Citronella Soy Candles
It’s that time of year where bugs (both good and no-so-good) are invading our backyards and patios. While I don’t want to do anything to hurt “helpful” bugs like spiders and ladybugs, I am not a big fan of mosquitos! The always seem to come buzzing around at that exact worst moment… like when you’ve invited your neighbors over for a barbeque and you’re JUST about to serve the hot dogs. Here’s a way to get those mosquitos and other flying insects to buzz off: make your own Citronella Soy Candle. The lemony scent of citronella can send the pests packing.
Citronella Soy Candles: Supplies
Soy Wax, Containers (I used glass jars from Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond), waxed wicks, wax (to adhere wick to jar– both items also available at Ben Frankin Crafts Redmond) and Citronella Essential Oil. You also need a food-safe thermometer, and a microwave safe container. Tip: A glass measuring cup with a spout is helpful. You’ll also need pencils or rulers and tape (for keeping the wick straight).
Step 1: Use a dab of wax to stick the metal part of the wick to the bottom of the jar.
Step 2: Press waxed wick firmly to make it adhere to jar. Tip: Use the eraser side of the pencil to if you can’t reach the bottom of the wick.
Step 3: Using a pencil or ruler and tape, suspend the top of the wick in the center of the jar.
Step 4: Melt the soy chips in the microwave. I used 4 cups of soy wax chips at a time. It took 8 cups of soy wax chips to fill the larger class container. In my microwave, it took three minutes for 4 cups of wax chips to melt.
Step 5: Check the temperature of the soy wax. It need to be at 180 degrees. Let the temperature fall to 140 degrees before adding 15 drops of citronella essental oil. Mix (I used a wood skewer).
Step 6: Carefully pour into jar and wait.
Step 7: Let the candle(s) sit undisturbed for 48 hours.
Step 8: If desired, print out these FREE Citronella Candle Labels for Yesterday on Tuesday by Printabelle onto White Sticker Paper (available at Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond).
Label Download
1. Click this link: Free Citronella Candle Labels
2. Click actions (upper left), then view all sizes, select large and save to your computer
3. Print on sticker paper
Step 9: Cut out stickers and apply them to jars.
Stuff to Remember:
Don’t leave melted wax or a lighted candle unattended.
Trim wick to 1/8″-1/4″ after each use.
Don’t let temperature of soy wax chips exceed 300 degrees when melting wax, it could cause a fire.
If wax does catch fire, use baking soda or smother with a lid to put fire out (NOT water).
Always check package instructions and use your common sense.
Click Here for MORE free labels and DIY Cleaning Recipes.
Sharing
Monday: https://sewcando.blogspot.com/,
https://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/, https://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/,
https://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/, https://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/,
https://cupcakesandcrinoline.com, https://jojoandeloise.com/2013/03/
Tuesday: https://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/, https://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/,
https://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/, https://todayscreativeblog.net/
Wednesday: https://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/, https://printabelle.com/,
https://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/,
https://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/, https://southernlovely.blogspot.com/,
Thursday: https://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/, https://answerischocolate.blogspot.com/,
https://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/, https://www.houseofhepworths.com/,
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https://tidymom.net/, https://www.shakentogetherlife.com/, https://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/,
https://anightowlblog.com/, https://designdininganddiapers.com/,
Saturday: https://thirtyhandmadedays.com/,
https://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/, https://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/
Johnnie says
Great idea Malia. I am obsessed with outdoor decor this year. Citronella candles are on my shopping list, but now I can make my own. xoxo
Johnnie recently posted…Easy Doily Etched Wine Bottle Upcycle
Malia says
Hi Johnnie, I am obsessed with outdoor decor too! Loved your wine bottle upcycle! xo
Suzy Myers says
Great tutorial! I definitely need to make some of these for the summer!
suzy
Suzy Myers recently posted…The Sitcom is Featured in Kids Crafts 1-2-3 Magazine!
