How to Make Candles at Home: A Beginner Guide

Making a simple candle at home needs only a few materials. Read all the steps first and never leave melting wax unattended.

What you need

• Candle wax (paraffin or soy), see our candle raw materials
• A wick of a suitable size for your container or candle width
• A heat-safe container or mould
• A double boiler setup (a pot of water with a heat-safe jug on top)
• A thermometer, a spoon for stirring, and colour or fragrance made for candles (optional)

Steps

1. Prepare the container. Fix the wick in the centre of the bottom and keep it straight, for example with a wick holder or a stick across the top.
2. Melt the wax gently. Heat it in a double boiler, never on direct flame. Stir occasionally.
3. Add colour or fragrance if you want, following the maker instructions and the temperature given for your wax.
4. Pour slowly into the container and keep the wick centred.
5. Let it set without moving it. Larger candles take longer. Trim the wick before first use.

Safety

Hot wax can burn and wax is flammable. Keep children and pets away, keep water away from hot wax, and never heat wax in a closed container. Not sure which wax to use? See paraffin wax vs soy wax.