Citronella is a bright, uplifting fragrance that instantly sets the tone for cheerful summertime gatherings. Create your own Citronella candles with this easy, beginner-friendly tutorial.

Summer is made for spending time outdoors with friends and family, and DIY Citronella candles are a must-have for warm-weather entertaining. Not only are they practical for patios and backyard barbecues, but they also make thoughtful handmade gifts. Keep a few on hand for last-minute occasions—you can truly never have too many Citronella candles during the summer months.

Essential Oil Note

You may substitute candle-approved essential oils for this project. 

Additional Items Needed

• Paper towels

• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

• Stirring spatula

• Scissors or wick trimmer

Wax Blend Note

To help these Citronella candles hold up in warm summer temperatures, we blended Golden Brands 444 soy wax with yellow beeswax using an 80:20 ratio (soy wax to beeswax). This blend increases the wax’s melting point, allowing the candles to remain solid during hot weather.

Directions

Step 1: Calculate Wax Weights

Approximately 16 oz (454 g) of wax is needed to fill three 8 oz candle tins.

• Soy wax (80%)
  16 oz × 0.8 = 12.8 oz (363 g)

• Beeswax (20%)
  16 oz × 0.2 = 3.2 oz (91 g)

Step 2: Weigh the Waxes

Weigh each wax separately for accuracy.

• Place a pouring pitcher on a digital scale and tare it. Weigh 12.8 oz (363 g) of Golden Brands 444 soy wax and set aside.

• Using a second pouring pitcher or container, tare the scale and weigh 3.2 oz (91 g) of yellow beeswax.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Combine both waxes into one pouring pitcher. Melt the wax using a double boiler or hot plate until fully liquefied.

Step 4: Prepare the Candle Tins

While the wax is melting, clean each 8 oz candle tin with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel. Center one ECO 14 wick in each tin using a wick sticker.

Step 5: Add the Fragrance Oil

Once the wax reaches 185°F (85°C), add 1 oz (28 g) of Citronella fragrance oil (approximately a 7% fragrance load). Remove the pitcher from heat and gently stir for 2 minutes to ensure the fragrance is fully incorporated.

Step 6: Pour the Wax

Allow the wax to cool to 160°F (71.1°C), then carefully pour it into the prepared tins, filling up to the embossed ring. Secure each wick with a wick bar.

Tip: To prevent surface cracks, let candles cool slowly and evenly. Place them in a draft-free room with a consistent temperature of 72°–75°F (22.2°–23.9°C).

Allow the candles to cool completely.

Step 7: Finish the Candles

Once fully cooled, remove the wick bars and trim the wicks to ¼ inch (6 mm). Apply a warning label to the bottom of each candle and always follow proper candle safety guidelines.

Your handmade Citronella candles are now ready to enjoy—or gift—all summer long.