Malia says
Hi Suzy, Thanks. Melting the soy in the microwave makes it easy. Congrats on your project in Kid’s Crafts 1-2-3! Malia
Julie @ Being Home says
Too cute! I love this idea of making your own candles. Thanks for sharing. :)
Julie @ Being Home recently posted…Childhood Chair Makeover
Malia says
Hi Julie, Thanks! Off to check out your cool childhood chair makeover. xo
Tara @ Suburble says
What a great idea, Malia! I imagine you could set up a little “candle factory” once you had all of the ingredients in front of you. I’m going to do some scouting and see where I can find these things in my neck of the woods.
Tara @ Suburble recently posted…Doe: a deer, a female deer…
Malia says
Thanks Tara… it would be super fun to make a bunch of little ones. I also used baby food jars to make some votives. Have a beautiful day!
Samantha D says
We spend a lot of time outside during the spring and summer, these would be perfect!
Thanks!
Sam
https://cooksandcreates.blogspot.com/
**Following you!**
(Found you on Sugar Bee Crafts!)
Samantha D recently posted…Cheesy Tuna Spaetzle
Malia says
Thanks Sam…love your spaetzle! xo
Maria Matter says
thank you for a great idea Malia!!! I’m so making these!
hugs & blessings
Maria Matter recently posted…Easy One-Pan Recipe – Pork Chops
Malia says
Thank you Maria and congrats on your new site!
Crystal says
Great idea!!! I love how cute the jars look. They will look great on our patio!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Malia says
Hi Crystal! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo
Erin - Momasaurus says
Happy Tuesday! I just found you via Caryolyns Homework and I’m glad I did. I love this idea!! I’m now a follower & look forward to future posts. Great idea, woot woot!
Erin aka Momasaurus
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Malia says
Thanks Erin… I be over to say hello soon! xo
Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things} says
Oooh, these are SO on my to-do list. What a wonderful idea to make your own citronella candles! Love it!
Thank you so much for sharing, Malia!
XO! Vanessa
Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things} recently posted…{diy cupcake stand}
Malia says
Thanks Vanessa and thanks for the feature! xo
Angela says
This is wonderful. I will pay this on my DIY list. I’m hosting a new linky party at https://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/efforts-and-assets-linky-party-1.html
I would love to have you!
Angela
Malia says
Thanks Angela and Congrats on your new party!
Sande says
Great recipe for citronella candles! I will definitely be making some of these. Following you on Pinterest and I will definitely be back to visit your blog.
Sande recently posted…Retirement Celebration Gift
Malia says
Thanks Sande I am so happy to meet you!
katie says
Love this tutorial! I live in FL so you can only imagine the bugs we deal with–I need to make a few of these candles stat! Beautiful photos too!
katie recently posted…Painted Spring Pillow Cover
Malia says
Thanks Katie I sure appreciate it!
Angela @ Creative Blossoming says
Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!
Angela @ Creative Blossoming recently posted…Pretty in Pink: Patio Inspiration Board
Malia says
Thank you Angela!
Amy* says
Well aren’t these pretty AND practical! These would make a great housewarming or “just because” for the neighbors. We get invited for BBQ at our neighbors house and can’t ever stay long because of the bugs these. I should make some of these to take along with my potato salad :)
Thanks for the cute labels and handy tutorial!
Amy*
Malia says
Thanks Amy! I made some little ones with baby food jars and used them last night. The candles helped keep the bugs at bay! Hope you have a great weekend.
Sumo says
This is so fun! We will actually have a backyard this year, so I might have to try my hand at these. I’ll be featuring these on my blog tomorrow!
https://www.sumossweetstuff.com
Thanks for linking up!
Sumo:)
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Malia says
Hi Sumo! Thanks so much… I am honored! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Rita says
Those candles are so pretty and they keep the bugs away at the same time! Perfect. Thanks for sharing.
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[email protected] says
Featuring YOU today! :)
Ginger @ GingerSnapCrafts.com
https://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/05/over-20-things-to-make-this-summer.html