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How to make citronella candles

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You will need

  • Candle wax
  • Wick
  • Citronella oil
  • Aluminium baking moulds

What to do

  • Spray the mould with Spray & Cook and set aside.
  • Melt the wax in a double boiler.
  • Once it is fully melted, add a couple of drops of citronella oil.
  • Cut the wick into short lengths and dip them into the liquid
  • wax one at a time. Place on a sheet of waxed baking paper.
  • Pour the wax into the moulds.
  • When the wax is slightly set, stick a wick into the centre of each candle.
  • Allow to set until firm to the touch. The time varies depending on the size of your baking moulds.
  • Once set, gently lift the candles out by their wicks.

Tips, tricks and what nots

  • Try using silicone moulds and omit the Spray & Cook. The candles will peel out of the mould when they are set.
  • Smaller candles will float. For a pretty table centrepiece, float them in a glass bowl. The mould inset on the bottom of the candle is visible through the glass bowl.
  • Make an outdoor citronella candle by pouring the melted wax into an old garden pot. First cover the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot with a small pebble. Sure to keep the bugs at bay.
  • Wax and wicks are available at craft shops.
  • Liquid wax is extremely hot (115ºC) and younger kids will need supervision.

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