Are you one of those people who always want a candle in your home?
In Feng Shui, the use of scented candles not only enhances the aesthetic but can also positively impact your emotional and mental state.
We know that buying them in supermarkets or specialty stores is the easiest option, although not the most budget-friendly, so you should never rule out making them at home.
Although LED candles with a flame effect already exist, they can’t diffuse fragrance, for example, which is why traditional candles remain popular. Making them at home is easier than it seems; the important thing is to have a little time and the necessary materials, especially quality wax.
In this regard, there are different types of waxes, so to save you time searching, in addition to explaining in detail how to make homemade candles, we’ll also share a soy wax recipe that can be purchased on Amazon. This product is easy to use and can be customized with fragrances and colors.
These are the materials for making candles at home
The first thing to do before embarking on this task is to gather everything you need. Some materials or ingredients are optional, but others are essential for a good result. Here’s the complete list, so take note so you don’t forget anything.
- Wax: there are different types, but we recommend soy wax.
- Molds: glass containers or specific candle containers can be used.
- Candle wicks
- Essences and/or colorants: these are optional and will depend on your tastes.
How to make homemade candles: here’s the step-by-step guide
It’s a fairly simple process, but we recommend taking some time, especially because for this type of preparation, dedication and care can be the key to obtaining the best results.
- Prepare everything you need: always remember to have the materials and utensils you will need on hand.
- Melt the wax: It’s always recommended to heat this type of material using a double boiler for greater safety. Once you add the wax, you should keep checking to make sure it doesn’t burn, so it’s very important to check the texture.
- It’s time for personalization: this step is optional, but if you’re creating these pieces at home, there’s nothing better than adding your own personal touch. Once the wax has melted, you can add the coloring and then the perfume, which is best added last so it doesn’t evaporate.
- Add the wick: While the wax is melting, you can take the opportunity to place the wick inside the containers, in the center. In our additional tips section, you can discover a more practical way to secure the wick in the mold or container.
- Add the mixture to the containers: to keep the wick in the center, it is recommended to fill the container with a small amount of the mixture, let it cool, and then add the rest of the melted wax while holding the wick with a kitchen tong, for example.
- Let the wax cool completely: you can choose a dry, cool place where the candle will solidify completely.
- Enjoy your candle: once it’s dry, you can trim the wick if necessary and light it. It’s that easy!
Recommendations for making homemade candles
You already know how to make a candle at home from scratch, so here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve a near-professional finish.
- To center the wick: one of the best ways is to secure the wick with a small piece of double-sided tape to the bottom of the container.
- For the essence: you can buy it, but remember that it shouldn’t contain alcohol. Alternatively, you can also make it at home using herbs, peels, or dried flowers, as well as ground spices.
- For the container: although you can buy specific molds or containers, it might be a good opportunity to give a second life to objects you have at home: wavy glass tumblers, vases, cups or even that glass jar for preserves.
- To give you more details: you have the option of getting special wax sheets that can be cut and painted to achieve more sophisticated or special designs.
- For added safety: it is recommended to use latex gloves.
This YouTube video shows a practical demonstration of how to make candles at home, center the wick, and finish decorating them.
This is the wax we recommend for making candles at home
Since wax is the only material in a candle, or at least the most important one, it’s essential to buy a good quality wax that suits your needs. For this reason, we’ve found a soy wax available on Amazon, which comes in different weights and allows you to create long-lasting candles.
These are some of the benefits of using soy wax to make candles in jars that we recommend:
- Nugget format: comes in the form of small seeds that facilitate handling and melting.
- Low melting point: meaning it is ideal for glass containers, especially glasses.
- Maximum customization: it is a wax suitable for mixing with essences and colors.
- Cleaner burning: one of the biggest differences compared to paraffin, since soy wax is of natural origin which promotes a cleaner flame.
Frequently asked questions about how to make homemade candles
What is the difference between a low melting point wax and a high melting point wax?
Low-melting-point wax is used to fill containers and leave the candle inside, while high-melting-point wax is used to fill molds and remove the candle. The first type of wax is recommended, as it helps to better preserve any added fragrance or essence.
Why use soy wax to make candles?
It’s made from a completely natural ingredient, so it doesn’t emit any toxic substances. Furthermore, its long burn time makes it worth the price, making it the perfect choice for those looking for vegan candles.
How much essence should be added to make a candle?
A ratio of 6% to 10% fragrance oil to wax is recommended. This means that, for example, for 100g of wax, you can add between 6 and 10g of fragrance oil.
How long should the wax be left to dry before using the candle?
Between 2 and 6 hours. To avoid any problems, you can leave it to dry overnight, so the material will have completely solidified.
What type of wicks are best for making homemade candles?
Eco-friendly ones. These are the most recommended, as they allow for cleaner combustion; they are usually made of paper or cotton.
How do you color a candle?
The coloring should be added to the melted wax and mixed very well.