How to make scented soy candles quickly & easily. A how-to guide to DIY candle making using pure essential oils.
For my Birthday one year, strange one that I am, I asked for some wax and candle wicks to make my own candles.
I was very excited to receive them but actually forgot about it until a while later.
Spurred on by the excitement of finding a use for my jar collection, one rainy Saturday afternoon I did a bit of Googling of homemade soy candles then got straight to making my own soy candles.
It was pretty straightforward to make soy wax candles at home - melt, pour, leave to set, but what I didn't realise was that soy wax is a lot easier to work with than paraffin wax, which I'd asked for.
It made nice homemade candles but soy wax makes them a much prettier white colour so that was what I tried next.
Disclaimer: When I originally wrote this post I didn't know about the potentially harmful health effects of artificial fragrances and fragrance oils (which you will see in some of the original images).
These days, when I make a scented candle I use pure essential oils.
Why you'll love these
There are lots of reasons to make your own candles but my top ones are:
- Choose your fragrance - make your scent exactly as you like it.
- Choose your size - Make your candles whichever size you like in whichever candle containers you like - a good use for the recycled glass jar collection.
- Save $$ - It's less expensive than buying fancy candles.
- Saves waste - You can reuse your favourite candle container.
- Can control the strength - so if you like a much stronger scent you can make it.
What you need
WAX
Obviously, one of the essential ingredients of candle making is candle wax.
Make sure you get pure soy wax flakes and try to get non-GMO if possible.
There are lots of places to buy them online just do a Google or check out my resources below (contains affiliate links).
CANDLE CONTAINERS
You will need something to make your candles in.
Glass jars, ceramics and even shells make beautiful homemade candles - just make sure that your item is heat-proof up to high temperatures.
Generally if something is oven-safe then you're ok.
You can also re-use old candle jars.
How to clean old candle containers
Step 1 - Prepare
Get out all your old candle containers and boil the kettle.
Step 2 - Fill
Pour the freshly boiled water as close to the top as possible and leave to cool.
Step 3 - Remove wax
Once the water cools, the old wax will solidify at the top. Lift it out.
If there's any stuck to the bottom give it a little nudge with a fork & it will lift right out.
Step 4 - Clean
Once the wax is all removed (repeat step 2 if not), give them a little wash with dishwashing liquid & warm water to remove any black marks then dry.
WICKS
You can use cotton or wooden wicks. I've worked with both. It depends on the look you are trying to achieve. For first time candle makers, I would recommend using cotton wicks.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Make sure you're using pure essential oils. Using artificial fragrance will give you a nice dose of some potentially nasty side-effects that are best avoided.
GLUE OR TAPE
This is to hold the wick to the bottom of the container. You can also get a special wick sticker or use glue dots but I don't think they're necessary for first timers.
SCISSORS
Scissors are to trim wicks. If you're going to make a lot of candles, get some wick trimmers.
HEAT-PROOF CONTAINER
This is for melting the wax in. You can use a pot or I prefer to use a pyrex, microwavable jug and do it in the microwave.
Another great idea is using a milk frother jug with a handle. They're great cause they have a pouring spout.
STIRRER
I used a popsicle stick so I wouldn't have to worry about cleaning it after.
MEASURING CUP
This is to measure how many cups of soy wax flakes.
WORKSPACE COVER
It's best to cover your work surface to make clean up a little easier. A big sheet of paper works perfectly.
How to
Now come the technical parts of how to make soy candles.
Step 1 - Add wicks
Measure out the height just by holding it next to your container then add a few centimeters on the bottom and top.
To attach the wicks at the bottom I was very professional.
I used sticky tape. Just fold it around itself to make it double sided then secure it to the bottom of the jar.
Use a skewer to press the wicks down and stick it to the bottom.
You can get fancy little things to hold it there but sticky tape works so I'm not wasting money on something else.
A word of warning though - don't try using a hot glue gun.
The glue will melt when you add the hot wax and the wick will float up from the bottom (yes I'm telling you this from experience).
Once it's attached to the bottom you will need something to hold with wick taut and centered.
You can wrap it around a skewer.
My bag clips were the perfect size to fit over the jars so I used them.
Alternatively, if you can get your hands on wood wicks they come with a little weighted stand that will hold the wick in place.t
Step 2
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Step 3
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Step 4
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Step one - the wicks
First up you have to add the wicks. Measure out the height just by holding it next to your container then add a few centimeters on the bottom and top.
