Have you ever pulled up a chair to a mouthwatering outdoor meal, only to realize that you are on the menu? Personally, I prefer to eat my shish kabobs without becoming a mosquito snack.
If you feel the same way, these citronella candles are a safe, non-toxic way to repel mosquitos and other flying insects. They’re adapted from my homemade beeswax candle tutorial and super simple to make, but if you don’t want to DIY you can find a handmade option for purchase here that burns for 40 hours.
Does citronella oil really repel insects?
Derived from a cousin of lemongrass, citronella essential oil is distilled from the leaves and stems of the Cymbopogon plant.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Oil of citronella has been in continuous use as an insect repellent with human applications for almost 50 years without any adverse incidents being reported to the EPA.” (1)
However, recent studies suggest that another oil – oil of lemon eucalyptus – may work even better. (2) Since essential oils often have a synergistic effect, I blend both together in my recipe.
How To Make Citronella Candles
This recipe will make two 12 ounce candles (the size of the buckets I used in the above photos) or three 8 ounce candles (the size of a half-pint mason jar).
Equipment
- 1 pound filtered beeswax (If you’re using raw, unfiltered beeswax, here’s how to filter it.)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons to 1 (1/4 – 1/2 ounce) citronella essential oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons to 1 (1/4 – 1/2 ounce) essential oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Large cotton wicks with wick tabs attached for 12 ounce candles, or medium wicks for 8 ounce candles*
- Wick stickers
- Two 12 ounce candles (the size of the buckets I used in the above photos) or three 8 ounce candles (the size of a half-pint mason jar)
* These are the best pre-tabbed (anchored) natural option I’ve found. They are dipped in a little soy wax to make the wicks stiff and easy to work with, which I don’t love simply because I try not to buy soy products. For me that’s just a matter of not wanting to support monoculture crops, but in this instance I don’t think there’s actually any health concern associated with using it. I’ve written the manufacturer and thanked them for working hard to create a quality wick, and I’ve asked them to consider offering a wick dipped in beeswax as well.)
A note on wick size: Beeswax properties can vary a lot depending on when and where it was harvested. I’ve suggested a size based on what’s worked for me, but you may find that a larger or smaller wick works better for you.
Step 1: Prepare your candle jars
The wicks I recommend come with a metal tab attached to the bottom. The tabs keep the wicks from floating as the candle wax melts. Attach one of the stickers to the bottom of the wick tab and then place the wick in the center of your container.
Step 2: Melt beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler
In a double boiler (or large pot of simmering water with a stainless steel bowl or smaller pot resting inside), gently melt the beeswax and coconut oil over low heat.
Step 3: Add citronella
Once the wax is fully melted, remove it from heat and stir in the citronella. Move quickly to the next step – the wax begins to harden as soon as it cools.
Step 4: Pour beeswax mixture
Pour the wax in and check the position of the wick to make sure it is still centered.
Step 5: Set the wick
Use a pencil or chopstick to prop the wick up in the center. My wicks are dipped in wax so they stand up well with just a little support. If you’re using wicks that are not dipped, you may need to tape them to the pencil/chopstick to keep them in place.
Step 6: Allow candles to set
Sometimes if candles cool too quickly they tend to crack down the center. With the galvanized buckets I used for this set that wasn’t an issue at all. However, if you find that your candles do crack while cooling, you can heat your oven to 300F, place them inside and then turn off the oven. The candles will melt just enough to fill in the crack – all you need to do is leave them in there until they’ve completely cooled.
Step 7: Trim wick
Allow your candles to harden for 24 hours, then trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. Allow to cure for another 24 hours before using. When lighting your candle, direct the flame at the base of the wick so that some of wax melts and is drawn up into the wick – this helps it burn properly. Allow candle to burn long enough so the wax melts out to the side of the jar. This helps to prevent tunneling (when the middle melts down with lots of wax left over around the edges). Never leave a candle unattended.
Cleaning Tip: Place any oven proof containers in a warm oven to melt wax that has dried on the sides. Once the wax is melted, wipe it out with a paper towel or old newspaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s possible if you use a wider container that holds 24 ounces and double the amount of beeswax, coconut oil and citronella oil you use. However, I’d definitely recommend the medium wicks instead of the large ones if you are going to have more than one.
I haven’t tested it but candelilla wax might work. It has a similar melting point to beeswax.
These handmade citronella candles burn for 40 hours.
It depends on a lot of factors. If it’s a windy day you’ll likely need more, and if there aren’t many critters out you’ll likely need less.
natural insect repellent/bug spray
Unlike true eucalyptus, which contains high amounts of 1.8 cineole that can cause breathing problems in children, both citronella and lemon eucalyptus are considered safe for children.
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Article Sources:
1. Peters, Paul and Schaefer, Christof (2007) Insect Repellent. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/insect-repellent
2. Marta, Ferreira Maia and Moore, Sarah J. Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3059459/
Kaitlin
Love the idea of making my own citronella candles. At the moment I don’t have the time/ energy (chronic illness). Do you know a good company to buy citronella candles from?
