Create Your Own Citronella Candle

Create Your Own Citronella Candle

Create your own Citronella Candles and enjoy a natural way to repel insects during warm summer evenings. Made with Citronella Essential Oil and CocoPro Container Wax, these candles are perfect for outdoor spaces, offering a fresh lemony scent while helping to keep mosquitoes at bay. We will be making one 55cl Citronella Candle in this recipe, so we need 500g of container wax, 50g of Citronella Oil, one 55cl Candle Glass, and three Wicks with three Wick Stick Ums.

60

Time to Complete

intermediate

Difficulty

View Project


55cl Matte White Candle Glass – Box of 6 £16.80 ex VAT	Quantity Max: 56 Min: 1 Step: 1	Add to Basket
Citronella Oil Price range: £3.50 through £155.00 ex VAT	Quantity Max: 100 Min: 1 Step: 1	Add to Basket
CocoPro Container Wax Price range: £6.00 through £93.00 ex VAT	Quantity Max: Min: 1 Step: 1	Add to Basket
Wedo ECO 8 Wick Price range: £1.36 through £47.25 ex VAT	Quantity Max: Min: 1 Step: 1	Add to Basket
Wick Stick Ums Price range: £0.55 through £28.00 ex VAT	Quantity Max: 100 Min: 1 Step: 1	Add to Basket

Firstly, prepare your area by gathering all the necessary equipment needed. Using the Wick Stick Ums, attach three wicks evenly to the bottom of your container. Use lollipop stick holders to support your wicks.
Weight out 500g of CocoPro Container Wax and 50g of Citronella Oil. Slowly melt the wax in a wax melter, or in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water. Do not exceed 80°C.
Remove from the heat and once the wax has cooled to 70°C you can add your Citronella Oil. Ensure you mix it thoroughly to ensure that the oil is evenly dispersed in the wax.
Let your wax cool to around 60°C, you can now carefully pour your melted wax into your container and leave to set. We recommend leaving them for at least 24hrs for the best results.
Once set, trim your wick and if needed use a heat gun on the top for a smoother finish.
Enjoy your Citronella Candles!

As warmer weather draws us outdoors, it often brings unwanted guests like mosquitoes and other flying insects. Instead of relying on chemical repellents, why not make your own natural citronella candles?

Citronella essential oil, derived from lemongrass, is widely known for its insect-repelling properties. It works by masking the scents that attract insects, helping to keep them away from your outdoor space. Unlike synthetic repellents, citronella offers a light, refreshing lemon fragrance that creates a pleasant ambience for garden parties, patios, and summer evenings.

These DIY citronella candles are not only practical but also a rewarding and creative project. Using CocoPro container wax and a 10% fragrance load, this recipe produces a beautifully scented 55cl three wick candle.

They’re eco-friendly, customisable, and ideal for placing around outdoor seating areas to create a natural bug-repelling zone.

Why choose citronella candles?

Natural insect-repelling properties
Fresh, uplifting citrus aroma
Safer alternative to synthetic repellents (when used correctly)
Perfect for patios, gardens, and outdoor entertaining
Simple and satisfying to make at home

Always ensure you check IFRA guidelines and legal usage limits for your chosen essential oil before making candles.

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1. Do citronella candles really repel insects?

Yes, citronella candles help repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Citronella oil works by masking the scents that attract insects, making it harder for them to locate you. While they may not eliminate insects entirely, they significantly reduce their presence in small outdoor areas.

2. How much citronella essential oil should I use in candles?

We recommend using 10% fragrance load, depending on your wax and IFRA guidelines. In this recipe, 50g of Citronella Essential Oil is used with 500g of CocoPro Container Wax. Always check the maximum safe usage rate before making your candles.

3. Can I use a different wax instead of CocoPro Container Wax?

Yes, you can use other container waxes such as soy wax or blended waxes. However, melting temperatures, fragrance load limits, and wick sizes may vary, so always test your recipe when switching wax types.

4. Are Citronella Candles safe for pets?

When used correctly in well-ventilated outdoor areas, citronella candles are generally considered safe. However, essential oils can be sensitive for some pets, particularly cats. Always monitor pets and avoid placing candles in enclosed spaces.

5. Why do I need to add fragrance at 70°C?

Adding essential oil at around 70°C helps ensure proper binding with the wax while minimising scent evaporation. Adding it at too high a temperature can reduce scent strength.

6. Why should I pour the wax at 60°C?

Pouring at around 60°C helps reduce surface imperfections, shrinkage, and air pockets. It also improves adhesion to the container.

7. How long should I let my candles cure?

We recommend allowing your candles to set and cure for at least 24 hours before burning. For stronger scent performance, some candle makers prefer curing for 3–7 days.