Learn how to make DIY scented candles! Candles can change how your room looks and add some much-needed warmth to it. But what makes candles even better? Scents. Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses we have. It can bring back so many memories, calm you down after a long day, or even make you hungry.
Scented candles are available in almost all stores around the country but making your own gives you the creative freedom to create scents that mean something to you personally. DIY scented candles are very easy to make, and you can create any shape, texture, color, or aroma you want, which is the best part!
Read more about how to make candles and the best types of wax for candles.
DIY Scented Candles – Types of Scents
Whether you have made candles before or you're a beginner, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. There are two types of scents that you can add to your DIY candles. Both of these oils are different in how they are made and how much they cost. Ultimately, the type of scent profile you're looking for will dictate what type of fragrance you use.
The best scents for DIY scented candles are:
- Fragrance Oils
- Essential Oils
Fragrance Oils
One of the most common scents used for DIY candle making is fragrance oils. They are readily available in any craft store, and they are pretty easy on the pocket as well. Fragrance oils are especially great for beginner candle makers or those who are more inclined towards mixing a few scents to create a unique blend. Since fragrance oils are synthetic, you can get various scent profiles ranging from fruits and spices to designer colognes and perfumes.
Fragrance Oils – Pros
- Easily available in most craft and aromatherapy stores. Also can be found easily in abundance online.
- A large selection of different types of scents can be found.
- Can be mixed together to create different types of scent profiles.
- Very economical which makes them great for beginners or large candle batches.
- Don’t need a lot for the scent to come through when the candle is burning.
- Can be used for other crafts so will not be wasted.
Fragrance Oils – Cons
- Can be made from natural or synthetic compounds which means you may run the risk of buying oils that may be slightly unsafe.
- Using too much can make the scent profile overpowering.
Essentials Oils
Essential oils are prevalent worldwide for a variety of uses and benefits. These oils are 100% natural and have the essence of the plant that the oil is made from. Essential oils are usually used in candle making to add a natural and safe scent to inhale over more extended periods. If you're looking for a natural alternative to fragrance oils, you can use essential oils. While they do have their drawbacks, they are the safest option.
Essential Oils – Pros
- Are a 100% natural, usually pressed or distilled from different plants.
- Named after different plants so you know exactly what the scent till be like.
- Proven benefits when used in aromatherapy which means you can get added benefits from your DIY scented candles.
Essential Oils – Cons
- Can be very expensive depending on what type of plant the oil is pressed or distilled from.
- Can be made from natural or synthetic compounds which means you may run the risk of buying oils that may be slightly unsafe.
- Using too much can make the scent profile too strong.
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DIY Scented Candles – Terms and Tips
Whenever you're about to undertake a new DIY project, it always helps to know the different terms you may come across. It also makes it much easier to understand tips that can help you succeed. Down below, we're going to go over a few terms that can help you while making your candles and some tips that can help you create the perfect scented candle for yourself.
Terms Used in Candlemaking
- Cold Throw – The amount of scent that is emitted from the candle when it is unlit. You need a candle to have a good cold throw since many of us will smell the candle unlit when buying them.
- Hot Throw – The opposite of the cold throw, the hot throw is the strength of the fragrance that is emitted from the candle when it is lit. This is what a scented candle does so you need to get this aspect just right.
- Fragrance Load – This is the amount of fragrance that you put into your wax mixture. The general rule of thumb is 6% concentration and for beginners, that is what they should stick to. The fragrance load can differ if you're using essential oils and can also depend on the type of wax you're using.
- Sweating – Candle sweating is the formation of little beads on the top or sides of a hardened candle. This pretty much heavily depends on the fragrance load making it even more important to get it right. While this doesn’t impact the burning or throw of the candle, it can take the look down a notch.
DIY Scented Candle Tips
- MEASURING - Always measure your scents and be careful not to add too much as it can alter the way the candle burns. For ease, you can use fragrance load calculators that can be easily found online.