Crystalina
Is there another wax I can use? I’m vegan.
Rob
Use soy isnt that what vegans use for everything? You can use any wax. bees wax is just the best as everything that comes from animals is better. Kinda like chicken tastes better then tofu.
Jeannie Larson
Candellia wax is derived from plants. I use it for my extreme Vegan daughters lip balm & sunscreen. Costs the same as beeswax on Amazon
Kim H.
Can you confirm this recipe info please it is a bit confusing. In the ingredients, you have for the citronella essential oil, you have 1-1/2 tsp to 1. Is that 1-1/2 step of citronella per ounce? That would be 1-1/2 tsp x 24 which is a lot of citronella oil. Please clarify on this, or if you can put it into the amount of drops needs for this recipe. Thank you.
Heather Dessinger
Hi Kim, the total amount of essential oil you would use in the recipe (citronella and lemon eucalyptus combined) is 1 tablespoon. That’s 1.5 teaspoons of each combined with 1 pound of beeswax and 1/2 cup coconut oil.
Tammy
Can I use fractionated coconut oil instead of solid coconut?
Heather Dessinger
I think that would make the candles too soft.
Linda
Rob, I wonder what happens when the vegans realize plants have feelings too. I need to study up on this monoculture soy crop. What will we use all our land for if we don’t grow plants. And, how do we know the bees did not get into a non organic plant or field.
Agatha
I’m wondering the same thing.
Wendy
How many candles do you recommend for a small backyard and how far about should I spread them to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Lea
The beeswax you linked to is not available on amazon. Do you remember how much it cost so I can do a price comparison? Love, love this.
Heather
We have citronella plants at each exit. The kids grab a leaf and rub in it on exposed areas. How can I make these with the actual plant?
Heather
How lovely that you have citronella plants! Unfortunately I am not aware of a way to do that without distilling them.
Rajeev
To make citronella essential oil, you need to shade dry the shoots, including the leaves, of the plant.
After they are dry, chop them and add to a solvent; like oil or alcohol. Since you need it for candles, you may use any smell neutral oil.
Heat the mixture to about 100 degree Celsius, for about 10 minutes and allow it to cool overnight.
Strain the oil next day and add more shoots. Repeat the process.
More the repetitions, more concentrated will be the final product.
Andrea
You can look on directions of how to make your own essential oils. Three ways one is put enough oil to cover the leaves and let sit for a month shaking periodically, let sit in crockpot and once a week for four weeks strain and add more leaves, three is put leaves in a pot and cover with oil put over a double boiler and gently boil for five minutes and let sit until cool and then strain. If you feel it’s not strong enough add more leaves and repeat the process.
Elizabeth
What you guys are describing in an infused oil, not an essential oil. Infused oils are great and they serve a purpose, but an essential oil is the actual oil from the plant and can not be made from home with out a distiller.
Jackie
Essential oils aren’t actually an oil, they are just labeled as such because they are hydrophobic – they don’t like water. Technically, they are volatile liquids containing essences of the plant they are derived from. That being said, essential oils can be extracted in many ways, an infused oil will still be effective, even if it isn’t as concentrated as an essential oil, because it is still extracting the essence from the plant, it just isn’t pure essence. But if you use enough infused oil in a recipe, it will probably be as effective as the very little essential oil used in a recipe, particularly if the oil has been infused several times.
Lindsay
The link you give for the beeswax is currently unavailable. Do you have another recommendation as to where to buy on Amazon? Thanks! Excited to make this!
Christy
Can you substitute other oils for the citronella for other scents around the house and would the amount of oil vary based on the fragrance?
Carmine
I love this tutorial Heather! Candle making is quite enjoyable 🙂
Nan M
Maybe I’m just missing it, but where does the 1/2 cup of coconut oil come in? I don’t see it referred to in the directions
J.Adkins
Glad you ask that cause I was wondering also.
Heather
Ohhh, thanks for catching that! The coconut oil should be melted with the beeswax in the double boiler. Updating the instructions now.
Elizabeth
Would these be safe to burn around a 17 month old child?
Thank you
manav bajaj
Any other receipes regarding candle making .kindly do share
Emily
Hi just curious if it truly requires that much essential oil for just two candles? That seems like a lot so just checking! Thanks!
Kizzy
These look perfect for the summer months. I am about to have a go at making some candles so will try this recipe out too.
Sandy Skirlock
These look great for the summer outdoor scene, I will most certainly try these candles and appreciate your posting the recipe for making them. Thank you so much.
Sandy Skirlock
Tara
Hi,
I am glad I have found this recipe as I wasn’t sure on the amount of essential oils to use in my candles. But I’m a bit confused about the measurement. (Might be because I’m in Australia. 😉 )
When you say “1 1/2 teaspoons to 1”, does this mean half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon or 1 and a half teaspoons?
Thanks. 🙂
Heather Dessinger
It means 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon. I see why that’s confusing – hope the candles work well for you!