How to make natural candles: choosing the best wax to make candles at home
There are several natural waxes to choose from for your homemade candle.
While paraffin may be natural in the sense that it is a petroleum based wax, it has been shown to not be as healthy and does not burn cleanly, so I think we can remove this wax.
The healthiest natural candle waxes are palm, beeswax, soy, and ghee.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of each of these waxes.
Palm in made from the wax of the berry of the palm tree. It is white, totally natural, renewable and clean burning.
Palm wax has a unique crystal structure that is very attractive.
May contain a very high odor load. Some palm waxes can contain up to twice the scent of paraffin or soy wax.
Palm wax comes in granular form, is very easy to work with, and builds up evenly when lit. It requires no additives and cleans up easily with warm soapy water.
Cons of palm wax; the cost of palm wax is a little more than soy wax.
Going back to the manufacture of soy candles, this wax also has many advantages. It burns long, fresh and clean.
Here is a list of advantages one manufacturer gives over their soy wax:
o Made with pure soy, 100% natural
o Longer, cooler and cleaner burning without soot build-up
o Made in the USA with crops grown in the country
o Produced that does NOT contain genetically modified material
o Manufactured in compliance with FDA and Kosher standards
o Easy to clean with hot soapy water removing solvents
o Renewable sustainable resources that require plant growth
o Biodegradable and free of pesticides and herbicides
o Very stable allowing a long shelf life
o Not subject to animal testing
Cons of soy candles:
Some manufacturers claim that soy candles are made without genetically modified material. For most soy waxes, this is only true because after processing there is no DNA left in the wax to assess whether or not the soybeans used were GMO. In the United States in 2002, 98% of the soybean crop was genetically modified (GMO) or non-GMO blended with GMO soybeans. The only reliable source of non-GMO soy is identity preserved or organic certification, these are very few. This means that buying soy wax that is not Identity Preserved or certified organic is supporting the biotech industry. In my opinion, this is a disadvantage of soy wax. I also believe that soy candles made from GMO soy can’t really be called “natural” since their DNA was humanely modified, the fact that the DNA was later removed doesn’t negate that.
Now let’s take a look at beeswax which has been used for candles since ancient times.
It burns slow and clean and has its own sweet fragrance.
It gives more light and heat than other waxes and practically drips less.
Beeswax is the only fuel that emits negative ions when burned and this process cleanses the air of positive ions such as dust, odors, toxins, pollen, mold, mite feces and viruses.
Light a beeswax candle inspired by a spiritual feeling; they have traditionally been the candles of choice in many churches.
Using a sheet of beeswax and rolling it up with a wick inside is such a simple way to start making candles, all you need is a pair of scissors. Making beeswax candles out of sheets is child’s play.
Poured beeswax candles are just as easy to make as candles made with other waxes.
One drawback to beeswax is that the price is significantly higher than other waxes, but this is balanced by the quality it has of burning slower and lasting longer than other waxes. Beeswax can be added to other waxes to increase their burn time. Beeswax candles have their own natural sweet fragrance with which only a few scents blend very well. Beeswax can be purchased in yellow or white. Some of the white beeswax may have been bleached and chemicals added, better check with the supplier.
Bayberry Wax is an aromatic greenish vegetable wax that is removed from the surface of the Bayberry by boiling the berries in water and removing the surface wax. Burning a Bayberry candle to the knot during the holidays is a 300-year-old tradition that is supposed to bring good luck in the coming year. Bayberry wax is recommended for dipped candle making only and may not burn well as votive, tea or pillar candles.
Bayberry wax costs about 4 times more than beeswax. It takes 15 pounds of Bayberries to make one pound of wax. It has a warm, earthy fragrance reminiscent of freshly cut hay, and dries to a beautiful olive green color. A small amount can be added to other waxes to make them harder and impart their green color. This is a pro as there are no other natural candle dyes besides the yellow from beeswax. All natural candles, that is, all-natural candles, are white unless beeswax or bayberry wax has been added.
Ghee lamps have been traditionally used by Sikhs and Hindus for thousands of years as a spiritual practice. Turning on the light dispels the darkness and brings comfort, hope and peace. Lighting a light with cow ghee specifically is said to ensure heavenly radiance and bliss, prosperity, health and happiness.
Ghee is made from unsalted clarified butter. It is easy to make yourself at home or you can buy it at the supermarket. Organic ghee is available. Once one learns how to make a pot candle, they can make a ghee candle. Securing the wick in the middle of the container without glue does the trick. Traditionally the ghee container is earthenware, silver, gold or brass, never stainless steel. The wick traditionally sits at the bottom of the bowl and rests against the side of the lamp rather than standing directly in the middle. I bought a ghee candle made in a small glass jar with a lid that has a center wick and it works well. I would be very careful when resting the wick on the side of a glass container. Ghee is very soft at room temperature and a liquid when heated, so you need a container. My ghee candle burns without the smell of ghee and feels very sweet. Now that I know how to wick the jar, I can keep renovating the candle by adding ghee and wicks or I can make a much bigger one that will burn longer for the same price as the candle I bought from my little store.
Whatever material you use for your candle, don’t let having to decide which wax slow you down in making one! Choose a wax and make a candle, it’s fun, it can save you money, and using the candles brings happiness.