- Aug 11, 2022
- 4 min read

How To Make Candles The Easy Way

This DIY candle hack changes everything. Learn how to make homemade candles with one simple step. Soy, or beeswax, wicks, and an empty jar are all you need to make candles. Forget the messy melt-and-pour

method.

The magical glow and wonderful aroma of a candle burning, especially during the fall and winter months is comforting, cozy, and inviting. If you are looking for an easy, mess-free way to make candles you are at the right place.

I recently tried to make candles the traditional way. Melting wax in a double broiler and pouring it into a jar isn’t easy and boy did I have a mess. I was scraping candle wax off of my stove for days. It was difficult to get the top of the candle flush, and I had big dips around the wick. I decided to try and put the wax in the jar and melt it that way. It worked perfectly with no mess! I don’t know if it’s the right way but my candles are burning perfectly.

For these easy homemade candles, you can use soy wax or beeswax. Beeswax candles are beautiful in an old jar. The yellow hue of the candle is warm and inviting. Keep in mind we are using essential oil to add scent to these candles, they won't be as strong as a store-bought candle that's scented with synthetic fragrance. Homemade candles are a healthier option with natural ingredients. Oil diffusers are a great non-toxic way to add scent to your home. You can certainly make these candles with no scent at all.

One of the best things about making homemade candles is you can use any type of container you'd like as long as it's heat-resistant. Vintage tea cups and small crocks are my favorite vessels to use. Reuse empty candle vessels you already have. I have a blog post, How To Remove Candle Wax. There are some great, simple tips. Check it out here.

https://www.liarosesimplyhome.com/post/how-to-remove-candle-wax-from-the-jar

Why is Beeswax my favorite choice for candle-making? Beeswax candles burn cleaner with little to no smoke. Beeswax candles can clean the air in your home by releasing negative ions into the air that bind with toxins, and help remove them. Beeswax is hypo-allergenic and biodegradable making it a healthier option not only for us but for the environment.

What is beeswax? Beeswax is a natural wax secreted by young honey bees. The wax from the bees is the construction material that holds the comb together. Beeswax is used in cosmetics, soaps, and candles, and is a great wood polish. This one sounds too good to be true. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm going to soon and will let you know how it works. Keep your baking sheets looking new by buffing beeswax onto them before using. Use a clean cloth to rub beeswax onto the baking sheets before each use. Over time, the baking sheet will develop a permanent layer of wax. You won't have to oil or grease the baking sheet every time.

What is soy wax? Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. Why choose soy wax? Soy wax, like beeswax, is 100 percent natural. Most store-bought candles are made with paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is used because it's cheap and easy to mass produce. It is made from petroleum and coal.

What You Will Need

An empty jar or heat-resistant vessel

Candle wicks

Soy candle wax beads or beeswax

Essential oil (optional)

Medium size saucepan

Instructions

1. If the wick you use comes with a double-sided sticker, place the wick now. Once the wick is in place, use a wick holder or a pencil to keep it in place. If you are using a pencil, wrap the extra wick around the pencil and lay it across the top of the jar.

2. Fill the mason jar with wax. Be sure to fill the jar to the top. The wax will melt down.

3. Pour about 3-4 inches of water into a medium-sized saucepan.

Place the mason jar of wax into the pan of water and simmer the wax jar on a low setting until it's melted. The wax will melt down, add more as needed. Typically you want double the amount of wax for the size of the jar you use.

4. Once all the wax is melted, turn off the heat. If you haven't done so, place a wick into the candle's center. Wrap the extra wick around a pencil and lay the pencil across the top of the jar. This step will hold the wick in place. Use a wick holder if you have one. Let the jar of wax cool slightly. After the jars have cooled slightly add 20-30 drops of the essential oil of your choice.

5. Allow the candle to cure for 24- 36 hours before use. Once the candle is cured and fully hardened, trim the wick to ½ inch. The candle is now ready for use!

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