To make a DIY citronella candle, melt soy wax, allow it to cool slightly, then stir in citronella and lemongrass essential oils at approximately 6 to 10% of the wax weight before pouring the mixture into a container with a centered wick. Citronella candles work best in calm weather and when placed close to where people are sitting, helping create a more comfortable outdoor atmosphere.
There's something satisfying about spending a warm evening on the patio with a good meal, a favorite drink, and great company. The only thing that tends to interrupt the moment is the constant buzzing of mosquitoes.
I’ve gone through quite a few off-the-shelf patio candles in my day. Some had a noticeably plastic scent, while others burned down before dessert had been served. That's what inspired me to start making my own DIY citronella candles. Amazingly enough, these are pretty simple to whip up, they smell nicer than a lot of bought ones, and you even know what they are to begin with.
If you've been wondering how to make a citronella candle with essential oils, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right wax to getting the fragrance load right for a cleaner, longer-lasting burn.
Why Make Your Own Citronella Candle?
Making a homemade citronella candle isn't just about saving money. It also gives you complete control over the ingredients, fragrance, and overall quality.
But rather than filling my home with synthetic chemicals, I can make a candle scented with nothing but pure essential oils. The effect is a clean and refreshing aroma that’s perfect for outdoor living. Among many of the reasons I like making my own candles:
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Choosing high-quality ingredients
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Customizing the fragrance
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Avoiding unnecessary additives
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Creating thoughtful handmade gifts
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Enjoying a relaxing weekend DIY project
It also feels incredibly rewarding to set light to something you made yourself when friends turn up for a barbecue or spend time relaxing in your backyard over an evening.
Materials You'll Need
Before getting started, gather everything in one place.
Ingredients
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Soy wax flakes
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Citronella Essential Oil
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Lemongrass Essential Oil
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Candle wick
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Wick sticker or glue dot
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Heat-resistant glass jar or metal tin
Equipment
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Double boiler or heat-safe pouring pitcher
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Thermometer
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Stirring spoon
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Wick holder or clothespin
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Kitchen scale
Because soy wax burns very slowly, is a great medium for scent, and is extremely beginner-friendly, it makes perfect sense to select this medium for your next project.
DIY Citronella Candle Recipe
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is adding either too little or too much fragrance.
For a citronella candle recipe with essential oils, aim for an essential oil load of 6 to 10% of your wax weight. This range provides a pleasant scent while helping the candle burn more consistently.
Recipe
Ingredients
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500 g soy wax flakes
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30 to 50 g Citronella Essential Oil
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5 to 10 g Lemongrass Essential Oil
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One cotton wick suitable for your container
Directions
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Melt the soy wax using a double boiler.
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Heat until fully melted.
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Remove from heat and allow the wax to cool slightly.
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Stir in the citronella and lemongrass essential oils.
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Secure the wick in the center of your container.
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Slowly pour the wax into the container.
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Hold the wick upright while the wax begins to set.
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Allow the candle to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours before lighting.
The waiting time is worth it. A properly cured candle generally develops a better fragrance throw and burns more evenly.
Best Essential Oils for Outdoor Candles
While citronella is the classic choice, it isn't the only oil worth using.
Several fresh, citrusy, and herbaceous oils pair beautifully with it.
| Essential Oil | Aroma | Great For |
|---|---|---|
| Citronella | Fresh, citrusy | Primary outdoor candle scent |
| Lemongrass | Bright, lemony | Adds freshness and complements citronella |
| Lemon Eucalyptus | Crisp, clean | Refreshing outdoor aroma |
| Cedarwood | Warm, woody | Adds depth to citrus blends |
| Lavender | Soft, herbal | Balances stronger citrus scents |
Do DIY Citronella Candles Actually Work?
This is probably the most common question I hear.
The honest answer is yes, but with realistic expectations.
A DIY bug repellent candle isn't designed to eliminate every mosquito in your yard. Instead, it helps create a more comfortable area immediately around the candle.
You'll usually notice the best results when:
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The air is relatively still
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The candle is close to where people are sitting
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Several candles are spaced around the patio
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The candle has burned long enough to create a consistent fragrance
If it's particularly windy, the scent disperses quickly, reducing its effectiveness.
Being realistic about what a candle can and cannot do makes for a far more satisfying experience than expecting it to work like a commercial insect control product.
Tips for Making Your Candle Last Longer
Once you've invested the time in making your candle, you'll want to get the most from it.
Here are a few habits that help.
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Trim wick to ¼ inch prior to each use.
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Allow your candle wax to burn to the edge (first burn) before extinguishing.
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Avoid burning for more than four hours at a time.
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Keep the candle covered when not in use.
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Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
These small steps help reduce tunneling and encourage a more even burn.
Can You Add Other Essential Oils?
Absolutely.
As the central role will still be granted to citronella, complement it with other useful oils to add notes for an overall rich scent.
Some combinations I enjoy include:
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Citronella + Lemongrass
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Citronella + Cedarwood
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Citronella + Lavender
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Citronella + Lemon Eucalyptus
Your intent is not to overpower the citronella, but to add just enough scent to your surroundings so that it makes your evening a bit more enjoyable.
Safety Tips
Hot wax is actually quite easy to use, but there are a few safety tips to remember.
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Always use heat-resistant containers designed for candles.
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Never add essential oils to extremely hot wax, as excessive heat may affect the aroma.
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Burn candles on a stable, heat-safe surface.
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Keep burning candles away from curtains and other flammable materials.
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Never leave a burning candle unattended.
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Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
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Extinguish candles before leaving the area.
Final Thoughts
Making a DIY outdoor candle with essential oils is one of those projects that's both practical and enjoyable. This is an opportunity for personalization of scent, a chance to use marvelous materials and an opportunity to gift wonderful scents for your outdoor evenings.
If you're trying a citronella soy candle DIY project for the first time, keep it simple. Start with soy wax, a quality wick, and a blend of citronella and lemongrass essential oils. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with other complementary scents to create a candle that's uniquely yours.
