How to Make Soy Candles From Scratch

Make homemade soy candles instead of purchasing them from a retailer.

Soy wax candles burn cleaner than paraffin wax. You can make your own soy wax candles at home instead of purchasing them from the store. Making your own homemade soy wax candles from scratch will save you money. Once you decide on the color and scent of your candle, you can begin making your own homemade candle.

Things You'll Need

• 3 lbs. soy wax
• Double boiler
• Tabbed candlewick
• Mason jar with lid
• Hot glue
• Candle thermometer
• Fragrance oil
• Candle dye
• Craft sticks

Instructions

1. Melt the soy wax in a double boiler over medium-low heat. You can either use soy wax flakes or cut a soy wax block into small 2 to 3 inch chunks. You can make a double boiler by filling a large kitchen pot with water, and then placing a smaller kitchen pot on top filled with your soy wax.

2. Secure a candlewick to the bottom of a mason jar with hot glue. Place the candlewick in the center of the mason jar, and press it down to ensure that it stays in place.

3. Allow the candle wax to melt. Do not allow the candle wax to reach a temperature higher than 200 degrees to prevent scorching the wax. Always monitor the temperature with a candle thermometer.

4. Add 1 oz. of fragrance oil for each pound of wax. Use fragrance oil designed specifically for soy candles because each type of candle wax melts at a different temperature. Fragrance oil not designed for soy wax can cause flare-ups when you burn the candle.

5. Add candle dye to the melted wax. You can use liquid candle dye or dye blocks. Add the dye slowly and stir the candle wax. Test the color of the candle wax by spooning it out onto a sheet of white paper. Once it dries, you will be able to see the actual color of the candle wax.

6. Pour the soy wax into the mason jar. Keep the wick from falling over by placing two craft sticks on each side of it. Allow the wax to cool and harden, and do not discard any leftover candle wax.

7. Melt the leftover candle wax. Once candle wax cools it will create a divot or indentation in the center of the candle. Fill this with more melted candle wax, and allow it to cool.

8. Trim the candlewick to ¼ inch. You can keep a mason jar lid on the candle to protect it from dust.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

References

• Soy Wax Candles: Making your First Soy Wax Candle
• Nature Garden Candles: Making Soy Wax Candles