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David Fisher is a highly regarded professional soaper with over 15 years of experience, sharing his knowledge of the craft, science, and chemistry of saponification. He currently owns Bath Rabbit Soap Company and is the author of "The Complete Photo Guide to Soap Making."
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts'Editorial Process
Updated on 09/16/22
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While candles add warmth and light to every space, making your home feel cozier, they don't last forever and can be a little pricey. It's easy to learn how to make candles; they contain three main components: wax, a wick, and acontainer.
There are many different types of candles, and you control what goes into them. So if you're sensitive to fragrance, leave it out. Use soy wax if you're concerned about keeping the air in your home as clean as possible.
Before you start, read through the full instructions for making homemade candles. When you're ready to begin, prep the area where you'll make your candle. Cover the surface with newspaper or a brown paper bag.
After making your first candle, you can get more adventurous and try making different types of candles; be sure to choose the appropriate wax and wick for a more advanced project. Want a more personal touch? You can customize your candle even further by selecting a fragrance or essential oil to scent your candle—the variations of candles you can make are limited only by your imagination and your willingness to experiment.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Pot
- Hot plate or electric stove
Materials
- Wax
- Wick
- Container
- Fragrance (optional)
- Color (optional)
- Skewers or Popsicle sticks
Instructions
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Place the Wick
Before you pour the wax, place your wick into the appropriate vessel. We like to use an empty candle container that was previously used up—it's both eco-friendly and budget-friendly!
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Heat the Wax
Set up the pot over a heat source, such as a hot plate or electric stove. Add the wax and allow it to melt. Add your color and fragrance to the melted wax in the pot, if desired.
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Transfer the Wax
Carefully pour the hot wax into the container. Use skewers or popsicle sticks to help keep the wick in place. Let the wax cool completely and then trim the wick down to size.
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