DIY Soy Candles: A Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Tutorial
Introduction: Last year, I shared a tutorial on crafting beeswax candles, and this year, I’m excited to guide you through creating your own soy candles. I appreciate both types of candles, but I’ve found that soy candles burn more evenly in small glass jars and are cost-effective when bought in bulk. While nothing quite matches the aroma of beeswax, soy candles excel at transmitting the scents of essential oils, allowing for endless personalization options.
Cost Savings: As shared on my Instagram, making candles can significantly save you money. For just $36, I crafted 6, 8-ounce candles, averaging at $6 per candle. If you reuse the jars, the cost drops to an economical $3.50 per candle. Considering similar candles online go for $25, it’s a budget-friendly option. Read on for the quickest way to clean and reuse your jars in the tutorial below.
Health and Safety Considerations: For health and safety reasons, it’s advisable to avoid using other types of wax. Paraffin wax, a common candle base, emits undesirable chemicals when burned. Opting for clean-burning soy or beeswax candles with organic cotton wicks ensures a cozy atmosphere without compromising air quality.
Recipe for 6, 8-Ounce Soy Candles:
Ingredients:
- Medium-size pot
- Pint-size glass mason jar
- Canning ring
- Approximately 9 cups of unmelted soy wax flakes
- Essential oils (50 drops per 8-ounce jar)
- Wooden popsicle stick
- Newspapers
- 6, 8-ounce amber jars with lids
- Cotton wicks
- Strong glue
- Wooden clothespin
Directions:
Create a double boiler by placing two inches of water in a medium-size pot. Set the glass mason jar on a canning jar ring in the center.
Add 1.5 cups of unmelted soy wax flakes to the jar, making one candle at a time. Double up if using larger jars.
Bring water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat until the wax completely melts.
Protect your workspace with newspapers. Once melted, remove the pot from heat and add essential oils. Mix well with a wooden popsicle stick.
Secure a wick to the bottom of the jar with glue. Thread the top through a clothespin, centering it on the jar.
Carefully pour the melted wax into amber jars, leaving an inch of space at the top. Reposition the clothespin for a centered wick.
Let the wax harden for 1-2 hours. Remove the clothespin, trim the wick to 1/2 inch, and either light the candle or seal the lid for later use.
Tip: To clean jars, place them in the oven at 200°F until the soy wax melts completely. Wipe them clean with a paper towel for a good-as-new finish. Repeat if needed.