How to Use Essential Oils in Candle Making

Placing essential oils in candles can be a worthwhile task according to HappyNews.com. They state, "There are essential oils that relieve pain, ease stress, energize, improve digestion, and bring about any number of other positive effects." Adding essential oils to a candle is as easy as placing a few drops on the top part of an unscented candle away from the wick. When the wax heats and melts, the aroma is released into the air and it smells so good. However, if you are looking into adding essential oils to candles you are making, just follow the steps below.

There are many ways to make candles and a variety of different ingredients to choose from. However, when it comes to the choice of the type of wax to choose, soy wax is definitely the healthiest choice and best choice for other reasons as well. It is easy to work with, all natural, and burns cleanly with no smoke.

CandleScience offers prepackaged soy wax by the pound, making it easy to store and use as needed. Customer comments regarding the use of this brand of wax compare their homemade candles made with this wax, to the Yankee brand candles, saying they are smooth and creamy looking and hold their scent well.

The key to creating a smooth surfaced candle, is the melting temperature, and getting it just right. Keep in mind that soy wax is a very soft wax and is only appropriate for container candles. It has a melting point of 115 degrees, causing it to melt quickly. Another benefit of soy wax is that it comes in flake form, making it very easy to work with when compared to other waxes.

Step 1 Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water, and place on medium heat.

Step 2 Pour wax flakes into kettle pouring pot. Once water is boiling, lower temperature to a simmer and place kettle in pot of heated water.

Step 3 Stir soy wax as it melts. Once the wax completely melts, add the color chip and stir until completely disolved.

Step 4 Set pouring pot pot aside and place the thermometer in the wax. Wait until temperature on thermometer can be read.

Step 5 Once the wax reaches a temperature of 125 degrees, add the essential oil drops of your choice. The amount of essential oil depends on the strength of the aroma you wish to create. Essential oil goes a long way; 8 to 10 drops per pound of wax is a good place to start. Stir to mix completely.

Step 6 Use a hairdryer to warm the container being used to pour the candle wax into. This will help the wax pour evenly and smoothly. This may also prevent the container from breaking due to a drastic change in temperature.

Step 7 Place the thermometer back into the melted wax. Once the temperature cools to 115 degrees, it is ready to pour.

Step 8 Place the wick in the center bottom part of the container and use a popsicle stick or chopsticks to hold it in place by laying the sticks across the top of the container.

Step 9 Pour the wax slowly and evenly into the container, adjusting wick as needed.

Step 10 The candle will be ready to use in 8 to 10 hours. Trim the wick and light it up!