Introduction
Citronella is a natural oil extracted from the leaves and stems of the citronella grass, a tall perennial reed native to the tropical grasslands of Asia. Citronella is known for its refreshing and insect-repelling properties, and has been used in traditional medicine and as an insect repellent for centuries.
To make citronella soy candles, you will need soy wax flakes, essential oils or fragrances, wicks, containers or molds, coloring agents (optional), thermometer and double boiler set-up. Begin by weighing out 1 pound of soy wax flakes per candle and melting it in the double boiler over medium heat. Place the wick in your container or mold while the wax melts. Make sure that any extra wire that may be at the end of your wick is long enough to hold above the molten wax when making your candle. While this happens, add two tablespoons of citronella essential oil per pound of wax being used once it has completely melted into liquid form. For each pound of wax being used avoid adding more than about 1/4 tsp pigment powder to achieve desired coloring for your candle; alternatively liquid dyes can also be added sparingly to create variations in color depending on preference. Allow them to cool before unmolding and cutting excess wick length before lighting your candle.
Citronella soy candles make great outdoor decorations for special occasions such as summer BBQs or playing board games outdoors with friends during cooler temperatures due to their ability to also keep pesky bugs away! Their bright colors can lighten up any space while its scent supplies a pleasant aromatherapy benefit at the same time.
Benefits of Making Your Own Citronella Soy Candles
Making DIY citronella soy candles has a number of wonderful benefits. Not only are they much cheaper to make than store-bought candles, you can also customize them with your favorite colors and fragrances, making the perfect gift or decoration for any occasion. Plus, they will last much longer than paraffin candles since they aren’t made with petrochemicals. Also, because they contain essential oils, they help mask unpleasant smells while also providing aromatherapy benefits. Finally, some studies have even suggested that aerosol citronella soy candles may be more effective in repelling insects than traditional chemical ones due to their superior burn time and natural ingredients.
Sourcing Quality Supplies Needed to Make Citronella Soy Candles
When attempting to make a quality citronella soy candle, sourcing the best ingredients is essential. Quality wax and wick form the foundation of any good candle recipe, but for a great citronella soy candle, it is wise to source specific supplies as well.
Beeswax can be used instead of traditional paraffin wax in order to increase the burn time and enhance the scent throw. The beeswax also adds an element of texture that paraffin can’t provide, making it more aesthetically pleasing. All-natural soy wax is perfect for those who want a cleaner burning candle with longer lasting colors than traditional paraffin wax. Soy wax also requires different wicking materials than most other types of candles, such as cotton core or paper core wicks rather than zinc/tin blend ones.
In addition to wax and wick, essential oils play an important role in creating strong scents in a citronella soy candle. Citronella oil should be sourced first, then other complementary oils may be added depending on what scent combination you prefer for your own candle. When sourcing any essential oil, ensure that you buy from reputable suppliers who will guarantee a pure product without contaminants or fillers.
Lastly, don’t forget about the mold or container which you will be pouring your citronella soy candle into. The material of this item may affect the strength and quality of your finished product, so be sure to find something suitable depending on your comfort level with each type ” whether that is metal alloy molds or heat-resistant glass containers ” before you start making your candles!
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial for Making Citronella Soy Candles
1. Gather all materials: This includes container, wick, wax, essential oil, and pot or double-boiler for melting the wax.
2. Measure out soy wax using a kitchen scale. Pour the measured wax into your double-boiler unit and melt until liquid.
3. Add citronella essential oil to the melted wax according to your desired scent strength (for this tutorial we used 5 drops of essential oil per 8 oz of melted wax).
4. Prepare the container and wick: Make sure you have a heat safe container, trim wick to desired length (it should be about 1/4” shorter than the container), and attach it to bottom of container using a wick bar or glue dot. Tape down edges of wick to keep it centered while pouring in the molten wax at a later step.
5. When melted soy wax reaches approximately 170F-180F degrees, carefully pour it into the prepared candle container with the pre-attached and centered Wick Bar or sewn in Wick Threads at its center post of bottom part of vessel …. Keep pouring process slow and steady until all melted wax is poured into predetermined height level in your chosen candle vessel ” then wait several minutes for solidification before cutting off remaining extra length from top edge of newly formed candle dome shape .. Allow candle to cool & dry out completely before burning or gifting . Enjoy!
Aromatherapy Benefits When Making Citronella Soy Candles
Making a citronella soy candle is an easy, natural way to enjoy both the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy and the insect-repelling effects of citronella. The subtle scent of citronella can help to lift your spirits and inhibit unwanted visitors, creating a pleasant outdoor atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Citronella oil is known for its calming properties, which can help reduce stress levels when inhaled as well as lessen feelings of depression and anxiety. It also has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and deodorizing qualities, making it an ideal choice for adding unique fragrances to your candles. With its bright citrusy notes, citronella is sure to create a pleasant aroma while driving away any bugs that may be lurking nearby. Additionally, soy wax burns cleanly and slowly, producing minimal smoke and producing no toxins at all – all in all making it a great option for air quality control. At the same time, using citronella combined with soy wax helps you avoid using synthetic fragrances or dyes that could be potentially harmful to your health.
Finishing Up
Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues with making citronella soy candles, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, make sure you allow the entire surface of the candle to cool before moving it or trying to add a wick. If you don’t and try to do this too soon, it’ll cause clumping and uneven cooling. Second, use quality soy wax for your projects and follow the instructions. Low-quality wax can lead to issues such as parachuting and poor adhesion when adding fragrances or essential oils.
Storing Citronella Soy Candles: When not in use, it’s important to store citronella soy candles properly so they last as long as possible. The best way is to store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and large fluctuations in temperature. Sunlight can cause citronella candles to fade quickly while changing temperatures can lead to deformities and fractures within the candle’s structure, decreasing its life span or creating uneven surfaces that could be a fire hazard when lit.
Creative Ways to Use Citronella Soy Candles
Citronella soy candles are a great natural way to keep the mosquitoes away in your yard, garden or patio. Another great benefit of using citronella soy candles is that you can enjoy a pleasant aroma around your outdoor area without being overpowered by the scent of commercial bug sprays. Here are some creative ways to use citronella soy candles:
1. Place them around as decoration for outdoor parties and events ” Citronella soy candles make for excellent conversation pieces and add an extra level of ambiance to any outdoor activity. Consider placing a few around your outdoor seating areas, on dining tables or even other focal points in the garden.
2. Hang them from trees and plants ” Soy candles that come in glass jars can be hung from tree branches and plants with string, twine or ribbon to provide added flair while still providing effective mosquito control.
3. Place them strategically in high-mosquito areas – Locate areas where mosquitoes are at their worst and place citronella candles accordingly to provide maximum protection against bugs while also adding decorative illumination during night gatherings outdoors or when simply enjoying evening meals under the stars.
4. Use them indoors as well ” Candleholders forged of metal can handle heat better than plastic or wood, making it possible to place citronella soy candles safely inside the home so they’ll emit their pleasant fragrance as well provide additional protection against pesky insects!
Conclusion
Making your own citronella soy candles offers a lot of benefits to the environment and to you. By using natural materials, like soy wax and essential oils, you are reducing your carbon footprint as well as supporting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, you are creating unique, one-of-a-kind candles that can provide ambiance in any room at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, using citronella essential oil will help to keep mosquitoes away while not sending unpleasant odors into your living space. With all these advantages, making your own citronella soy candles is surely worth a try!
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
