How To Make Soy Candles With Essential Oils
Soy candles are a great alternative to traditional candles. They’re made of natural materials, they don’t produce black smoke, and they last longer. In this article, we’ll show you how to make soy candles with essential oils.
What Are the Benefits of Using Soy Wax for Candles?
When you’re making soy candles, you’re using wax that is made from soybeans. There are a few benefits to using soy wax over other types of wax.
First, soy wax is a renewable resource. That means that it can be grown and harvested without damaging the environment. It also means that it’s a sustainable resource, which is important for the future of our planet.
Second, soy wax is biodegradable. That means that it won’t harm the environment when it’s burned and it will also break down quickly once it’s been disposed of.
Third, soy wax burns cleaner than other types of wax. This means that there is less soot produced, and it won’t leave behind any residue on your walls or ceilings.
Read More:How to Store Your Favorite Essential Oil the Right Way!
How to Choose Essential Oils for Your Candles
When it comes to choosing essential oils for your candles, you’ll want to consider the scent profile you’re going for and the properties of the oil itself. For example, if you’re looking for a candle that will boost your energy levels, you might choose oils like lemon, peppermint, or eucalyptus. If you’re looking for a candle to help you relax, on the other hand, you might choose oils like lavender, chamomile, or valerian.
You’ll also want to think about the properties of the oil. For example, lemon is a great oil for cleaning and purifying the air, while lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties. When you’re choosing essential oils for your candles, it’s important to think about both smell and purpose.
The Equipment You Need to Make Soy Candles With Essential Oils
Making soy candles with essential oils is a fun and easy project, but to do it correctly, you’ll need some basic equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A double boiler or saucepan with a glass or ceramic insert
- A stirring spoon
- A Pyrex measuring cup or another heatproof container
- An essential oil blend of your choice
- A thermometer
- Soy wax flakes
- Candle wicks
- Molds or containers
- Clothespins
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soy Candles With Essential Oils
Making soy candles with essential oils is a great way to customize your fragrance and enjoy its aromatherapeutic benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting you started.
First, gather the supplies you’ll need. You’ll want to get soy wax flakes, essential oils of your choice, candle wicks, molds or containers, and a heat source like a double boiler or slow cooker.
Next, measure out your wax flakes into the container and melt them over low heat until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Once the wax has been melted, take it off the heat and add 25-30 drops of essential oil per 1 cup (240 mL) of melted soy wax for stronger scents or 10-15 drops for gentler scents. Mix the oil in thoroughly and stir for about a minute.
After that, place your candle wick into the mold or container,
making sure it is centered and secured with either tape or a wick tab.
Pour the scented wax slowly into the mold or container while you hold
the wick up straight with clothespins or something else similar if needed.
Then leave your candle to cool off completely in an area away from drafts
before moving it onto its final home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Soy Candles With Essential Oils
Everyone makes mistakes, but when it comes to making soy candles with essential oils, certain ones can impede your progress. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how to correct them.
- Not pre-warming the candle vessel: If you don’t pre-warm the container
before pouring the melted wax, it can cause cracks in the glass or other
damage due to thermal shock. To avoid this, use hot water to fill a bowl
with a few inches of water and soak your container in it for 10 minutes. - Not mixing the fragrance oils thoroughly: If the fragrance isn’t mixed properly,
you won’t achieve an even scent distribution. To make sure your scent is evenly
distributed throughout your candle, mix it well with a spoon or a whisk before
adding it to the melted wax. - Overfill/underfill containers: Making sure that you pour at the right temperature
is also important if you want a perfect candle. If your wax is too hot and overfills,
simply wait until it has cooled before adding more wax. On the other hand, if you
pour too little wax and don’t fill up your container completely, you can always melt
some extra wax and top it up after it has cooled down.
Safe Burning and Storage Tips for Using Soy Candles With Essential Oils
Now that you have your soy candles with essential oils made and you’re ready to burn them, keep these safe burning tips in mind before doing so.
Firstly, when lighting your candle, make sure no flammable materials are nearby such as curtains or other combustible items.
On top of that, make sure to always allow the top layer of wax to melt entirely when burning. This prevents a hollow, unsteady pooling of wax from forming in the middle of the candle and ensures even distribution when burning.
Don’t forget to extinguish your candle after four hours of continual use; this preserves its quality and makes sure it burns smoothly each time.
After burning, the wick should be trimmed and the wax must be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Take caution when transporting it too; soy wax is sensitive to heat and may melt if left in hot temperatures for extended periods.
Read More:How to Store Your Favorite Essential Oil the Right Way!
Conclusion
Overall, making soy candles with essential oils is a simple and fun process that can be done in a few hours. With this guide, you will be able to create beautiful and fragrant soy candles that will add a touch of luxury to any room.
