Homemade Citronella Candle

Citronella candles are effective for keeping insects away.

Citronella is a lemon-scented perennial grass commercially grown in southeast Asia. The leaves are used to make an oil which effectively serves as an insect repellent, but has many other uses including the relief of headaches and fatigue and to increase mental alertness. Making your own citronella candles will save money. Supplies are affordable and available at a craft store or online.

Things You'll Need

• Citronella oil
• Paraffin or soy wax
• Stearic acid/Stearin
• Candle wick
• Double boiler or turkey roaster
• Candle containers (Small metal buckets, glass apothecary jars or mini flower pots)
• Candy thermometer
• Clothespin
• Metal ladle

Instructions

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler or turkey roaster. If neither is available, a large saucepan or coffee can is fine. If using a coffee can, place the can into a larger pot with water. The heat from the water will melt the wax.

2. Monitor the temperature of the heat and wax with a candy thermometer. The melting point of paraffin wax is 130 to 145 degrees F. Soy wax has a melting point of 120 to 180 degrees, depending on the blend used.

3. Add 1 tsp. of stearic acid (also known as stearin) per pound of wax. This helps the candle burn slower and longer.

4. Add citronella oil to the melted wax and stir. Use approximately 1 to 1 1/2 oz. of oil per pound of wax. You can add more for a stronger scent but do not exceed 3 percent oil per pound.

5. Add color to your wax, if you prefer, using liquid dye or dye chips. You can use crayons, but the color fades quicker and isn't as bold as candle dye. Liquid dye is concentrated, so you need only a few drops.

6. Dip the wick in the melted wax two or three times. The melted wax is absorbed into the wick fibers and acts as a fuel when burning. This will also help the wick burn slower. Make sure the wick is at least 2 to 3 inches longer than the height of the container being used.

7. Prepare your candle containers by placing the wick inside. Use a ladle to pour a small amount of wax into the container while securing the wick with a clothespin. Allow the wax to harden before adding more wax.

8. Repeat this process until you have poured enough wax to fill the container. As wax cools (especially paraffin), it shrinks and causes a well or cave around the wick. Pierce a hole near the wick with a skewer stick or coat hanger to the bottom of the container and add more wax.

9. Cut the wick and allow the candle to cool completely before lighting.

Tips & Warnings

• "Wick tabs" can secure the wick to the bottom of the container, but aren't required. Paint the candle containers for party themes or decorate them and give them as gifts.

• Use caution when making candles, as the wax is flammable. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

References

• Martha Stewart: Citronella candles
• Craftbits: Citronella candles
• Healthy New Age: Homemade mosquito candles
• Family Resource: What is citronella
• Sante Fe Beeswax Candle Co.: How does a candle wick work

Resources

• The Candlemaker: Round wick tabs
• Happy News: Types of candle wax