You can also use this same recipe to make other candles in your favorite scent.
Mosquitoes put a damper on a backyard barbecue or an evening on your patio in a few minutes. Citronella candles help create a (mostly) insect-free zone around you. Customize a homemade one by putting it in a container that matches your outdoor decor, or use this process to make a candle scented with any favorite essential oil. A large citronella candle like this one in a bucket could ward off pesky mosquitoes all summer.
How to Make a Citronella Candle
Follow these steps to make a candle that will add ambience to any outdoor setting.
Supplies Needed:
·Fire-resistant vessels to hold candle wax (like a bucket or Mason jars)
·Premade wicks
·Tape
·Two pencils or chopsticks
·Measuring cup
·Soy wax
·Double boiler or large pot and metal mixing bowl
·Citronella oil (or your favorite essential oil, if you want to make a different scented candle)
·Metal spoon
·Crayons or oil-based dye (optional)
·Scissors
Step 1: Anchor and Support the Wicks
Start by choosing the vessel you want to hold the candle wax. For an extra-large candle capable of warding mosquitoes away from almost the whole porch, choose a large metal pail. For small candles that fit on end tables, try Mason jars. Tape the wick (or multiple wicks, if you want), such as EricX Light 8-inch Candle Wicks ($8, Amazon), to the bottom of the vessel. Place a pencil or chopstick on both sides of the wick so they rest on the opening; tape the two pencils or chopsticks together. (They hold the wick upright while you pour the wax and let it dry).
Step 2: Melt Wax
Measure out enough wax to fill your container, keeping in mind the wax melts to half of its volume. If you plan to make multiple candles, it makes sense to buy at least a few pounds of wax, such as The Candlemaker's Store Natural Soy Wax, ($32, Amazon). How full you fill the container is a matter of preference, but it's best to leave at least an inch or two of space at the top of your container so the melted wax won't overflow or drip down the sides. You'll also want the wick of a citronella candle to be at least an inch below the rim so the flame is protected from any breezes.
If you're not sure how much wax you'll need, use the candle container to measure. For example, if you're using a Mason jar, fill the jar with unmelted wax as deep as you want the final candle two times. One pound of wax fills about 20 ounces of volume, or three candles in 8-oz. Mason jars if you don't fill them to the brim.
Bring water to boiling in a double boiler or in a large pot under a heat-resistant mixing bowl. Add the wax to the double boiler or bowl, and stir it occasionally as it melts.
Editor's Tip: We recommend using soy wax because it is biodegradable and drips of melted wax on a table or countertop clean up with soap and water. Soy wax will also burn longer than some other waxes, like paraffin, so your finished candle will last longer.
Step 3: Stir in Oil
Stir in the citronella oil using roughly three drops per cup of melted wax (or about three drops per 8-oz. Mason jar candle). Artizen Citronella Essential Oil ($10, Amazon) is a good option for citronella candles, but any of your favorite essential oils will work too. If you want a colored candle, melt a few crayons with the wax or add a few drops of oil-based dye. Remember, the wax color lightens as it dries, so be generous with the dye for a deep colored candle.
Step 4: Pour the Melted Wax
Once fully melted, pour the wax mixture into the pail and allow it to cool and solidify. The wax will start to harden right away, but you'll have to be a patient before it's ready to light for the first time. Soy candles usually need at least 4 hours to solidify, but the wax in a large vessel like a bucket requires at least 24 hours to settle and harden.
After you pour the wax into your container, use a wet paper towel to wipe as much warm wax out of the double boiler, then wash the container with hot soapy water.
Step 5: Trim the Wicks
Before you light the candle for the first time, trim the wicks to at least ¼ inch above the wax. Then your candle is ready to start keeping away mosquitoes!
This basic citronella candle can be customized to match any outdoor ambience. You can play around with the wax color and container. (For the safest candle, use heat-resistant containers made of metal, glass, or terra-cotta.) A homemade citronella candle (or a few) makes a great centerpiece for almost any outdoor space while helping to keep bugs at bay.