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Making your own scented candles at home is a fun, creative activity that anyone can enjoy, whether you’re looking to create the perfect home décor item, gift a homemade present to friends or simply try something new. Using soy wax and fragrance oils, you can craft beautiful, aromatic candles that not only look amazing but also fill your space with your favourite scents.
In this blog, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make your first candle using soy wax and fragrance oils. Don’t worry—whether you're a complete beginner or a crafting pro, this process is as easy as it is enjoyable!
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the candle-making process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a simple list of materials and tools:
Ingredients -
Wax - This is the base of your candle. Soy wax is a great choice for beginners because it's easy to work with. It’s also eco-friendly, burns cleanly and holds fragrance well.
Fragrance Oil - Pick your favourite scent! Whether it’s something floral, fruity or spicy, this will give your candle its signature aroma.
Wick - The wick is what burns in the candle. For soy wax, a cotton wick or wooden wick works best.
Wick Stickers or Glue Dots - These will help hold the wick in place at the bottom of your container.
Container - You can get creative here - choose a glass jar, tin, or any heat-resistant container to hold your candle.
Tools -
Pouring Pitcher or Heat-Safe Container - This is where you’ll melt your wax. A double boiler method (pot and heat-safe container) works best.
Thermometer - Temperature matters when adding fragrance oil to the wax, so a thermometer helps you get it just right.
Mixing Spoon or Stick - To stir the wax and fragrance oil together.
Clothespins or Wick Holders - These will help keep your wick straight and centred while the wax cools.
Now that we’ve gathered our supplies, let’s get to the fun part: making your candle!
Prepare Your Workstation
Before you begin, set up a clean and organised workspace. Candle-making can get a bit messy, so lay down some newspaper or paper towels to catch any spills. Make sure you have all your ingredients and tools within reach—this will make the process smoother.
Measure Out Your Soy Wax
The first step is to measure how much soy wax you’ll need. As a general rule, you’ll need about twice as much wax as the size of your container. For example, if you’re using an 8-ounce jar, you’ll need roughly 16 ounces (approximately 454g) of soy wax flakes.
Place your wax in the heat-safe container you’ll be using for melting.
Melt the Wax
Using the double boiler method, place your heat-safe container filled with soy wax into a pot of simmering water. This gently melts the wax without exposing it directly to heat, which helps avoid overheating. Stir occasionally to ensure it melts evenly.
While it’s melting, keep an eye on the temperature using a thermometer. The ideal temperature for soy wax is around 185°F (85°C).
Pro Tip: Avoid microwaving soy wax—though it might seem faster, the double boiler method allows for more control and helps prevent any mishaps like burning or overheating.
Add Your Fragrance Oil
Now comes the most exciting part - adding your fragrance oil!
Once your wax has reached around 185°F, it’s time to add your chosen scent. The fragrance oil will give your candle its aroma, so choose a scent you love!
For the perfect balance, use around 6-10% fragrance oil relative to the weight of your wax.
Stir the fragrance oil into the melted wax for about two minutes to ensure it blends thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Some fragrance oils are stronger than others, so it’s a good idea to start with a small batch and test your scent strength before committing to large quantities.
Attach the Wick to Your Container
While your wax cools slightly, it’s time to prepare your container. Using a wick sticker or glue dot, attach the wick to the centre of the bottom of your container. Make sure it’s firmly in place. To keep the wick centred as you pour the wax, use a clothespin, wick holder or even tape to secure the wick at the top of the container.
Pour the Wax into the Container
Once your wax has cooled to around 50-55° c, it’s time to pour it into your container. Pour slowly and steadily to avoid creating air bubbles. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container (about 1/2 inch) to allow room for the wax to settle.
Let Your Candle Cool and Set
Now that your wax is poured, it’s time for the waiting game. Leave your candle in a cool, undisturbed place to set. It will take a few hours for the wax to harden completely. Keep the wick centred during this time to ensure a smooth burn later on.
Once the candle has set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This is the ideal length for burning your candle—it ensures a clean, even burn without any excess smoke.
Cure Your Candle
While your candle is technically ready to burn now, it’s a good idea to let it cure for at least 2 weeks when using soy wax. This allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax, ensuring a stronger scent throw when you finally light it. The longer the cure time, the better the scent. We know, patience is a virtue!
Burn Your Candle (and enjoy!)
Once your candle has fully cured, it’s time to light it up and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Place your candle in a safe spot, away from drafts and anything flammable, and let the relaxing or uplifting aroma fill your space.
Remember to follow proper candle-burning etiquette - Always trim the wick before each burn, never leave a burning candle unattended and avoid burning it for more than 4 hours at a time to ensure an even burn.
Why Soy Wax and Fragrance Oils Are the Perfect Match
Soy wax is an excellent choice for beginners because it’s easy to work with, burns clean and is eco-friendly. Plus, it has a great scent throw, meaning it holds onto fragrance oil well - giving you a stronger, longer-lasting scent.
Pairing soy wax with high-quality fragrance oils ensures your candle smells amazing from the first burn to the last.
With just a few ingredients and some simple tools, you can create a beautiful, homemade candle that smells fantastic and is sure to impress.
Whether you’re making candles for yourself, as gifts or even starting your own small candle-making business, this DIY project is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of candle crafting. Good Luck!
If you have any questions or need any help or advice, you are welcome to email hello@houseofscent.com or join our Facebook Community.
We aim to build a wonderful community of friendly, helpful, supportive and like-minded scent crafters. Whether you specialise in home fragrance, bath & body products or cosmetics, we are inclusive and everyone is welcome.
Share your creations, tips, get advice and plenty of inspiration for all your fragrance projects. Whether you're a seasoned fragrance fanatic or a newcomer, we're all here to support you every step of the way.
