Make your own citronella candles, it’s easy!
Make your own citronella candles; it’s easy! Citronella is one of my favorite summertime essential oils. I go through at least two bottles every summer because I use it in my all-natural Bug Off spray and we make the easiest DIY citronella candles!
What is the best container for candles?
Glass is an ideal material for use as a candle container since it is non-flammable. The thicker the glass, the better. There are a few things to consider before choosing a container.
Regardless of the container, it’s important to remember that candles should never be left unattended.
I used La Fermiere Yogurt Pots, and even the little bits of gold foil from the packaging added to the overall charm of using re-purposed jars. These would look pretty, lining a table for a gathering.
Make a few extra and give as little parting gifts to each guest. I “wrap” mine with a small piece of linen cut into a square and secured with a rubber band, and then tied with twine.
DIY Citronella Candles
Make your own citronella candles using citronella essential oil, soy wax, and hemp candle wicks. You can use an old pot or buy one specifically for this purpose for around $10. We repurposed La Fermière French yogurt pots, but any small cup, jar or can work!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of natural soy wax
- beeswax hemp candle wicks
- candle making pouring pot
- 4–6 small jars (we used yogurt containers)
- Citronella essential oil
- Eucalyptus and citrus essential oils (optional?
Instructions
- Prepare your glass jars. Remove any labels and place a small spot of glue on the metal part of the wick and place it in the center of the bottom of the jar.
- 2 Allow the glue to harden and then wrap the rest of the wick around a chopstick and place on top of the jar.
- Pour 1/2 of the bag into the pouring pot and melt slowly over low heat
- Once the wax has melted to a complete liquid, add in about 40 drops of Citronella essential oil and any other oils you would like. We added Eucalyptus and Citrus Fresh.
- Stir with a wooden skewer or chopstick
- pour into 4-5 small glass jars around the wick
- allow the wax to become solid and then trim the wick. Burn outdoors!
HOW cute and functional are those candles. You amaze me with your creativity. Also, thanks a million for the bug spray and wipes!! It’s windy here so I am not sure how I got bitten. I feel like I should save them and pack them for our Spain beach trip.
I want to go to Anna Maria island !!! That fan is great. I just recommended a Hunter indoor fan like it….simple with the three blades.
I know…I cannot imagine how you got bug bites in the wind! That’s why we are getting a fan on the porch…to create wind when there is non to keep the bugs away!
Love your posts Annie thank you kindly for making my Sunday! I will have a go at the candles as we are starting to have family and friends over again yeah!! And we need a fan how did you know !
Have a beautiful week!
HI Francesca! And Cindy commented that she had Hunter fans at her lake house and they held up well, so Hunter it is!!
Anne, I am always looking for a great t-shirt and will check out this resource. No, I have never made citronella candles…but I may be inspired! Thanks for all the great tips!
Annie,
Thanks for the recipe for making your own citronella candles. You’ve always inspired me with your creativity.
Great tip on a site for workouts.
Thank you for another fun Sunday Favs.
Karen
Karen, wish I could bring over a few candles! If I still lived in Dana Point, I would! xx
Hi Annie
Those candles are amazing! I wasn’t familiar with the yogurt, what a great idea to repurpose those darling pots. Boy, do I need to work out more….I am checking out the balanced life. Your Sunday favorites are always so inspiring. FYI we have had expensive fans and those Hunter fans are the best. We had them in every room at the lake and they are still going strong after 10 years!
Cindy! That’s good to know about Hunter Fans. The price of selling fans is all over the place and the Hunter is the right size, color and price, so happy to hear that you’ve had good luck with them!