Citronella Candles
Words by Christy Pitre
Photography by Colin Todd
Art Direction and Prop Styling by Kylie Fife

Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate those little blood suckers while providing a romantic, outdoor setting. Making citronella candles is easy and can cost as little as $0.25 per candle. Follow this step-by-step guide and make your own candles at home in less than 10 minutes.

Materials Needed:

Wax - Any form of all-purpose wax will do. This can be found in the canning section of the grocery store or in a craft or hardware store. I used beeswax from an arts and craft store at $12.41 per pound.

Citronella - You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes. I purchased the essential oil at my local herbal apothecary for $3.99.

Mold - This is the container which you will be pouring the hot wax into. The container is your choice, if you want to get fancy you can but a recycled can or glass will also do.

Container for Melting Wax - Nothing specific, a saucepan filled with water or a coffee tin will do. FYI, just know that you won't be able to use your melting container for anything other than melting wax after your first use.

Wick - Your candle will not work without a wick. You can purchase wicks at any craft store or you can choose to do it yourself by dipping a string or cord into hot wax. I used twine, which you can get at any dollar store.

Thermometer - Any form of thermometer will do.

Releaser - Any form of cooking oil or silicone spray will do, as long as it does not have a petroleum base as it may release toxic fumes while burning. I used canola oil, which worked pretty well.

Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax. Of course this will be ruined to. Use only for stirring wax after first use.

Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do.

Directions:

Make the Wick - Soak a piece of heavy string or cord into wax and set to dry on a sheet of wax paper. You can also buy candle wicks instead of making them. You'll want to melt a little wax in your oiled melting container before in order to make your waxed wick first.

Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it.

Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella, about 20 drops per 1 lb of melted wax.

Releaser - As the wax is melting spray your releaser into your mold.

Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon.

Pour - Pour the wax into the mold and remember not to fill it to the top. Leave about one inch at the top of the mold.

Wicks - Place the wicks into the melting wax. Hold wick in place either using your hand or tie it to a pencil in order to ensure the wick stays upright and does not fall over.

Set to dry.
Making citronella candles is as easy as 1-2-3! Be truly unique and buy terra-cotta pots, paint them and use them as one-of-a-kind candle holders!