To attach the wicks at the bottom I was very professional.
I used sticky tape. Just fold it around itself to make it double sided then secure it to the bottom of the jar.
Use a skewer to press the wicks down and stick it to the bottom.
You can get fancy little things to hold it there but sticky tape works so I'm not wasting money on something else.
A word of warning though - don't try using a hot glue gun.
The glue will melt when you add the hot wax and the wick will float up from the bottom (yes I'm telling you this from experience).
Once it's attached to the bottom you will need something to hold with wick taut and centered.
You can wrap it around a skewer.
My bag clips were the perfect size to fit over the jars so I used them.
Alternatively, if you can get your hands on wood wicks they come with a little weighted stand that will hold the wick in place.
Step two - the wax
For the wax, you'll need to work out the capacity of your jars then use double the amount of flakes.
For example, if you jars hold 1 cup of liquid then you will need to measure out 2 cups of wax flakes.
Pour them into a heat-proof jug and then microwave for 1 minute. Take them out, give them a stir and microwave again for 1 minute and stir.
I used a paddle pop stick for the stirring.
If they're not melted then continue the microwave-stir 20 seconds a time until all the flakes have melted. Make sure you use an oven glove to take the jug out because it gets mighty hot - safety first!
If you don't want to use a microwave or don't have one, then a double boiler is the next easiest way to do it.
Put your heatproof bowl or jug into a large pot and pour enough water in the pot so you have a few inches of water come up the sides.
Heat until it starts to bubble then leave at a simmer until the wax melts.
I've also discovered using a coffee pot with a handle.
I have one dedicated to candle making so I just leave leftover wax in it.
It also means you can pour wax more easily.
Step three - scent the candles
How to choose your essential oils for homemade candles
There's a lot that goes into choosing your scent for making your own candles so we put together a separate quick tutorial. Learn how to choose scent for homemade candles here.
I also recommend using ceramic or glass container for mixing the oils as plastic can absorb the scent.
Once you've stirred in your fragrance, pour the wax into your containers (almost to the top of the container) then leave them to set for at least 12 hours.
You will notice that some of mine have little cracks. That is because I wanted them to set quickly so I could write this post.
I popped them in the fridge when they were nowhere near set so I'm guessing the bits around the outside set first then the inside sank a little as it set.
The moral of the story - be patient.
Then it's time to marvel at your perfect little creation. I was marvelling even more after an afternoon of shopping.
I saw a candle nearly exactly the same as this for $19 in one store and in others, bigger versions were selling for more than $50. I'm thinking maybe I should go into business.
How to make scented soy candles - video
They make a lovely gift especially considering you can tailor the container and 'flavour' to suit the person you're giving them to.
Happy candle making!
What about you? What would you make a candle in and what's your favourite candle scent?
How to make scented soy candles
Equipment
- Sticky tape
- Skewers
Materials
- Glass jars or old candles in jars
- Boiling water
- Candle wicks
- Soy wax flakes
- Essential oils
Instructions
- If you are using old candles, pour the boiling water into the old containers and leave to cool.
- Remove the wax floating on the top.
- Use dishwashing liquid and hot water to clean up any excess wax or soot.
- Dry the glass containers.
- Cut small pieces of sticky tape and fold to make double-sided tape then place in the middle of the bottom of each jar.
- Cut the wicks so that about 4cm comes out the top of the jar.
- Use a skewer to press them into the sticky tape so they stick to the bottom.
- Place a skewer over the top and wrap the wick to hold it up in the middle.
- Measure out the soy wax flakes (you will need double the amount - eg if your candle is 1 cup capacity, you will need 2 cups of soy wax flakes).
- Place the flakes in a heat-proof jug and microwave for 1 minutes.
- Remove and stir then microwave for 1 minute again then stir.
- If there are still solid flakes, microwave for 20 seconds at a time until dissolved.
- Add the fragrance oil, stir and then pour the wax into the jars.
- Make sure the the wicks are in the centre then leave the wax to set for 12 hours.
- Trim the wicks to 1 inch.
Notes
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Kirsten says
Thanks for this, Claire! I followed this tutorial to make soy candles today for my blog, but I put them into teacups. So good and easy to understand! And they smell soooo delicious. You are the candle master.
http://kirstenlearns.com
Claire says
Thanks Kirsten! I'm glad you liked them and great idea using tea cups!
merryn@merrynsmenu says
Wow Claire I love your post! I have often thought about making candles, especially soy candles as they are beautiful to look at and smell. We had a black out recently and my soy candle supply has now diminished. With your easy instructions I will get some supplies and have a go (French Vanilla is my favourite too). Have you tried making citronella candles yet?
