How To Make Soy Wax Candles With Lavender Oil

Welcome to our guide on how to make soy wax candles with lavender oil. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of creating your soy wax candles, allowing you to enjoy the soothing fragrance and benefits of lavender in your home. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced candle maker, this guide will provide all the information you need to create beautiful and aromatic soy wax candles with lavender.

Here is a quick step for making soy wax candles with lavender oil:

First, Prepare your work area, then Measure the soy wax flakes, Melt the soy wax, Add lavender essential oil, Attach the wick, Pour the soy wax, Allow the candle to cool and set, and finally, Trim the wick.

What is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is a natural alternative to traditional paraffin wax derived from soybean oil. Soy wax has become popular lately due to its eco-friendly and renewable properties. Compared to paraffin wax, soy wax burns more cleanly and slowly, resulting in longer-lasting candles with less soot and toxins. It’s versatility and fragrance-holding capability also make it an ideal option for crafting scented candles.

Benefits of Soy Wax

Soy wax offers several benefits over other types of wax. Firstly, it is a renewable resource that supports sustainable farming practices. Unlike paraffin wax derived from petroleum, soy wax is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, soy wax burns more slowly, allowing your candles to last longer. It also holds fragrance better, providing a stronger and more consistent scent throughout the candle’s lifespan.

Using Lavender in Soy Wax

Lavender is a popular candle-making choice due to its pleasant aroma and numerous therapeutic properties. The scent of lavender is known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. When combined with soy wax, the soothing fragrance of lavender creates a calming ambiance in any space. Whether you want to unwind after a long day or create a serene atmosphere for meditation, soy wax candles infused with lavender are the perfect choice.

Supplies Needed

Before you begin making soy wax candles with lavender, gather the following supplies:

1. Soy wax flakes
2. Candle wicks
3. Candle containers
4. Lavender essential oil
5. Double boiler or microwave-safe container
6. Thermometer
7. Stirring utensil
8. Clothespins or wick-centering devices
9. Labels (optional)
10. Decorative elements (optional)

Ensure you have all the necessary supplies before you start to ensure a smooth and enjoyable candle-making experience.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Make Soy Wax candles with Lavender

Prepare your work area

Set up a clean, organized workspace with ample ventilation. Protect the surface with newspaper or a heat-resistant mat.

Measure the soy wax flakes

Use a kitchen scale to measure the desired amount of soy wax flakes based on the size of your candle container. Aim for a ratio of approximately one ounce of wax per one inch of container diameter.

Melt the soy wax

Melt the soy wax flakes using a double boiler or a microwave-safe container at a low and consistent temperature. Make sure to stir occasionally until the wax is fully melted, ensuring no lumps are in it.

Add lavender essential oil

Once the soy wax has melted, carefully add a few drops of lavender essential oil per ounce of wax. Adjust the amount based on your preference for fragrance strength.

Attach the wick

Dip the metal base of the wick into the melted soy wax, then center and press it firmly onto the bottom of the candle container. Use clothespins or wick-centering devices to keep the wick upright and centered.

Pour the soy wax

Slowly pour the melted soy wax into the prepared candle container, not disturbing the wick. Leave a small space at the top to avoid overflowing.

Allow the candle to cool and set

Let the candle sit undisturbed until the wax has cooled and solidified. This process usually takes a few hours.

Trim the wick

To guarantee a clean burn when the wax has solidified, cut the wick to about 14 inches. Optional: Decorate and label the container with your personal touch.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results when making soy wax candles with lavender, consider the following tips:

• Use high-quality soy wax flakes for optimal burning and scent retention.
• Experiment with different amounts of lavender essential oil to find your preferred fragrance strength.
• Choose a suitable candle container that complements your desired aesthetic.
• Ensure the wick is centered and straight before pouring the wax.
• Allow the candle to cure for at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time.

Safety Precautions

When working with hot wax, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Keep the following precautions in mind:

• Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when handling hot containers or wax.
• Avoid overheating the wax to prevent fire hazards.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of fumes.
• Keep flammable materials away from the candle-making process.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Cleaning Up

Cleaning up after making soy wax candles is relatively simple. Wash the equipment with hot soapy water, such as the double boiler or microwave-safe container. Remove any excess wax by wiping the utensils with a paper towel. Dispose of the paper towel and any remaining wax in the trash.

Storing Soy Wax Candles

Store your soy wax candles in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality. Avoid storing them in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity, as this may affect the candle’s appearance or fragrance.

Enjoying Your Soy Wax Candles

Light your soy wax candle and let the enchanting aroma of lavender fill your space. Whether you’re relaxing with a book, taking a bath, or entertaining guests, the gentle flickering light and the soothing scent will enhance any occasion.

How to Make Lavender Oil for Candles

To make lavender oil for candles, follow these simple steps:

Gather the materials:

• Dried lavender flowers: Approximately 1 cup.
• Carrier oil: Choose a high-quality oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil.
• Glass jar with a tight lid: Ensure it is clean and sterilized.
• Cheesecloth or muslin cloth: For straining the oil.
• Amber glass bottle: To store the final product.

Preparing the lavender-infused oil:

• Slightly crush the dried lavender flowers to release their fragrance.
• Place the crushed flowers in the glass jar.
• Pour the carrier oil over the lavender flowers until fully submerged.
• For two to four weeks, put the jar in a cold, dark area after carefully sealing it.
• Give the jar a gentle shake every few days to help the infusion process.