- TEMPERATURES - It is so important to add your fragrance oils at the right temperature. Read the labels always to make sure you are adding at a temperature that will not burn the fragrance oil.
- STIRRING - Make sure to stir constantly when adding your fragrance oils to your wax mixture and keep mixing for 2 minutes to ensure good fusion.
- CURING - Curing candles is important and you need to let your candles cure for 1-2 weeks for the best results.
- LONGEVITY - Natural waxes will usually hold the most scent and so if you're looking to create a candle that lasts a long time, you're better off choosing a natural wax.
How to Make DIY Scented Candles
Now that we know some of the basics, we can finally get down to business! Firstly, we'll go over the supplies that you need for your project so you can have everything ready. Having your supplies ready to go is one of the best ways to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.
For the sake of explanation, we will be making two simple medium-sized scented candles, so the measurements reflect that. If you're looking to make more oversized candles, the general rule of thumb is 6% - 10% of the wax mass should be fragrance oils.
DIY Scented Candle Supplies
Utensils/Tools
- SCALES - Digital kitchen scale to help you keep all measurements as precise as possible.
- THERMOMETER - Candle thermometer for measuring exact temperatures.
- SPATULA - A silicone spatula will help pouring the wax.
- CENTERING DEVICES - Or toothpicks to make sure your wicks stay centered and straight.
- BOILER - Double boiler or candle melting pitcher
- CONTAINERS - Clean jars, ramekins or pots – anything that you want to pour your new candle in.
Candle Supplies
- WAX - 20 Ounces of your choice of wax. This can be soy, paraffin, or a mixture of many.
- WICKS - 2 Pre-waxed cotton wicks
- SCENTS - 2 ounces of your choice of fragrance oil.
How to Make DIY Scented Candles - Step by Step
Step 1 - Measure the Wax
The first thing you need to do is measure your wax out for the number and size of candles you are looking to make. We know what measurements we need, so measure 20 ounces of wax flakes and set them aside.
Step 2 - Melt the Wax
Now you need to start melting your wax. If you're using a candle pitcher, put your measured wax flakes in it and place it in a pan filled with about 2 inches of water. If you are using the double boiler method, make sure your water is at a gentle simmer at most, and use a metal spatula to make sure all your wax is melting evenly.
Once the wax has completely melted, remove it from the heat quickly. This is done to avoid burning your wax or making it too hot. Use your thermometer to ensure your wax mixture comes down to around 125 F to 120 F, and you're ready to add your scents.
Step 3 - Add Scents
Measure out your fragrance oil or oils if you're using a mixture, and make sure you have 2 ounces. Add the fragrance oils to the wax mixture and constantly stir while adding steadily. You will need to mix the scents for 2 minutes to ensure that the fragrance is mixed in properly.
Step 4 - Pour into Containers
When your fragrance is thoroughly mixed in, dip the bottoms of your wicks and place them in the center of your containers. You will need to hold them in place for a few minutes before standing up on their own. Once the wicks have a good hold on the bottom, you can pour your wax mixture in. Once your candle mixture is in, you can use centering devices to ensure your wicks stay centered. Place the candles to the side and let them start to harden.
Step 5 - Trim the Wicks
Wait for an hour, and then you can trim the wicks down to about ¼ an inch to make sure there is an even burn.
Step 6 - Curing
Place your candles in a safe place and let them cure for the next 3 days. Letting them cure for longer is even better, but a minimum of 3 days is needed for the curing to occur and ensure that your end result is perfect.
Once the curing time has passed, you can finally light your candle and enjoy the delicious scents you have added!
DIY Scented Candles – In Conclusion
Whether you want to create a unique blend of scents, or you think scented candles are too heavy on the pocket, making your own DIY Scented Candles is something that can bring your joy for years to come. It is a straightforward process that can lead to an end result that can add warmth to any space in your home. You can create candles with any type of fragrance or essential oils you want, and the whole process is just so customizable. There is a learning curve with making your own scented candles, but once you get the hang of it, and it's not that hard, you will thank yourself for it.
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