Step-by-step guide to making a scented candle

Making scented candles at home? Here's the solution!

Is there anything more cozy than the warmth and delicate aroma of a scented candle that fills the entire room? If you're also a fan of unique scented candles, we have good news: you don't have to buy them in a store, because you can make them at home! What's more, you can choose exactly the scent and design that best suits your taste and the style of your home. Candlemaking is not only a creative hobby, but also a great way to create your own sustainable products.

In this blog, you will find a detailed guide to making scented candles, step by step. You will find out what ingredients you will need, how to choose the right wax and scent, and what tricks you can use to ensure that your candle burns perfectly and lasts long.

Start making candles today and create a cozy, fragrant atmosphere in your home!

Ingredients and tools:

Wax: Soy wax, paraffin, beeswax or a mixture of these.

Fragrance oil: Natural or synthetic fragrance oils specifically designed for candles. (Essential oil sold in drugstores is not for candles! Do not put it in under any circumstances!)

Wick: A wick that is suitable for the size of the candle and the type of wax, which can be cotton or wooden wicks. (Click here to read about wicks!)

Containers: Glass, metal cans or other heat-resistant cups.

Thermometer: To measure the temperature of the wax.

Melting bowl or double-walled container: To melt the wax.

Wick holder: Wick base and wick base glue that holds the wick in place!

Stirring stick or spoon: To mix the fragrance oil and coloring agent.

Other supplies: Measuring cup, scale to measure the correct amounts!

Step by step

Preparation: Choose the candle cup you want to make the candle in and attach the wick to the center. Use a wick holder to keep the wick stable in the desired location.

Melting the wax: Melt the wax in a double-walled container or over water vapor. It is strictly forbidden to heat the wax over direct heat, as it will spontaneously ignite if overheated.

Use a thermometer and keep the temperature of the wax in the range appropriate for the type (usually 70-80°C for soy wax). You can read about the properties of waxes on my previous blog pages.

Adding fragrance: When the wax has reached the appropriate temperature (approx. 55-60°C), mix in the fragrance oil. The recommended ratio is usually 6-10% (6-10 g of fragrance oil for 100 g of wax). Do not ignore the manufacturer's recommendations for wax and fragrance oil! It is important not to deviate from the recommended amount, because then we will not get the desired result!

Pouring: Pour the wax slowly into the holder, taking care not to move the wick. If you are using a wooden wick and there is a double one in the holder (because sometimes you have to put it in double), then hold it with tweezers and slowly pour the warm wax onto the wick so that it is properly soaked.

Let the wax solidify at room temperature.

Cutting the wick: When the candle has completely cooled, cut the end of the wick so that it is about 0.5 cm long. This will help it burn evenly.

Correction: After cooling, it is usually customary to prick the candle around the wick (even with a toothpick), then melt the top with a heat gun so that the trapped air bubbles come up, thus ensuring perfect burning. You can also decorate the top of the candle at this time. I do not recommend using flammable decorative elements (dried flowers, etc.).

Resting: Let the candle rest for 24-48 hours so that the scents can fully interact with the wax.

Tips:

Always check the compatibility of the wick and wax for perfect burning.

Use natural essential oils if you want to make a natural candle.

Try different shapes, colors and fragrance combinations for more creative results.

Important! Candles should definitely be tested before being sold commercially! This is true for all waxes, all scents and all wicks. Not all waxes behave the same way, even though they are both made from soy wax. Not all fragrance oils have 6% or 8% of each. Test, test, test!

This detailed guide will help you easily make your own scented candle, which will be a decoration and relaxation accessory for your home!