How To Make Scented Candles At Home In 10 Steps

Imagine lighting a scented candle and letting your room fill with its aromatic fragrance that creates a cozy atmosphere, sounds amazing right? Whether it is the warm scent of vanilla, the calming aroma of lavender, or the fresh fragrance of pine, candles can make any space comfortable with their scents and brings back any nostalgic memory associated with it. What if we told you that you can make these fragrant scented candles by yourself, at your home? By making your scented candles at home, you can not only control the scents you want but you can even customize them based on your preferences. Also, the process is fun and you can enjoy this creative activity with friends or family. So, keep reading this blog and you will know how to make scented candles at home that can relax you. 

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Understanding The Making of Scented Candles

Before you start making candles, it is important to understand the basic things about scented candles and why making them at home is a good idea. 

What Are Scented Candles Made Of?

Scented candles are made of just a few ingredients, here is what they are:

Basic Ingredients:

• Wax: This is what makes the base of the candle. This wax acts like a fuel that helps the wick to burn. There are different materials you can use to make this candle base.
• Wick: Wick is nothing but the string that can be lit and it burns the wax slowly and melts it. The wick can also be made of different materials.
• Fragrance: Some candles may not have any fragrance but scented candles can have a variety of fragrances that can be added using essential oils.
• Color: Again, the color is optional as it just makes the candle relate to a fragrance and gives an aesthetic look.

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Types of Scents Used:

The beauty of scented candles comes from the various scents that are used to make them. These scents can be either floral, refreshing citrus, or strong woody fragrance. Here are some common scents that are used:

• Lavender
• Rose
• Cinnamon
• Coconut
• Vanilla
• Sandalwood
• Lemon

Types of Scented Candles You Can Make

• Soy Wax Candles: This is a natural wax that helps the candle burn cleanly. Since it is a natural wax, it is very eco-friendly. So, if you are going to make scented candles at home, this is a very good option because it can hold the scent very well. 
• Beeswax Candles: If you are looking for another option for natural wax, then go with beeswax. This wax burns longer and gives a subtle honey scent even if you don’t add any fragrance oils. Candles that are made from beeswax also have air-purifying properties.
• Paraffin Wax Candles: Paraffin wax can be found in the candles that are sold in stores. With this wax, it is easier to make candles at home but if you want to use natural wax, then this is not it. 

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Essential Tools and Ingredients To Make Your Own Scented Candles

Scented candles cannot be made with just some wax and wicks, you need proper scented candle supplies so that you don’t damage anything in your home.  

Gathering Your Candle-Making Supplies: How to Make Scented Candles At Home 

• Wax: There are different waxes like soy, paraffin, beeswax, etc. So, choose the one based on the candle you want to make. Consider if you want to use natural wax or other wax like paraffin.  
• Wicks: If you are new to candle-making, then go with cotton wicks. You can choose wooden wicks that give a unique sound and look after lighting the candle.  
• Fragrance Oils: Based on the scents that you like, pick some fragrance oils for your candles. You can even use essential oils that have unique scents. 
• Containers: This is where you will put the wax, so choose either small glass jars, metal tins, or even big mugs. 
• Dye: This is optional but if you like your scented candle to have some color, then buy some candle dyes and you can even use colored crayon shavings.  
• Double Boiler: You will need a double boiler to melt the wax so that it does not stick to the utensil that is used to boil it. 
• Thermometer: The wax needs to be in the right temperature to make candles so use a thermometer which can help you track its temperature while boiling.
• Stirring Spoon: You need a stirring spoon to mix the dye and the fragrance oil in the wax. 

Recommended Equipment for Beginners 

For beginners, you do not have to spend more on candle-making supplies. A double boiler, a thermometer, a container, and a stirring spoon are all you need. Once you get the hang of it, start using different tools to make your scented candles. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Scented Candles

Step1: Choosing the Right Wax

First, choose the wax type. For a clean burn and easy melt, use soywax. This wax also holds fragrances together well, so the scent also lasts long. Wax is available in block or flake form. 

Step2: Selecting and Preparing Your Container

Select the container for your candle. It can be metal tins, mason jars that are made of glass, etc. The container needs to be cleaned before you can put the wax in inside it. 

Step3: Picking the Perfect Fragrance

Next, choose your scents. Some essential oils like eucalyptus or fragrance oils like lavender are the perfect scents if you want the candle to create a relaxing environment. 

Essential Oils vs. Synthetic Fragrances: 

• Essential Oils: These candle essential oils are sourced from plants, and they give a natural scent that smells therapeutic.
• Synthetic Fragrances: If you want bold and strong scents for your candles, you can use synthetic fragrances.  

Step 4: Adding Color to Your Candles

This step is optional so if you want to make your scented candles colorful, then use some candle dyes or crayon shavings. But do not add to much dye because it can affect how the candle burns. 

Step 5: Properly Preparing the Wick

In this step, the wick should be cut to the correct length. Based on the container you are using for the candle, the length of the wick should be at least 2 inches more. This will hold the wick in place while pouring the wax. This wick should be placed at the bottom of the container with either melted wax or a wick sticker. 

Step 6: Melting the Wax Safely

This is where you start melting the wax in a double boiler. The bottom pot or utensil should be filled with water and let it boil in low heat. The pot on top is where you can add the wax so that it melts using the heat from the below pot. Make sure there are no chunks of wax left so keep stirring it occasionally. Monitor the temperature while the wax melts to prevent overheating. Soy wax: 45-50℃, Beeswax: 62-64℃, and Paraffin wax: 46-68℃.

Step 7: Mixing Fragrance and Color with Wax

After the wax is melted to the right temperature, let it cool down for a couple of minutes and then you can add the fragrance oils and the dyes. After adding these oils and dyes, mix it properly to make sure that it is blended. 

Step 8: Pouring Wax into Containers

Now, pour the wax in the container, but do not fill it completely. There should be some gap, at least half an inch at the top. Gently pour the wax so there are no air bubbles. 

Step 9: Allowing Your Candle to Set

Wait for the candle to cool for a couple of hours. Keep the container in a safe place and do not move it to make sure that it sets evenly. To know if the candle is ready, just touch the top and the wax should be firm.

Step 10: Trimming the Wick and Final Touches

Cut the wick and leave out at least a quarter of an inch above the wax. To the container, you can even add ribbons, stickers, etc to customize it. 

That’s it! Now you can light the candle, sit back and relax. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Candle Making

• While making candles with essential oils, avoid adding too much oil.
• The candle wick should be at the center of the container for even burn.
• Wax should be melted in low heat and avoid overheating it.
• Specific candle dyes should be added for scented candles.
• Have a proper space to make scented candles to avoid any damages.

Conclusion 

Now you know how to make scented candles at home, so follow these steps carefully and you can make a good scented candle. Customize it using you favorite essential or fragrance oils, and even add stickers or decorative ribbons on the container. 

FAQs Related to How to Make Scented Candles

Can I use perfume in candle making?

Yes. Only oil-based perfume can be used for scented candles. 

How can I make scented candles at home without using essential oils?

If you are making scented candles without essential oils, add some herbs, cinnamon sticks, flower petals, or coffee beans to replace the oils. 

What is the curing time for my candles before I can litght them? 

For soy wax, it takes almost 2 weeks. Beeswax takes 1-2 weeks and paraffin wax needs at least 5 days to cure. 

For my homemade scented candles, how much fragrance oil do I need to add?

Use only 6-10% of fragrance oils based on the weight of wax.