Crafting Aromatherapy Candles: A Beginner's Guide

Aromatherapy candles are a great way to fill your home with a natural aroma and enjoy the physical benefits of essential oils. Making your own aromatherapy candles is a simple process that involves preparing a wick, melting wax, adding essential oils, and pouring the mixture into a container. The type of wax, essential oils, and containers you use can be customised based on your preferences.

How to Make Aromatherapy Candles

Choosing a heatproof container

When choosing a heatproof container for your aromatherapy candle, it's important to select one that is safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a heatproof container:

Material

The best materials for heatproof containers are metal, ceramic, or glass. These materials are durable and can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking. Metal containers, such as tins, are excellent choices for beginners as they hide imperfections and help retain the candle's scent. Ceramic containers, like microwave and dishwasher-safe mugs, are long-lasting and heat-resistant. Glass containers, such as mason jars, are also popular due to their ability to withstand high heat and hold wax well.

Stability

Choose a container with a stable base to prevent it from easily tipping over. Avoid containers with uneven surfaces or top-heavy designs, such as wine glasses. A wider or more rounded base increases stability and reduces the risk of accidental knocks.

Diameter

Opt for a container with a consistent diameter throughout its length. Avoid containers with a narrower top or bottom, as they can cause issues with wicking and increase the risk of candle tunneling and cracking. A uniform diameter ensures even heat distribution and reduces the likelihood of cracks or breaks.

Porosity

Select a non-porous container. Porous materials, such as terracotta or clay, can absorb the wax, leading to a higher risk of fire. If you're using a porous container, be sure to seal it properly with a waterproof sealant before using it for candle-making.

Heat Resistance

Choose a container that can withstand high temperatures. Most materials are not designed to handle the heat generated by melting candle wax. Look for containers specifically labelled as heat-resistant or oven-safe. This ensures that your container can safely manage the heat from the burning candle.

Leak-Proof

Avoid leaky containers, as they can cause messes and fire hazards. To test for leaks, fill your intended container with water and observe it for a few days. If the container holds water without leaking, it is likely suitable for candle-making.

Shape

Consider the shape of the container. Containers with wide mouths and narrow bottoms tend to get hotter as the candle burns, increasing the risk of cracking. Opt for containers with a more uniform shape to distribute heat more evenly.

Personal Style

While functionality and safety are paramount, you can also choose a container that aligns with your personal style or home decor. Aromatherapy candles are not just about scent but also about creating a visually appealing and relaxing atmosphere.

Remember, always exercise caution when burning candles. Ensure they are placed on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects, and never leave them unattended.

Preparing the wick

Place the wick in the appropriate container. You can use empty candle containers that have been previously used or empty glass yoghurt jars, which are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Attach the wick to the bottom of the container by dipping it in some melted wax and then quickly sticking it to the bottom of the container. Let the wax sit for a few minutes to harden before filling up your jar.

If your wick is too wide for your container, you can use something like an orangewood stick or paintbrush to centre it and hold it in place.

Adding essential oils

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

Before you begin, gather all the supplies you need, including your wax, wick, heat-proof container, chopsticks or cloth pegs, a double boiler, a stirring device, and a thermometer. Cover your work surface with old newspapers to catch any spills.

Step 2: Melt the wax

Measure out the amount of wax you need to fill your container, then double it. This is the amount of wax you will need to melt. Place the wax in your double boiler and melt it over high heat. Stir the wax occasionally to ensure even melting.

Step 3: Check the wax temperature

Use a thermometer to check that the melted wax is at the right temperature before adding essential oils. The ideal temperature range is between 50°C and 85°C.

Step 4: Add essential oils

When your wax is fully melted, it's time to add your chosen essential oils. The amount of essential oil you use will depend on the type of oil and the desired scent strength. A good rule of thumb is to use around 3% essential oil to wax, which is approximately 15ml of essential oil for 500g of wax. If you are using soy wax, you will need stronger-scented essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, or rosemary. You can also add dried herbs like rose petals. Stir the mixture well to ensure the essential oils are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Pour the wax into the container

Slowly pour the scented wax into your prepared container. Hold the wick in place to ensure it remains centred and upright. Leave some room at the top of the container, as the wax may expand as it cools.

Step 6: Secure the wick

Use cloth pegs, popsicle sticks, or chopsticks to secure the wick and prevent it from moving around in the melted wax. Allow the wax to set for a few hours at room temperature.

Step 7: Trim the wick

Once the wax has fully hardened, trim the wick to a length of less than half an inch. If the candle flickers or has a tall flame when lit, trim the wick further.

Now your aromatherapy candle is ready to be lit and enjoyed! Remember that each candle is infused with your intention, energy, and the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils you have chosen.

Pouring the wax

Prepare the wax

Before pouring the wax, ensure that you have measured out the correct amount. A good rule of thumb is to use about two containers' worth of wax flakes per candle. Place the wax flakes in a double boiler and warm it slowly until completely melted. Stir carefully with a spatula to avoid any bits rising to the top. Different types of wax have different melting points, so use a thermometer to monitor the temperature:

• Paraffin wax: around 100°F (38°C)
• Soy wax: approximately 124°F (51°C)
• Beeswax: around 145°F (63°C)

Add your fragrances

If you are using essential oils, add about 2 teaspoons of oil for every 4 ounces of melted wax. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs for extra scent and decoration. Stir the mixture thoroughly.

Prepare the wicks

Place one wick in the centre of each container and secure it to the bottom with a drop of melted wax or glue. Ensure the wick is centred for an even burn. Before pouring the wax, place two popsicle sticks or chopsticks across the jar's top, sandwiching the wick between them. This will keep the wick upright as the wax hardens.

Pour the wax

Carefully fill each container with the melted wax, pouring slowly to minimise air bubbles. Leave about 1/2 to 1 inch of space between the wax and the rim of the container. Wipe up any wax drips with paper towels while the wax is still warm.

Let the candles cure

Curing times will vary depending on the type of wax used:

• Soy candles: Harden in about four hours and fully cure in three to four days
• Paraffin wax candles: Cure in about two days
• Beeswax candles: Take up to 10 days to cure completely

Once the candles have cured, remove the wick holders and trim the wicks. If there are any pockmarks or indentations from air bubbles, you can warm a little more wax and add a thin layer on top for a smooth finish.

Trimming the wick

Firstly, it's important to note that you should trim the wick before lighting the candle for the first time. This will prevent the wick from developing a 'mushroom' shape, and will help the candle burn better, with a smaller flame.

The ideal length to trim the wick to is 1/4 of an inch. You can use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the wick vertically, ensuring the cut is straight and even, not at an angle. Alternatively, you can use a specialised wick trimmer, which will collect the wick remnants for you.

If you don't trim the wick, the candle may tunnel, where the wick becomes too hot and causes excess wax to burn. This will result in an uneven burn and impact the fragrance output.

If you accidentally trim the wick too short, you can fix this by lighting the candle and letting it burn for 30 minutes to create a wax pool. Then, extinguish the flame and dispose of the melted wax. Allow the candle to cool before relighting it.

Frequently asked questions