I love the look and smell of real beeswax candles. As a candle lover, I am drawn to the soft, filtering light they emit and, the fragrance. However, as studies show, artificial fragrances can have a negative impact on our health. Commercial candles are full of artificial fragrances. A 2001 EPA study shows that candles with more fragrance in them produce more soot, which can lead to indoor air pollution.
One way to steer clear of candles made with artificial fragrances is to burn beeswax candles. Yes, they are quite pricey compared to cheap paraffin candles, but they are not hard to make.
Beeswax candles also help purify the air instead of pollute it. They burn clean and emit negative ions when burned. The negative ions help to reduce dust, dander, and mold from the air we breathe.
We’ve written an entire article revealing why beeswax candles are the only type of candles you should consider burning in your home. You can read it here.
How To Make Your Own Beeswax Candles
Supplies
- 1 lb filtered beeswax pellets
- 1/2 cup coconut oil – This Spring Of Life Coconut Oil is currently my favorite.
- 3 half-pint canning jars
- 60 ply cotton braided wick (or a wick that is made for 2-3 inch diameter candles)
- a metal pitcher (or empty can)
- pot large enough to fit your pitcher to use as a double boiler
- bamboo skewers
Instructions
Place the beeswax pellets into the metal candle pitcher or can. Set the pitcher in a large pot and fill it with enough water to come up the outside of the pitcher. Heat the water to a low boil until the beeswax is completely melted.
While the beeswax is melting, glue the wick’s base plate to the bottom of the glass jars.
Twist the excess wick around the bamboo skewer to help hold the wick vertical.
Once the beeswax is completely melted, add in the 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Stir the oils until melted. Let the melted wax and oil cool for about three minutes. Then pour into the jars, leaving a one-inch headspace. Let the candles sit undisturbed for at least 12 hours.
Once the wax is firm, trim the wick to about 1/2 inch.
Light your candles and enjoy!
