How to Make Soy Candles at Home to Sell

Soy candles have become increasingly famous for their long-lasting burn time and clean burning properties. They hold fragrance well, offering a strong and pleasant aroma when burned. Create lovely, sweet-smelling soy candles at home with this easy guide.

Why Choose Soy Wax Candles?

Soy candles are made from soy wax, a natural, renewable resource derived from soybeans. Unlike paraffin wax (derived from petroleum), soy wax burns cleaner, producing minimal soot and no harmful toxins.

A study by the American Chemical Society found that soy-based candles emit significantly fewer pollutants, making them a healthier choice for your home. If you’re curious about how soy wax is naturally made, check out our detailed guide on how to make soy wax from soybeans.

Gather Your Supplies

First things first: let’s gather your supplies. Don’t worry—you won’t need anything too fancy. Here’s the list:

• Soy wax flakes
• Candle wicks
• Essential oils (for fragrance)
• Candle dye (optional)
• A double boiler or microwave-safe container
• A thermometer
• Stirring utensil
• Containers for your candles

Guide to Make Eco-Friendly Soy Candles At Home

Making soy candles with wood wicks at home is a delightful and fulfilling hobby that results in beautiful, personalized candles. Follow these steps to make great handmade soy wax candles with essential oils.

Prepare Your Containers

First, clean and dry your candle containers. Please make sure they are free from dust and debris. Attach the wick to the bottom of the container using a dab of hot glue or a wick sticker. Place the wick in the center and use a wick holder or a clothespin to secure it. This step is crucial for ensuring your candle burns evenly.

Melt the Soy Wax

Measure the amount of soy wax needed for your containers. Melt the wax using a microwave. Heat the wax in 30-second intervals. Now, stir the wax between each interval until melted. Use a thermometer to check the melting point of wax reaches 170-180°F (77-82°C)—this is the sweet spot for melting soy wax.

Add Fragrance and Dye

Add candle dye in melted wax. Stir until the dye is fully incorporated. Now, add 1 ounce of essential oil per pound of wax for fragrance. Stir well to combine.

Pro tip: If you’re using essential oils, ensure they’re candle-safe and check the recommended usage percentage on the label.

Pour the Wax

Allow the wax to cool to about 135-145°F (57-63°C) before pouring it into your prepared containers. Now, pour the wax slowly to avoid mess. Leave a small amount of wax in the melting pot for later use.

Let the Candles Set

Allow your soy wax candles to cool and set for several hours. If the top of the candle sinks or cracks as it cools, reheat the leftover wax and pour a second layer to smooth out the surface.

Trim the Wick

Once the candles are completely set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. It helps the candle burn evenly and prevents the wick from smoking. Your homemade soy candles are now ready to use or gift to loved ones.

Troubleshooting Tips

Did you run into a problem? No worries—here’s how to fix common issues:

• Sinkholes or Cracks: Pour a second layer of wax to smooth the surface.
• Weak Fragrance: Increase the fragrance oil to 10% of the wax weight.
• Uneven Burning: Ensure the wick is centered and trimmed to 1/4 inch before each use.

Summary

Making soy candles at home is more than just a DIY project—it’s a chance to create something beautiful, eco-friendly, and uniquely yours. With this guide, you’ve got everything you need to get started. Light up your space (and your creativity) with your very own handmade soy candles. Have you ever known some amazing soy candle facts? And share your creations with us—we’d love to see what you come up with!

Faqs

What Type of Wick Should I Use?

Cotton wicks can be used for soy candles. For optimal burn, ensure that the wick size matches the diameter of your container.

Are Soy Candles Safe to Use?

Soy candles are generally safe to use. Always burn candles within sight, keep them away from flammable materials, and trim the wick before each use to prevent excessive smoking.

How much fragrance oil should I use?

Typically, you should use about 10% fragrance oil by weight of the wax. This provides a nice scent without overpowering it.