Straining the lavender oil:

• After the infusion, strain the oil using a cheesecloth or muslin cloth.
• Squeeze the cloth to extract as much oil as possible.
• Discard the leftover lavender flowers.

Storing the lavender oil:

• Transfer the strained oil to an amber glass bottle.
• Ensure the bottle is airtight and store it in a cool, dark place.
• Label the bottle with the date and contents for future reference.

Lavender Candle Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for making lavender candles:

Ingredients:

• Soy wax flakes: 1 pound
• Lavender essential oil: 30-40 drops
• Dried lavender buds: Optional for decoration
• Candle wicks: Pre-tabbed wicks work well

Instructions:

1. Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler or a heat-safe container set in a saucepan of boiling water.
2. Remove the wax from the fire as soon as it has fully melted, and let it cool.
3. Add 30 to 40 drops of lavender essential oil to infuse the scent to the heated wax and thoroughly mix.
4. Optional: Sprinkle a few dried lavender buds at the bottom of the candle container for decoration.
5. Attach the pre-tabbed wick to the bottom center of the candle container using a bit of melted wax as an adhesive.
6. Carefully pour the lavender-scented melted wax into the candle container, ensuring the wick remains centered.
7. During a few hours, let the candle cool and harden entirely.
8. Trim the wick to approximately ¼ inch before lighting the candle.
9. Light the candle and enjoy the soothing aroma of lavender filling the air.

How to Add Dried Lavender to Candles

Follow these steps to add dried lavender to your candles:

1. Prepare your candle wax per the instructions provided with your chosen candle-making kit or recipe.
2. Once the wax has melted completely, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Add dried lavender flowers or buds to the melted wax and stir gently to distribute them evenly.
4. Optional: Reserve some dried lavender flowers for decoration later.
5. Pour the lavender-infused wax into your candle container or mold.
6. If desired, sprinkle a few reserved dried lavender flowers on top of the poured wax for decoration.
7. Insert the wick into the candle’s center and let the wax cool and solidify completely.
8. Trim the wick, and your lavender-infused candle is ready to be enjoyed.

Top 5 Soy Wax for Candle Making

Here are five popular soy waxes for candle-making available on Amazon:

1. NatureWax C-3

A high-quality soy wax with an excellent fragrance throw and smooth finish.

2. Golden Brands 464

Known for its strong scent throw and easy-to-work-with characteristics.

3. EcoSoya Q210

A sustainable soy wax with good adhesion and smooth burn properties.

4. IGI 6006

Blended soy wax is suitable for container candles, offering a good scent throw and minimal frosting.

5. CB-Advanced Soy

A versatile soy wax that produces clean-burning candles with good scent dispersion.

Please note that availability may vary, and it’s always a good idea to read reviews and check specifications before purchasing.

Essential Oil to Soy Wax Ratio

As a general guideline, the recommended essential oil to soy wax ratio for candle making is about 6-10% fragrance load. Here’s an example calculation:

1. Determine the weight of your soy wax: Let’s say you’re using 1 pound (16 ounces) of soy wax.
2. Calculate the fragrance load: Multiply the weight of the soy wax by the desired fragrance load percentage. For a 7% fragrance load, multiply 16 ounces by 0.07, which equals 1.12 ounces.
3. Measure the essential oil: Using a scale or a graduated pipette, measure out 1.12 ounces of essential oil.
4. Add the essential oil to the melted soy wax and stir well to ensure even distribution.
5. Continue with your candle-making process as per your recipe or kit instructions.

Remember that different essential oils have varying scent strengths, so you may need to adjust the fragrance load accordingly.

Top 5 Lavender Soy Candles

While specific product availability may change over time, here are five highly-rated lavender soy candles on Amazon:

1. Chesapeake Bay Candle Scented Candle, Serenity + Calm (Lavender Thyme), Large Jar
2. Paddywax Relish Collection Scented Candle, Medium, Lavender + Thyme
3. Lulu Candles Lavender Fields Highly Scented Candles for Home
4. Mrs. Meyer’s Soy Aromatherapy Candle, Soy Wax and Essential Oils, Lavender
5. LA JOLIE MUSE Lavender Scented Candle

These candles are known for their high-quality soy wax, long burn times, and delightful lavender fragrances. Always read customer reviews and product descriptions to ensure the candles meet your specific preferences.

FAQs

Can I use other fragrances instead of lavender in soy wax candles?

You can experiment with various essential or fragrance oils to create your desired scents.

Can I reuse the leftover soy wax?

You can remelt and reuse the leftover soy wax to make new candles.

How long do soy wax candles with lavender typically burn?

The burning time depends on the size of the candle, but on average, soy wax candles burn for approximately 40 to 50 hours.

Are soy wax candles safe to use around pets?

Soy wax candles are generally considered safe for pets as they produce less soot and toxins than paraffin wax. However, keeping an eye on your pets when burning candles is always a good idea.

Can I gift homemade soy wax candles with lavender?

Absolutely! Handmade soy wax candles with lavender make thoughtful and personalized gifts for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Conclusion

Making soy wax candles with lavender is a rewarding and enjoyable craft that allows you to create personalized scented candles for your home. Following the detailed instructions in this article on how to make soy wax candles with lavender, you may unleash your creativity while enjoying the therapeutic effects and relaxing atmosphere of lavender-infused soy wax candles.