Claire says
Thanks Merryn I'm glad I could help! No I haven't but that would be great.
Renee says
Can you use bees wax..instead of soy?
Claire says
I'm not sure Renee, I've never done it.
mel says
Great site,you people are really up on the candle making
I love it.
Claire says
Thanks Mel!
mel says
You can buy all your supplies at a great price on ebay
Raisa says
Do you have any tips if I don't have a microwave?
Claire says
You could melt the wax using a double boiler on the stove.
Kahri says
Great idea melting the wax in the microwave! I just got some candle making supplies from a friend and here I was about to try to find pots to melt the wax in on the stove. I will be trying the microwave method instead tomorrow!
Claire says
Have fun!
Tracey Dee says
Hi. I'm also just getting into candle making and have been experimenting over the last few weeks. I'm yet to get a decent scent throw, however, I have just been using fragrance oils that I use for my burners. Maybe that's the problem? In regards to colouring the wax, I tried food colouring and it does not work that well. I got quite a lot of colour bleeding and it looked terrible. Ive experimented with crayons and that turned out ok.
Claire says
Hi Tracey. Hmm that could be it. Great idea with the crayons!
Mersini says
you cant use food dye, it must be special dye for candle making only
Claire says
Thanks Mersini!
Rachel says
Hi Claire
I'd like to make some soy candles for my wedding, which is in three weeks. I read on another blog that you can't use the candles for two weeks after making them. Is this your experience as well?
Thanks!
Claire says
Hi Rachel. I've not heard that. I know it's best to leave them at least 24 hours but I've used mine before 2 weeks. Happy nearly wedding day!!!
Laura says
Your candles look delicate enough to eat :) May I ask how long the candles burn for and are the fragrances/oils used phthalate free? Also are the wicks cotton? Sorry for all the questions but it gave me a great idea.
Claire says
Hi Laura. Sorry I'm not sure about any of that except yes the wicks I used were cotton.
Faye says
Great page Claire, thank you.
Bought some soy flakes ages ago- didn't come with any instructions!?
Going to attempt some Clary sage scented ones this afternoon!!
Rather excited!!
Claire says
You're welcome Faye! Good luck!
SJM says
I want to use wild crafted organic essential oils. What would be wrong with that? I don't want to get a pre made fragrance. Can someone speak to that?
Claire says
Hi SJM. I'm sorry but I don't know enough about them to give any tips.
Sandie says
Essential oils are fine to use just start at 6% as some may 'upset' your wax.
Claire says
Thanks Sandie!
Jasmine Campbell says
Hi Claire,
Thanks for writing this post, I'm really looking forward to giving it ago! Just wondering if you or anyone knows where I can buy soy wax and other candle making bits and pieces from in QLD, Brisbane or around brisbane south or north?
Thanks, Jasmine :-)
Claire says
Hi Jasmine. No problem! This is where I got mine from http://www.naturalcandlesupply.com.au/#Candle-Making
corry says
Hi Jasmine, I purchased a natural soy wax from aussiecandlesupplies - email them at [email protected]
I had to pay postage, however.
Claire says
Thanks for sharing Corry.
Ange says
Hi Claire!
Love your post! How much fragrance oil does one need to use for a candle? What's the formula for the amount we need? Also, where does one buy wax flakes?
Thanks so much!
Ange :)
Claire says
Hi Ange. You're welcome! I got my wax from here http://www.naturalcandlesupply.com.au/#Candle-Making
As to the formula... it's a bit of a trial and error really because it depends how strong you want it. I added a few drops to my mixture.
Pip says
Have you added any colouring to the candles? Would you just use food dye?
Claire says
I haven't added colour before I'm sorry. I assume food dye would work.
John says
Hi, great article - thank you!
Just wanted to add a note that I am sure I read recently that food dye is not suitable for candle making. I have no experience with this myself but I am sure I remember reading that you need a different kind of colouring for it to work well.
Claire says
Thanks for that John! I will have to do some research into the colours.
Jay says
I haven't done it but been told to add crayons in the melting process to colour, food dye is water based so it wont mix with the wax.
Claire says
Very interesting Jay. I'd love to hear how it turns out if you try it.