others, so some may require more stirring.
5. Check temperature with the thermometer. Once wax is approx. 160-165 degrees it is ready to pour.
6. Pour from the pouring pitcher into your jars slowly and steadily. Pouring into pre-warmed jars can help prevent jump lines and wet spots. Keep wicks as straight and centered as possible.
7. Once wax has set slightly on top, enough to hold the wick in place, it is safe to carefully move your jars into a box or an insulated plastic cooler. The slower the candles cool, the better. Give them ample time to completely set up before trimming the wick and putting the lids on the jars.
8. It is best to allow your candles at least 1 week to cure before test burning for optimal fragrance throw. Always test burn your candles before selling, and make sure to include a caution label on each one!