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There’s nothing like lighting a candle in the evening to soothe the senses and fill your home with the scent of lavender, pumpkin spice, or another delightful fragrance. Unfortunately, some candles are also filling the air with something else — toxins.
Many candles sold in stores today are made from petroleum-based paraffin wax, which contains chemicals like benzene and toulene and releases harmful toxins when burned. Plus, certain synthetic fragrances in candles contain phthalates, which can disrupt our hormones and pose other serious health risks.
Fortunately, there’s a solution — making our own all-natural candles at home with beeswax, carnauba wax, or paraffin-free soy. Read on to learn how to make non-toxic candles, starting with a quick look at what makes some candles so hazardous.
What Makes Some Candles Toxic?
Candles may create a soothing and relaxing environment, but unfortunately some candles can be harmful. Paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, is a common culprit in releasing cancer-causing pollutants when burned. This wax can emit toxic substances that have been linked to cancer and respiratory issues.
Unfortunately, non-paraffin alternatives aren’t always safer. Aromatherapy candles, for example, may be scented with synthetic oils that release carcinogenic micro-particles into the air.
Another concern is lead wicks. According to the most recent report on lead in candles from the Environmental Protection Agency, 8% of candles contained lead in their wicks in 2005. Lead is hazardous and should be avoided at all costs.
Now, all this scary info doesn’t mean you have to shun candles completely. There are all-natural candles made from carefully selected ingredients, such as beeswax coconut wax, and soy wax that doesn’t contain paraffin, that are safe to burn.
You can buy non-toxic candles from eco-conscious brands or, if you’re feeling crafty, make your own non-toxic candles at home. Here’s how.
How to Make Non-Toxic Candles at Home
Here are your step-by-step directions for making non-toxic candles, starting with the materials you’ll need:
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make non-toxic candles at home:
- Beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax (avoid paraffin wax, since it’s a petroleum byproduct and can emit harmful toxins when burned)
- Cotton or wooden wicks* (avoid using wicks that contain lead)
- A double boiler or a heatproof glass bowl and a saucepan
- A thermometer (a candy thermometer should work)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Candle jars or containers
*Wooden wicks can be a great alternative to cotton wicks, since they’re made from natural wood, don’t contain any lead, and may have a longer burn time. They also create a lovely crackling sound when you burn them.
Step 1: Prepare your materials
Gather all the materials you’ll need for making non-toxic candles, including beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax, cotton or wooden wicks, a double boiler or heatproof glass bowl, a thermometer, essential oils, and candle jars or containers.
You can find these materials at craft stores, health food stores, natural living stores, or online retailers like Amazon or Etsy. Make sure to choose high-quality materials, as well as wax and wicks that are specifically designed for candle-making.
Step 2: Melt the wax
Melt the wax in a double boiler or heatproof glass bowl over a saucepan filled with water. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and make sure that the wax doesn’t get too hot.
Beeswax should be heated to around 155 – 160°F , while soy wax should be heated to around 180 – 185°F. Coconut wax should be heated to around 140 – 170°F (but no more than 180°F).
Step 3: Prepare the wicks
While the wax is melting, prepare your wicks. Cut them to the right length for your candle containers. If you’re using wooden wicks, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for trimming the wick and placing it in the wax.
Step 4: Add essential oils
Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and add your desired essential oils. For a standard-sized candle, 20-30 drops of essential oils should work. Stir the wax and essential oils together thoroughly so the oils are evenly dispersed.
Step 5: Pour the wax
Place your wicks in the center of your candle jars or containers and hold them in place with a wick holder or chopsticks (be careful not to burn your fingers!).
Carefully pour the melted wax into the jars, filling them to within 1/4 inch of the rim. Once you’ve filled the containers, leave the wax to cool and harden for several hours or overnight.
Step 6: Trim the wicks
Once the wax has hardened, trim the wick to around 1/8 inch. This will help your candle have a clean burn and prevent too much soot from forming.
Step 7: Enjoy your non-toxic candles!
Ah, the best step of all — light your candles and enjoy! Breathe in the natural aromas with the peace of mind that your candles are free of toxic chemicals.
A Few Tips for Making All-Natural Candles
- Beeswax candles have a natural honey scent, while soy wax candles have a more subtle scent. Adding essential oils can create your desired fragrance.
- If you’re using essential oils, opt for high-quality oils that are safe for candle making.
- To avoid any air bubbles in your candles, pour the wax slowly and gently into the jars or containers.
- You can experiment with different containers, such as tea cups or small bowls, to create unique candle shapes. Make sure the container you’re using can handle the hot temperature of the wax without cracking or breaking. Depending on the container, it may be a good idea to heat it before pouring in your wax to decrease the temperature differential.
- Finally, make sure to supervise your candles when burning and keep them away from flammable objects.
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Non-Toxic Candles
Making candles at home may require a bit of a learning curve. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your candle-making goes smoothly.
1. Overheating the wax
Overheating the wax can cause it to discolor or lose its scent. It can also make the wax too hot to handle and increase the risk of fire. A thermometer can help you monitor the temperature and avoid overheating the wax.
2. Using too much fragrance oil
When it comes to how to make non-toxic scented candles, keep in mind that using too much essential oil or fragrance oil can cause the candle to smoke, release soot, or even catch fire. Plus, you don’t want to over-do it on the perfume.
You can avoid this mistake by following the recommended amount of essential oil for the amount of wax you’re using.
3. Pouring the wax too quickly
Pouring the wax too quickly can cause air pockets to form in the candle. This can result in an uneven burn. Pour the wax slowly and steadily to avoid creating air pockets.
4. Using the wrong type of wick
Using the wrong type of wick can cause the candle to burn unevenly or not at all. Be sure to choose the right size and type of wick for the type of wax and container you’re using.
Illuminate Your Space with All-Natural DIY Candles
Making your own non-toxic candles with (or without) essential oils at home is a great way to enjoy candles without worrying about harmful toxins. By using all-natural ingredients and following the right techniques, you can create beautiful and safe candles that you’ll love to burn in your home or give to loved ones as gifts.
Just remember to choose the right materials, follow the instructions, and avoid common mistakes like overheating the wax or using too much essential oil. Happy candle making!
