How to Make Soy Candles
Candle making is super easy, you can create it with your favorite scent, and it's an excellent way to re-use your used HAROCARE glass cream jars...
Conventional candles are made of paraffin wax derived from petroleum from crude oil - an industry I try not to support.
I switched to soy candles years ago because, well, I'm Danish, I need my hygge, especially in the dark winter nights, and I don't find the fake battery candle lights provide the same coziness as a genuine candle flame does.
8 reasons why soy candles are better than paraffin candles
Soy-based candles offer soft, natural lighting.
Soy candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than candles made from petroleum paraffin.
Soy won't ruin your walls. The emissions from paraffin candles build up on walls, staining the paint in your home.
Soy is sustainable: Soy is derived from a renewable resource. Look for local brands made with soy that has been grown sustainably and non-GMO.
Soy burns longer: Soy candles might be more expensive, but when you factor in the longer burning time, they're pretty comparable to paraffin.
Soy candles burn evenly.
Soy doesn't produce as much heat - I've heard.
Scent your candles with pure essential oils and enhance the atmosphere with all the health benefits from oils.
Soy Candle Recipe
The SUPPLIES:
Essential oils (optional) I use grapefruit & peppermint
Pouring jug (heat proof)
Saucepan
Pencils
Jars (heat proof)
Directions
Measure out the wax flakes. A good rule of thumb is to double the volume of each candle jar. Or use this formula: Volume of the container (ml) x 0.77 = Soy Wax (g).
Place the wick in the candle center, and make sure to keep it reaches the bottom of the jar.
Wrap the excess wick around a pencil and rest it on the opening of the jar.
Using the double-boiler method, melt the wax over a pot of boiling hot water. A find a Pyrex jug works best for holding the wax to melt because it allows for easy handling.
Stir frequently just until the wax flakes are melted, then remove from heat.
Add essential oils. I prefer a mix of peppermint and grapefruit. I like a subtle scent and use 5 drops of peppermint and 10 drops of grapefruit to 2 cups of wax.
To prevent sinkholes, you can heat the candle jars a bit before you pour the wax. Place the empty jars in a pot and add hot water around them - not into them (Sinkholes in candles occur when the wax cools much too quickly).
Wipe your candle jars, and pour the melted wax.
Leave the candles to cool and set at room temperature over 24 hours before burning.