According to the National Candle Association, the scent or fragrance is by far the most important characteristic that affects the selection of candles. A good scented candle will make your home cozy, and make you relax while staying at home. However, the scented candles are always expensive, especially those made by famous perfume manufacturers. The good news is, it’s much cheaper to make your own scented candles at home with essential oils or fragrances. And there’re many professional candle-making kits available to make it easier than ever.
Today, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions to make homemade scented candles, either to save money or to sell as a small candle-making business.
Tips before You Start Making Scented Candles at Home
- This scented candles DIY recipe is for beginners, as getting the perfect result of scented candles can be tricky. Many factors impact the finished candles, like the brand and ingredients of essential oils, the temperature you add the oils, the wax melting point, etc. It’s an error and trial project.
- Calculate the proper amount of fragrance you’ll need corresponding to the wax volumes. It will determine the scent throw (how strong the scent you’ll get) of your handmade candles. Generally, approximately 1oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax will smell good.
- Pay attention to the wax melting point on the label. It’s important to add essential oils or fragrances at the recommended temperature.
What Candle-making Supplies You’ll Need to Make Scented Candles at Home?
The simplest is to buy an all-inclusive candle making kit. Alternatively, we have a candle-making supplies list. You can buy from a candle making supply store near you or buy online.
- Candle wax.
- Candle wicks. Either a wood wick or a cotton core wick is OK.
- Candle containers. It’s highly recommended to make scented container candles for beginners.
- Essential oils or fragrances.
- Wax melting pots. A double boiler or a pot and a bigger pan.
- A kitchen thermometer (recommended).
- A candle wick holder.
- A scale.
- A spoon.
- Superglue or hot glue.
- Color dyes (optional).
How to Make Homemade Scented Candles with Essential Oils from Scratch?
Note: We also have a full beginner’s guide on how to make candles at home, either scented or unscented.
Step 1: Melt the Wax.
Generally speaking, you can make scented candles with any kind of wax, say, soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin. However, paraffin wax is better for scented candles than others, as it can hold a high amount of fragrance and color. If you don’t like strong scents, then soy wax is also a good choice, as it doesn’t hold as much fragrance as paraffin. As for beeswax, it could be a little harder to mix other fragrances with their natural honey smell, but it’s still possible to make scented beeswax candles.
In addition, there are still lots of blends that are great for handmade scented candles.
After choosing the wax for your scented candles, we need to calculate how much wax to use. Then, we can go to melt it with the wax melting pot. Usually, you need a double boiler, or a pot and a bigger pan. Pour the wax into the smaller pot, and put it in the pan with water. Then put the pan on the stovetop to boil the water till the wax is melted completely.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils or Fragrance to the Melted Wax.
Depending on the wax you’re using to make candles, you need to add oils at different temperatures. Usually, if you’re making soy candles, you can add oils between 175 to 185°F (79~85°C). If you’re making beeswax candles, it’s between 160~165°F (71~73°C). Don’t make the melted max hotter than 200°F (93°C ) which may cause the oil to dissipate or burn off.
Stir the mixture of the melted wax and essential oils. Then, put the mixture aside and let it cool down a little.
Step 3: Prepare the Container.
As the scented wax cools, place the wick into containers with super glue or hot glue. Then center the wick with a special holder or chopsticks at your home.
Step 4: Pour the wax into Containers.
Recommended temperatures to pour wax:
- Soy wax: pour between 130~135°F (54~57°C)
- Beeswax: pour between 140~160°F (60~71°C)
Make sure you pour the melted wax steadily and slowly to prevent bubbles or air in the finished candles.
Step 5: Let the Handmade Scented Candles Harden Overnight.
It usually takes 24 hours to harden. In order to get better scented, you may need to cool the scented candles for a week or so.
Step 6: Cut the Wick and Finish.
Please note that this isn’t necessarily a final recipe for handmade scented candles. You need to revisit over time, tweak your ratios, troubleshoot, and then come up with your custom scented candles.
FAQ about How to Make Handmade Scented Candles
Q: Is it Cheaper to Make Your Scented Candles?
A: Of course, it is.
Q: Can Scented Candles Make You or Your Pets Sick?
A: Not necessarily. The fragrances approved for candle-making – whether synthesized or “natural” – do not release toxic chemicals. However, some people or pets, such as dogs, cats, etc., may be sensitive to a certain smell, which may make them “sick”, such as dizzy, cough, nauseous, sneeze, or wheeze. It’s better to consult your doctor for professional suggestions at first.
Q: Is It Safe to Put Essential Oils in Candles?
A: Yes. A well-made and properly burned candle, whether scented or unscented, will burn cleanly and safely.
Q: How to Make Essential Oil Candles Smell Stronger?
A: If you prefer strongly scented candles, you can choose an essential oil with a strong fragrance or add a little more to the wax. Learn how much fragrance oil to add to candle wax.
Q: How to Make Scented Candles without Essential Oils?
A: You can replace essential oils or fragrances with other scented stuff, such as herbs, dried flowers, or fragrance oils.
Q: Can you Make Scented Candles with Perfume?
A: Yes, but it isn’t a good idea. Perfume is not meant to burn, and it will not throw fragrance well while burning. Besides, it may release toxic gases such as formaldehyde. It is better to make scented candles with essential oils or fragrances.
Q: Who Makes the Best Scented Candles?
A: It varies from person to person. The best-scented candles may include the scent you prefer, the shape or size you like, and even the candle container you like. But it’s possible to find a scented candle best for yourself.
Q: Can I Make Scented Candles without a Thermometer?
A: It is recommended to have one, especially for beginners. It is really important to know the temperatures while melting the wax and adding the essential oils to the wax.
Have more questions? Please feel free to comment below.
