In the summer I love warm night and being outside but, I do not like bugs especially mosquitoes. Today, we are going to learn how to Make a Natural Citronella Candle; it will help prevent mosquitoes and other bugs for invading your night and all the ingredients are natural.
How to Make Natural Citronella Candle Video
Why Candle Making?
Living in Michigan our summers are hot and humid and with that being said, it is BUG SEASON!
I hate pesky bugs and often try to find inexpensive and organic ways of getting rid of them. After searching the shelves of big box stores for natural alternative; I fell short! I decided the only option to keep my home, family and self save and non toxic was to make my own candles to burn on the deck during the evening hours.
Candle making requires very little skill and just about anyone can do it with patience.
Gathering basic supplies from local craft stores you can get started today and learn How to Make Natural Citronella Candle.
Candles provide some much comfort they can transform any room easily and inexpensively. Just lighting a candle can make a room or outdoor area romantic, glamour, cozy and inviting.
Soy or Bee wax Candles are Non-Toxic Choices
Most candles in big box stores are filled with harmful ingredients that are not good for you environment nor your lungs.
Many commercial candles that are labeled pure or natural are not. Commercial candles are filled with phthalates. When phthalates are in the air cab cause hormones can be abnormalities, birth defeats and reproductive problems.
Made from wax, wick, colors and fragrance a candle can be toxic if not made with organic, raw ingredients. Beeswax made from a hive of a honey bee or soy that is a vegetable wax are great alternatives to making a natural candle that is non toxic.
Many United States Candles are made with paraffin which is derived from petroleum; another ingreidents that is not safe for the environment.
To create a clean burn without soot or smoke use undying or fragrance candle when creating your natural candle.
When choosing a containers to mold your wax candle the possibilities are endless. You can choose glass, metal, ceramic or anything that can with stand the hot wax and a lite flame.
Supplies to Make a Natural Citronella Candle
Candlewick(s)
Your candle wick should be made of hundred percent cotton and not treated with any harsh chemicals.
Candlewicks are sold in bulk or as particular lengths that are premeasured.
Essential Oils
Using essential oils for you candle making provides a clean and natural burn. Essential Oils provides a fragrance and benefits. I love using Citronella Essential Oil because it fights off outdoor nuisance such as mosquitos. There are other essential oils that work great for warding of pest.
- Citronella Essential Oil ~ This essential oil is great for fighting off all nighttime nuisance.
- Lemongrass Essential Oil ~ Using lemongrass essential oils prevent ticks and fleas for jumping into your life.
- Rosemary Essential Oil ~ Rosemary Essential Oil is strong in smell. This bushy herb repels mosquitos and flies.
- Clove Essential Oil ~ Clove Essential Oil battles off annoying flies that my invade your next barbeque.
Soy or Beeswax
Wax is flammable and is essential in making candles but, working and burning a natural alternative is better. Using soy or beeswax is easy to work with and not difficult to melt. Soy or Beeswax provides a clean and natural burn that is not only healthy for the environment but, for your overall health. Beeswax will burn longer verses soy wax. Soy Wax provides white coloring; where beeswax has a natural yellow coloring.
Double Broiler (Glass Jar and Old Pot)
Wax melts between 110-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a Double Boiler will melt the wax and keep temperature form exceeding the boiling point. If you use a glass jar and old pot please keep an eye on the boil. When using either method never leave an open flame unattended.
Burning Tips for your Natural Citronella Candle
- Trim your candle wick 1/4 inch before burring and after each burn.
- Store and burn candles in a cool, draft free location away from everything.
- Keep your candle center by properly trimming and after each burn.
- Pillar, Taper and Candlesticks burn in a proper container to prevent dripping and anything catching on fire.
- Allow your candle to burn for a certain time. If you candle is six inches only burn for six hours. If you candle burns longer than it size it will cause problems.
- Use a candle snuff to smoothing your flame instead of blowing out.
Storing Tips for you Natural Citronella Candle
- Store candles in a cool, dry location.
- Wrap candles especially delicate candles in tissue paper or butchers paper.
- Designate a location to store all varies sizes of candles including seasonal candles.
How to Make Natural Citronella Candle Recipe
Here is what you need:
- Container to house your candle ( I used a variety of ceramic and glass jars)
- Soy Wax or Beeswax (measure how much need by filling your container only 1/2 way)
- Candle wick
- Hot glue gun
- 50 drops of Citronella essential oil; or any of the essential oils mention above
- Old Pot or Double Broiler
- glass bowl if not use a double broiler
- Pencil
In a pot boil water over medium heat and place a glass bowl on top of the pot to warm. If you are using a double broiler; filled the boil with water and bring to a boil. Take you wax, and melt it in your glass bowl or double broiler. While your wax is melting; take hot glue gun and glue your wick to the bottom of you container, allow it to dry.
Make sure your wick stays in place.
To ensure your wick stays in place rolled the top of the wick around a pencil and balance on top of the container until the soy or beeswax completely cools and is set.
Once all the wax is melted pour carefully into your container and then add your essential oil after your soy or beeswax has cooled slightly!
Finally, let your candle wax to cool over night before burning. Keep your cotton wick in place by taking a pencil and roll the extra wick around to give it a curly flair. Label and give as a gift or enjoy all summer long!
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