Make Your Own Aroma Wax Bars At Home

Aromatic wax bars are a delightful and creative way to infuse your living space with customised fragrances. Making scented wax bars is a satisfying project that allows you to tailor scents to your liking and embrace eco-friendly alternatives. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can create your own wax bars at home. The process involves melting wax, adding fragrance oils, and pouring the mixture into moulds to create fragrant, decorative pieces. This guide will take you through the steps and offer tips for creating unique, personalised wax bars.

Choose a natural wax like soy or paraffin for the base

When making aroma wax bars, it's important to choose the right type of wax for your base. Opting for a natural wax like soy or paraffin is a great starting point. Here's why:

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a natural wax derived from hydrogenated soybean oil. It's a fantastic choice for those seeking an eco-friendly option, as it's made from soybeans, a renewable resource. Soy wax is also non-toxic, so it's better for both your health and the environment. It burns cleanly and is less likely to cause headaches, which are sometimes triggered by the chemicals released by paraffin wax. Soy wax is a mid-range wax with a slow burn, making it a great value option. However, it can be temperamental with temperature changes and may shrink or develop white spots, known as "frosting." Soy wax is ideal for container candles, including jarred candles, tins, votives, tealights, and tarts.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum and is the most widely used type of wax across candle brands. It's very inexpensive and can hold a high amount of fragrance and colour. Paraffin wax comes in various melting points, making it suitable for creating different types of candles. However, it is not considered the most eco-friendly option due to its association with the oil industry. Additionally, if not properly cared for, paraffin wax candles can create soot. Paraffin wax is excellent for pillar candles, containers, votives, tealights, tapers, and tarts.

When choosing between soy and paraffin wax, consider your priorities regarding cost, eco-friendliness, scent throw, and ease of use. Both options have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your aroma wax bar project.

Add 30-40 drops of your favourite essential oil

Adding your chosen essential oil is an important step in creating your own unique aroma wax bars. After melting your wax, you will need to add your desired fragrance. For a strong scent, it is recommended to add 30-40 drops of essential oil to your melted wax mixture. This is the fun part where you can get creative and experiment with different oils to find your perfect olfactory harmony.

When adding your essential oil, it is important to stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the aroma is evenly distributed throughout the wax. You can use a wooden or silicone spoon for this step. Remember, the type of wax you use may impact the fragrance, so consider experimenting with different ratios of oil to wax to find your preferred scent strength.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try combining different essential oils to create unique and wonderfully fragrant combinations. For example, you could mix 14 drops of Cassia with 10 drops of Clove and 14 drops of Orange for a warm and spicy blend. Alternatively, for a refreshing and uplifting scent, try mixing 15 drops of Orange with 12 drops of Peppermint.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to explore different options and find the scents that you love. Once you've added your essential oil and given it a good stir, you're ready for the next step of pouring your scented wax into moulds.

Melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave

Melting the wax is a crucial step in making aroma wax bars. You can use either a double boiler or a microwave for this process, and here's a detailed guide for each method:

Using a Double Boiler:

• Set up a double boiler by placing a pouring jug containing the wax into another pot filled with water. This setup facilitates slow and even heating.
• For safety reasons, it is recommended to use an electric stove instead of a gas burner.
• Add your chosen wax to the double boiler. The amount of wax will depend on the size of your moulds or containers.
• Heat the wax between 320 to 340 °F (160 to 171 °C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This is a medium-low heat setting, equivalent to 3 to 5 on a numerical element scale.
• Keep a close eye on the temperature with a cooking thermometer and adjust the heat as needed. Stir the wax occasionally with a wooden or silicone spoon to ensure even melting.
• If the wax temperature exceeds 340 °F (171 °C), remove it from the heat until it cools down to the desired range.

Using a Microwave:

• Place your chosen wax in a microwave-safe bowl. Again, the amount of wax will depend on the size of your moulds or containers.
• If using colours, add crayon shavings or candle-making colour flakes to the wax.
• Ensure that the container is labelled "microwave-safe" if it's made of plastic. Porcelain and ceramic plates are generally safe, but always check for appropriate labels.
• Heat the wax in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes initially. Then, remove it and stir the wax with a spoon.
• Check the temperature to ensure it hasn't exceeded the melting or flash point. Continue heating in 2-minute intervals until the wax is completely melted.
• Throughout the process, check on the wax every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.

General Tips for Melting Wax:

• Before melting, break up large pieces of wax into smaller chunks, ideally about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less in width. This helps the wax melt more evenly.
• Always be cautious and avoid approaching the flash point of the wax, as this is the temperature at which it can combust if exposed to a flame.
• If you're using soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, you can simply pour the melted wax into a jar to cool after adding your chosen scents and colours.

Pour the wax into silicone or plastic moulds

When you're ready to pour the wax into your moulds, place them on a flat surface to ensure even cooling. Carefully pour the scented wax mixture into your chosen moulds, filling them about three-quarters of the way full. Allow the wax to cool and solidify—this may take some time, so be patient! If you're making wax sachets, you can add dried flowers and herbs to the wax as it begins to set.

Once the wax has cooled completely, it's time to remove the bars from the moulds. If they're being a little stubborn, try placing the moulds in the refrigerator first. This will help the wax contract and make the unmoulding process smoother. Then, gently remove the wax bars from the moulds and admire your handiwork!

If you're making wax sachets, the next step is to create a small hole in the top of each wax bar. Use a long metal nail or needle, heating it carefully over an open flame if necessary. Be very careful not to burn yourself. Thread a piece of string through the hole, tie it, and your sachets are ready to hang!

Allow the wax to cool and harden before removing from the moulds

Allowing your wax creation to cool and harden is a crucial step in the process of making aroma wax bars. It may be tempting to remove the bars from their moulds as soon as possible, but patience is key. The wax needs to solidify completely before you can gently remove it from the moulds. This step ensures that your wax bars retain their desired shape and don't break or deform.

The time it takes for the wax to cool and harden will vary depending on the type of wax used, the size of your moulds, and the temperature of your workspace. Generally, it's best to let the wax sit undisturbed for at least a few hours. If you're in a hurry, you can place the moulds in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process. Just be careful not to leave them in for too long, as this could affect the wax's texture and appearance.

Once the wax has hardened, it's now time to gently remove the bars from the moulds. Start by gently tapping the mould to loosen the wax. If the wax is firmly stuck, you can try placing the mould in the freezer for a few minutes to shrink the wax slightly, making it easier to remove. Carefully bend or peel back the mould, being mindful not to crack or break the wax. If needed, a gentle heat source, like a hairdryer on low heat, can be used to warm the mould and loosen the wax.

After removing the wax bars from the moulds, it's essential to let them cure. Curing allows any remaining moisture in the wax to evaporate, ensuring your wax bars are dry and long-lasting. Place the bars in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources. The curing process can take several days, depending on the type of wax and the humidity levels in your environment.

Finally, once your aroma wax bars are completely cured, you can enjoy your creation! Store them in airtight containers to retain their fragrance and protect them from dust and moisture. These wax bars can be used in a wax warmer or as decorative air fresheners, filling your space with your chosen scent.

Frequently asked questions