DIY Nontoxic Beeswax Candles

Materials You Will Need:

• Pure beeswax (1 lb for 2-3 medium candles)

• Coconut oil (optional, 1/4 cup per pound of beeswax to help the candle burn evenly)

• Candle wicks (100% cotton or hemp wicks; choose the size based on your candle diameter)

• Wick stickers or hot glue (to secure the wick in place)

• Candle jars or molds (glass jars, tins, or silicone molds)

• Double boiler (or a heat-proof glass bowl over a saucepan)

• Wooden skewer or chopstick (to hold the wick in place)

• Essential oils (optional, for added fragrance; 20-30 drops per pound of beeswax)

• Thermometer (optional, but helpful to avoid overheating)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

• Cover your work area with newspaper or a silicone mat to catch any wax drips. Beeswax can be sticky and hard to remove once it hardens.

• Set out your jars or molds, and secure the wicks using wick stickers or a dab of hot glue. Center the wick at the bottom of each jar or mold.

2. Measure and Melt the Beeswax:

• Measure out your beeswax. A pound of beeswax typically makes 2-3 small to medium candles.

• Place the beeswax in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, use a heat-proof glass bowl over a saucepan filled with a few inches of water.

• Heat the beeswax over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Be patient; beeswax melts slowly. Avoid direct heat, as it can burn the wax and alter its scent.

3. Add Coconut Oil (Optional):

• Once the beeswax has melted completely, stir in the coconut oil. This step is optional but recommended, as it helps the candle burn more evenly and prevents tunneling.

• The ratio is typically 1/4 cup of coconut oil per pound of beeswax.

4. Add Essential Oils (Optional):

• If you’d like to add a subtle fragrance, remove the melted beeswax from heat and allow it to cool slightly (to about 150°F or 65°C). This helps preserve the scent of the essential oils.

• Add 20-30 drops of essential oil per pound of beeswax. Popular choices include lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, or cedarwood.

• Stir well to distribute the fragrance.

5. Pour the Wax into Molds or Jars:

• Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared jars or molds. Leave about half an inch of space at the top.

• Use a wooden skewer or chopstick to center the wick. If needed, tape the wick to the skewer to keep it in place while the wax sets.

6. Let the Candles Cool and Set:

• Allow the candles to cool and harden completely at room temperature. This may take several hours, depending on the size of your jars or molds.

• If the wax sinks around the wick as it cools, you can reheat a small amount of leftover wax and pour it over the top to create a smooth surface.

7. Trim the Wick:

• Once the candles are fully set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick ensures a cleaner, slower burn.

Tips for the Best Beeswax Candles:

• Choose the Right Wick: The size of the wick should match the diameter of your candle. A wick that’s too small will cause tunneling, while a wick that’s too large may cause excessive smoke.

• Store Candles Properly: Keep your beeswax candles in a cool, dry place to prevent them from softening or blooming (a white powdery film that can appear on beeswax).

• Burning Tips: Allow the candle to burn until the entire surface melts (the "melt pool") to prevent tunneling. Trim the wick before each use for a cleaner burn.

Why Choose Beeswax Candles?

Beeswax candles are a wonderful, non-toxic option for your home. Unlike paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum byproducts, beeswax is a natural, renewable resource. Here are some additional benefits:

• Purifies the Air: Beeswax candles emit negative ions, which can help neutralize pollutants like dust, mold, and pet dander.

• Long-Lasting Burn: Beeswax burns more slowly than other types of wax, giving you longer-lasting candles.

• Natural Scent: Pure beeswax has a subtle, sweet honey aroma that doesn’t require added fragrances.

Enjoy making your own beeswax candles and filling your home with the warm, soothing glow of this natural, eco-friendly alternative!