How to Make Soy Scented Candles

If you have tried making scented candles and decided it's too messy, soy candles may be the answer. Soy wax is easily cleaned up with soap and water and has the plus of being more environmentally friendly than paraffin, which is made from petroleum. Furthermore, soy candles last 50 percent longer than paraffin candles and distribute scent more easily. Convinced yet? Let's get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Superglue
• 1 lb of soy wax
• 1 oz. fragrance oil
• Wax dye
• Saucepan
• Cotton wick
• Mason jar

1. Gather your materials: soy wax, a clean mason jar, fragrance oil, wax dye, one cotton wick, superglue and a pan. (See Things You'll Need below.)

2. Put a few drops of superglue on the bottom of the metal part of the cotton wick.

3. Glue the metal part of the wick to the base of the mason jar. You may need to hold your wick in place for a few minutes until the glue dries. When your wick is secure, put the jar aside.

4. Place 1 lb of soy wax into a saucepan and heat until the temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees. Turn off heat once the wax turns to liquid.

5. Add your color wax dye.

6. Check the temperature once again. If the wax temperature is under 130 degrees, you can add 1 oz. fragrance oil into the melted soy wax.

7. Pour the wax into the mason jar and center the wick.

8. Allow the candle to dry overnight and then trim the wick. Light and enjoy the fragrance.

Tips & Warnings

• Soy wax comes in a block and flakes. Flake wax is easier to use.
• The color of your dye will typically be lighter when it dries.
• Use a pencil or dowel to hold the wick in place until the wax solidifies slightly.
• A double broiler will reduce the chance that the wax will overheat.
• Do not overheat the wax, which can burn.
• Pour the wax into the jar slowly, allowing it to cool as it enters the jar. Otherwise the jar might break.

[Quickstar]

on 6/23/2009 I am going to have to try this. Thanks!

[kaseysviewblog]

on 4/30/2009 Try a presto pot for your candle making.It's much safer than making candles on your stove top which could result in a fire or painful burns.

[Skippyaveo]

on 11/19/2008 I did give it 5 stars but it didn't show up, sorry.

[Skippyaveo]

on 11/19/2008 This was an excellent article. Thank you for including measurements and temperatures as they are incredibly important.

[maymarsh]

on 11/4/2008 My candles are sticking to the side of the jar after they cool. What am I doing wrong?