To make candles at home, follow these general steps:
- Gather Materials:
- Wax (soy wax flakes, beeswax pellets, or other candle wax)
- Candle wicks with metal bases
- Containers (glass jars, tins, or other heat-safe vessels)
- Fragrance oils or essential oils (optional for scented candles)
- Double boiler setup (a pot with water and a heat-safe bowl or pouring vessel)
- Thermometer
- Wick stickers or hot glue to fix the wick
- Clothespins or pencils to hold the wick upright
- Optional dried herbs for decoration
- Prepare the Containers:
Attach the wick to the bottom center of each container using wick stickers or hot glue. Secure the wick upright by clipping it to a clothespin or pencil laid across the container’s opening
- Melt the Wax:
Use the double boiler method by filling a pot halfway with water and placing a heat-safe bowl with the wax on top or inside the pot without direct contact with the water. Heat the water to a simmer and melt the wax slowly, stirring occasionally until fully melted (about 15 minutes)
- Add Fragrance (Optional):
Once the wax reaches about 185°F, add your fragrance or essential oils and stir well to distribute evenly. Then allow the wax to cool to around 125°F before pouring
- Pour the Wax:
Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared containers, keeping the wick centered. If the wick shifts, adjust it while the wax is still liquid
- Cool and Set:
Let the candles cool and harden at room temperature. To prevent cracking, you can wrap the containers in a cloth to slow cooling. Full setting can take about 20–30 minutes, but curing the candles for 24 hours before use improves scent throw and burn quality
- Trim the Wick:
Once the candle is fully set, trim the wick to about 1 inch above the wax surface for optimal burning
This process typically takes about an hour from start to finish, depending on the number of candles and wax type. Beginners are advised to start with container candles as they are easier to wick properly compared to pillar candles
. In summary, making candles involves melting wax safely, adding fragrance if desired, securing the wick, pouring the wax into containers, allowing it to cool, and trimming the wick before use
