DIY Natural Citronella Candles

Summer is here, and so is her tiny itch-inducing foe the mosquito. While you are out lighting up the night sky with celebratory sparks and bangs, try these natural citronella candles for some relief.

Ingredients

4 8-ounce glass jars with lids

8 wood wicks

4 wood wick clips

4 wood wick sticker tabs

Kitchen scale

20 ounces sustainably sourced beeswax

8 ounces of coconut oil

2 tablespoons lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon spp.)

2 tablespoons citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon nardus or C. winterianus)

1 tablespoon lavender essential oil (Lavandula spp.)

1/2 teaspoon dried lavender (Lavandula spp.) flower

1/2 teaspoon dried lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) aerial parts

1/2 teaspoon peppermint (Mentha x Piperita) leaf

Directions

• Place a wick sticker tab in the center base of each glass jar. Place two wooden wicks in each wick clip and adhere them to the wick sticker tab. 
• Use a kitchen scale to measure 20 ounces of beeswax.
• To safely melt the wax, add the beeswax to a heat-proof container or candle-melting pitcher and place the pitcher filled with wax inside a large saucepan filled with about 2 inches of water. Using the double boiler method, heat on medium to low heat. Stir often with a heat-resistant silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the wax is completely melted. 
• Remove the pitcher or double boiler from the heat after melting. 
• Scoop 8 ounces of coconut oil into the melted wax and stir until blended. 
• Add the essential oils to the coconut beeswax blend and mix thoroughly. 
• Carefully pour the scented wax into each prepared mason jar. 
• Let each citronella candle cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour before trimming the wicks. Cut wood wicks to approximately ⅛-inch above the wax for the best burn rate. 
• Finally, sprinkle the dried herbs (lavender, lemon balm, and peppermint) onto the top of the cooled wax as a decorative and aromatic finish. 

Notes  

• Give your citronella candles at least 3 days to cure before burning. One to two weeks is even better if you can wait longer. 
• Beeswax is nearly impossible to clean up, so consider reserving special pans and utensils for projects involving beeswax. To help with cleanup, wipe as much wax off your materials as possible before running them under hot soapy water.
• Because this recipe calls for large quantities of essential oil, do your research beforehand and try to purchase supplies from companies that practice sustainable harvesting.