Make Your Own Citronella Candles

By Author: Cassie Morgan
Total Articles: 2
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Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate mosquitoes 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.
Citronella- You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes.
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.
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.
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.
Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax.
Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do.

Directions:

1.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.
2.Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it.
3.Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella.
4.Releaser - As the wax is melting; spray your releaser into your mold.
5.Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon.
6.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.
7.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.
8.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!
About the Author Cassie Morgan is an avid candle fan who loves making candles in her spare time. Due to her expertise, she also does freelance writing for sites like Candles and Candle Making - a site that offers information about candle making and soap making.