Make Your Own Citronella Candles

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Author: Cassie Morgan

Article source: http://www.opentopia.com/. Used with author's permission.

Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate mosquitoes while providing a romantic, outdoor setting. Making citronella candles is easy and can cost as little as $0.25 per candle. Follow this step-by-step guide and make your own candles at home in less than 10 minutes:

Materials Needed:

Wax - Any form of all-purpose wax will do. This can be found in the canning section of the grocery store or in a craft or hardware store.

Citronella - You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes.

Mold - This is the container which you will be pouring the hot wax into. The container is your choice, if you want to get fancy you can but a recycled can or glass will also do.

Container for Melting Wax - Nothing specific, a saucepan filled with water or a coffee tin will do.

Wick - Your candle will not work without a wick. You can purchase wicks at any craft store or you can choose to do it yourself by dipping a string or cord into hot wax.

Thermometer - Any form of thermometer will do.

Releaser - Any form of cooking oil or silicone spray will do, as long as it does not have a petroleum base as it may release toxic fumes while burning.

Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax.

Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do.

Directions:

1. Make the Wick - Soak a piece of heavy string or cord into wax and set to dry on a sheet of wax paper. You can also buy candle wicks instead of making them.

2. Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it.

3. Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella.

4. Releaser - As the wax is melting; spray your releaser into your mold.

5. Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon.

6. Pour - Pour the wax into the mold and remember not to fill it to the top. Leave about one inch at the top of the mold.

7. Wicks - Place the wicks into the melting wax. Hold wick in place either using your hand or tie it to a pencil in order to ensure the wick stays upright and does not fall over.

8. Set to dry.

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