How to Make Homemade Citronella Candles

These homemade citronella candles are easy to make and will help keep your backyard and outdoor gatherings comfortable. This DIY citronella candle tutorial and video will show you how to make these essential oil infused candles step-by-step for a comfortable and beautifully scented summer outdoors.

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Summer is here, and that means spending more time outdoors on decks, patios and backyards. Of course, that means finding creative ways to stay comfortable while outside, and bonus points if you can do so naturally, avoiding as many toxins as possible!

One of my go-to summer essential oils is Citronella Oil. It’s well known for its use in outdoor candles, sprays, lotions, and other camping and outdoor essentials. These candles highlight the benefits of citronella oil while creating an inviting atmosphere for your outdoor gatherings!

What is Citronella Oil?

Citronella is a relative of Lemongrass, another popular plant to have around your decks and patios due to it’s support in creating a more comfortable outdoor environment. Citronella has a slight citrusy scent that is commonly used to refresh outdoor spaces.

Here’s a few favorite ways to use Citronella essential oil:

outdoor sprays (add some peppermint and lemongrass for added outdoor power)
candles (but you already knew that, haha!)
homemade deodorant (combined with Tea Tree Oil for added strength)
apply it topically before and during outdoor activities

Where to Get Citronella Essential Oil

I’ve used several brands of essential oil in the past, but the only one I’ve trusted for the past 6 years is Young Living because I’ve seen their ‘seed to seal’ process firsthand. They are 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils complete with third party testing and the strictest purity standards… for example, they do pest control using their own oils and weed control by hand!

(Because I believe in these oils so strongly, I gift all new members who join our team with a Premium Starter Kit $25 back as well as a welcome package and tons of other bonuses too! Here’s everything you need to know about this value-packed deal.)

How to Make Citronella Candles (Video)

How to Make Citronella Candles (Tutorial)

Materials:

Natural Soy Wax Flakes (the amount will reduce by about half when melted and cured)
Metal Buckets or heat-proof container of your choice
Wicks
Citronella Essential Oil
Hot glue gun & glue (similar)
Wax pouring pot
pot of water (to use as the outer pot in a double boiler)

Instructions:

Step 1: Using the hot glue gun, affix the wicks to the bottom of the buckets and press firmly into the center of the bucket. If using a larger bucket, use three wicks.

Step 2: Assemble your double boiler– put water in a large pot, and the pouring pot inside. Add wax to the pouring pot. Heat over medium heat until the wax is completely melted.

Step 3: When the wax is melted, add the essential oils. We used about 20 drops per cup of wax. You can add in additional essential oils for even more power and scent such as Purification, Lemongrass, and Peppermint!

Step 4: Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into the buckets (or whatever container you are using.) Secure the wicks with a chopstick or popsicle stick with a clothespin placed over the opening of the bucket to keep them straight. Set in a warm place to cool. If they cool too quickly, they will crack, so try to cool slowly.

Step 5: Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours before burning. The first time you light it, let the candle burn so that there is a wide pool of wax that reaches the edges before you blow it out. This trick will help ‘save’ your candle and prevent holes going down into the middle of your candle.

How to Use Citronella Candles

Place your candles around the porch, deck and patio on tables, and light when you’re outside. Make sure to extinguish flames when leaving the area! Also, if you live in a hot climate or experience hot weather, you will want to store unlit candles indoors to prevent melting.

If you’re spending more time outdoors, I know you’ll love the power of citronella to make your yard more comfortable! Plus the ambiance of candles (when used safely, of course) and light scent of citronella adds to any summer gathering.

I’d love to see your versions, tag me on Instagram and share your creations!