DIY Citronella Candles

How to make Citronella Candles at home: A Natural Way to Repel Bugs. Discover the powerful benefits of citronella oil, how it works to keep insects away, and other essential oils you can add for extra protection.

Handmade citronella tealights illuminate a rustic outdoor setting, offering a natural way to ward off insects while enjoying the evening.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying warm evenings on your porch, patio, or backyard—until the bugs show up. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other pesky insects can quickly ruin your outdoor time. If you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free solution, homemade citronella candles might be exactly what you need.

Citronella candles are easy to make, cost-effective, and serve as a charming addition to your home decor while keeping bugs at bay. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to make DIY citronella candles, explain why citronella essential oil repels bugs, and explore other essential oils that offer similar protection. Making these DIY citronella candles was such a simple and satisfying project. I loved how quickly they came together with just a few basic ingredients, and there was something peaceful about pouring the wax and adding the fresh scent of citronella. It felt good to create something useful and natural for our outdoor space—and now we get to enjoy bug-free evenings with a handmade touch.

It is essential to note that a sizable amount of essential oils is required to scent a candle. I suggest starting with a small-sized candle. If you end up wanting to use a larger candle mold, just be sure to add enough essential oils to make the scent strong enough to repel bugs. I love using tea light candles for my homemade citronella creations! I found the perfect tea light containers on Amazon—they were just the right size. You can purchase the kit HERE for under $10. You can also use small mason jars, a vintage teacup, an empty soup can, or even an empty candle vessel you already have on hand. Need to reuse an old candle jar? Discover a simple method for removing leftover candle wax from a jar HERE.

Handcrafted DIY citronella candles illuminate a cozy outdoor patio, creating a warm and inviting ambiance while naturally repelling insects.

Why Citronella Essential Oil Works to Repel Bugs

Citronella oil is one of the most widely used natural insect repellents—and for good reason.

How Citronella Oil Repels Insects

Citronella oil is derived from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon (lemongrass). It contains natural compounds like geraniol, citronellol, and citronellal, which disrupt the olfactory receptors of insects. In simple terms:

• It confuses bugs’ sense of smell, making it harder for them to detect humans and animals (their typical food source).

• The strong scent acts as a barrier, keeping mosquitoes and other insects from flying close.

Insects Commonly Repelled by Citronella

• Mosquitoes

• Gnats

• Flies

• No-see-ums

• Moths

Because of its safety and pleasant lemony scent, citronella is a favorite ingredient in many store-bought repellents—but making your own citronella candles ensures you know exactly what’s in them.

How to Make Homemade Citronella Candles

Making homemade citronella candles is surprisingly simple and requires just a few ingredients.

Materials Needed

• Soy wax flakes or beeswax pellets

• Candle wicks (preferably cotton or wood wicks)

• Heat-resistant glass jars or tins

• Citronella essential oil (100% pure)

• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl

• Optional: glue dots or wick stickers to anchor the wick

• Stirring stick or wooden skewer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your jars

   
   

   Secure the wick to the center of each jar using a glue dot or sticker. Wrap the top of the wick around a skewer or pencil to hold it in place.

2. Melt the wax

   
   

   Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the wax slowly. Stir occasionally until it’s completely liquified.

3. Add essential oil

   
   

   Once the wax is melted, remove from heat. For every 8 oz of wax, add 30–40 drops of citronella essential oil. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute the oil evenly.

4. Pour the wax into jars

   
   

   Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.

5. Let candles set

   
   

   Allow your candles to cool and harden for several hours or overnight. Once fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch.

6. Light and enjoy

   
   

   Light your homemade citronella candle and enjoy a bug-free evening!

Other Essential Oils That Repel Bugs

Citronella is powerful on its own, but combining it with other bug-repelling essential oils can enhance its effectiveness and create a more complex, pleasant scent. Here are some great additions:

1. Lemongrass Oil

Closely related to citronella, lemongrass also contains high levels of citronellal and has a bright citrus aroma. It repels mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

Rich in eucalyptol, this oil is effective against mosquitoes and is often used in commercial repellents.

3. Lavender Oil

While known for its calming properties, lavender also repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. It blends well with citronella for a more floral scent.

4. Peppermint Oil

Insects dislike the strong menthol scent of peppermint. It’s particularly effective against ants, spiders, and mosquitoes.

5. Tea Tree Oil

With antimicrobial and insect-repelling properties, tea tree oil can deter flies and mosquitoes.

6. Cedarwood Oil

This earthy-scented oil repels ticks, moths, and other biting insects. It pairs well with lavender and lemongrass.

Citronella candles infused with essential oils flicker warmly, creating a natural barrier against bothersome bugs.

Suggested Blends for Your Citronella Candles:

• Citronella + Lavender + Peppermint – for a sweet, clean scent with broad bug protection

• Citronella + Lemongrass + Cedarwood – for a citrusy-earthy combo

• Citronella + Eucalyptus + Tea Tree – for a crisp, fresh, medicinal scent

Why Choose Homemade Citronella Candles?

Making your own citronella candles gives you control over the ingredients. Store-bought versions often contain synthetic fragrances or paraffin wax, which can release toxins when burned.

Here are a few more benefits:

• Customizable scents

• All-natural and chemical-free

• Environmentally friendly (especially if you use reusable containers)

• Aesthetic appeal for home and outdoor spaces

• Great as handmade gifts!

Homemade citronella candles are a simple, natural, and stylish way to keep bugs at bay. With just a few ingredients and your favorite essential oils, you can create custom candles that make outdoor living more comfortable and enjoyable. Citronella essential oil is the star, but don’t be afraid to blend in other oils for maximum protection and a signature scent.

So light a candle, pour yourself something cold, and relax—bug-free. Have you tried making homemade citronella candles? What oils do you love adding to yours? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy DIY Bug Spray

DIY Bug Spray

Subscribe to my email list and join me on this journey as we celebrate the joy of home, one delicious recipe and homemaking inspiration at a time!

Thank you for stopping by Lia Rose Simply Home, where you will find simple, inspirational homemaking!