How to make Long Lasting Scented Candles at Home
If you've ever wanted to fill your space with pleasant, individually custom fragrances while basking in the warmth of a homemade candle, then this is one of the perfect project ideas for making long-lasting scented candles in the comfort of your home. Not only do you choose your custom fragrance and color, but you also know you are using the best ingredients. Let's walk through everything you need to know to craft your own hardy, fragrant candles.
1. Collect your materials and tools. First, you need to gather your materials together. Here's what you will require.
Wax: You will need to choose quality wax. Natural soy wax and beeswax make great candles that will burn longer compared to paraffin wax.
Wicks: Cleaning or even burning may be possible using cotton or wood wicks.Fragrance Oils: Fragrance oils are specifically for candles. You could use essential oils, but sometimes they're not as strong.
Dye (optional): Candle dyes or natural colorants if you like a colored candle.
Candle Containers: Glass jars, metal tins, or other heat-resistant containers.
Double Boiler or Melting Pot: For the safe melting of wax.
Thermometer: Controls temperature exactly.
Stirring Utensil: Silicone spatula or wooden stick.
Glue Dots or Wick Holders: To attach the wick.
2. Selecting the Correct Wax for Longer Life
What's used, in fact affects the life of a candle, and here is a brief guide to a little about that:
Soy Wax: All natural, biodegradable, has a longer clean burn. Best suited for beginners; highly fragrant.
Beeswax: Combines the longest burn times available and has a delicate honey scent. Consider beeswax if you look for more ecological options.
Coconut Wax: It has a good burn and scent throw. It's luxurious but rather pricey.
3. Preparing your candle containers
Your candle is going to burn straight out if prepared properly:
Containers should be clean and dry. Don't let contaminants into your work area.
Lock the Wick: Use glue dots or a tiny drop of melted wax to secure the wick to the center bottom of the container. You can even use a wick holder or chopstick in holding the wick-centered.
4. Melt the Wax
Follow these simple steps for safely melting your wax:
Double Boiler: This will provide you with steady, controlled heat. Put the wax you'll be melting in a suitable melting pot or heat-resistant bowl and set it on top of a pot of simmering water.
Temperature Control: Melt the wax to an estimated temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit (76 degrees Celsius). You want to use a thermometer for this because overheating can both affect safety aspects as well as scent throw.
5. Adding Fragrance and Dye
This is the most important step for having that great scent throw:
Cool Down to Around 150°F (65°C) For Adding Fragrance: Let the wax cool down to about 150°F (65°C). A temperature of this will allow the fragrances to be mixed in without burning off.
Stir Well: To give the candles the desired fragrance, add 1 ounce of fragrance oil per 1 pound of wax and modify to your liking. Stir for at least 2 minutes to thoroughly mix fragrances.
Optional Color: If you're using color, you can add this now and stir until completely incorporated.
6. Pour the Wax
Pour the wax carefully in your prepared vessels:
Slow and Steady: Pouring too fast may create air pockets that may cause an uneven burn.
Leave Space: Leave about a half an inch of headspace at the top of the vessel to prevent it from overflowing.
7. Setting and Curing the Candle
Patience is key for everlasting candles :
Allow it to Set Let the candles set and harden at room temperature. This prevents cracking and allows the wax to set evenly.
Trim the Wick: When the candle is fully set, then you can trim the wick to about ¼ inch. It will give an even burn without giving puffing smoke.
Cure Time: For the fullest scent throw, cure for at least 48 hours before burning your candle. Some candles love curing up to a week or so.
8. Lighting and Caring for Your Candle
Proper care extends the life of your handmade candles:
Burn the first time, burn long enough to let entire surface of wax melt to avoid tunneling.
Trim the Wick: Trim the wick to around ¼ inch each before burning. It prevents soot formation and provides some control over the flames.
Stay away from Drafts: Burn candles without drafts around them to maintain a steady burn.
Making long-term scented candles is not only rewarding but also lets you enjoy a cozy, personalized atmosphere. You'll need to use quality ingredients and techniques and a little patience, but most importantly, enjoy how beautifully your candles will burn and how well they keep their scent going for hours on end.
At Luxurist, we take pride in offering an extensive selection of high-quality candle waxes, including natural soy, beeswax, coconut wax, and more, as well as all the essential supplies needed to create your perfect scented candles at home. Whether you’re a hobbyist or an experienced candle maker, our premium products ensure the best results. Plus, with our fast delivery to the UAE, you can start your candle-making journey without delay and enjoy a seamless shopping experience.