How to Make Earth-Friendly Soy Candles

Soy candles burn longer than paraffin-wax candles.

Candles can give a warm, inviting feeling to almost any area, but they are often expensive, and many common paraffin-wax candles may release toxic chemicals into your home when burned. Paraffin wax, used in the majority of the candles made today, is a byproduct of raw oil refinement, and burning candles made of paraffin wax in an unventilated area can release toxins such as toluene and benzene and cause health problems. Luckily, more natural candles, such as those made with soy wax, are more environmentally friendly, do not pose a health risk and can be made at home in the scent, color and container of your choice.

Things You'll Need

• Natural soy wax
• Wooden stirrer
• Double boiler
• Candle or candy thermometer
• Candle dye, liquid or dye chips
• Essential oil or fragrance oil
• Soy wicks
• Masking tape
• Pencil or dowel rod
• Candle containers

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom section of the double boiler with water. Place the thermometer in the water and heat the double boiler over low heat on the stove. Place the wax in the top section of the boiler and allow the wax to melt. It should melt at around 150 degrees.

2. As the wax melts, clean and dry the candle containers. Cut the wick about 2 inches longer than the height of the candle container. Tape one end of the wick inside the container, directly in the center of the bottom. Tie the other end of the wick to the pencil or dowel rod. Lay the pencil or dowel rod across the top opening of the candle container to hold the wick in place.

3. When the temperature of the melted wax reaches 170 degrees, add color, if desired. Add a very small amount of dye and stir with a wooden stirring stick or spoon. Add more dye until the desired color is achieved.

4. Add fragrance to the candle. For 1 lb. of soy wax, you will typically use 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of essential oil or fragrance oil. Keeping the wax temperature at 170 degrees, stir in the oil. Continue to stir for two minutes.

5. Reduce the heat on the stove and allow the wax temperature to come down to about 150 degrees. Stir the wax thoroughly, then slowly pour the wax into the clean, wicked container. Leave about 1/4 inch space at the top of the container.

6. Let the candle sit until it becomes firm. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.

Tips & Warnings

• Mason or canning jars or any thick glass or metal container would be suitable for soy candles.

• If you are not satisfied with how the top layer of wax on the candle looks, heat the candle briefly with a hair dryer on a low setting. This may take out any bubbles or imperfections on top of the candle.

• Most soy wax spills can be cleaned up with soap and water.

• Choose a wick that is made for the specific diameter of your candle container.

References

• CNN: Study: Some Types of Candles May Pollute Indoor Air
• Candle Instructions: How to Make Soy Candles