No More Harsh Chemicals Indoors: Make Your Own Fall Candles

Air fresheners like kitchen aerosols and paraffin wax candles fill your house with scents that help create a relaxed, comforting atmosphere during Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, they also release toxic chemicals that can pose a health risk to your family. Learn how you can give your home a lovely smell without the chemicals with this formula for all-natural fall candles.

What You’ll Need

• Several 4-ounce mason jars
• 1 1/2 cups soy wax per jar
• 1 candlewick per jar
• Stainless steel bowl
• Candy thermometer
• 1 tsp. coconut oil per jar
• 50 drops essential oil per jar (such as lavender, grapefruit, and lemongrass)
• Boiling water
• Clothespins

Directions

1. Add some glue to the wick’s metal portion and then glue it to the base of your mason jars.
2. Keep the wicks centered; stabilize them by placing a clothespin on them. Set the jars aside as you melt the wax.
3. Fill a saucepan or medium pot with water and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop.
4. Place the steel bowl over the simmering water and add the wax to it. Allow the wax to melt completely while stirring semiconstantly. Watch the pot closely to ensure the boiling water doesn’t spill out and the soy wax doesn’t catch fire.
5. Once the wax melts, insert a candy thermometer into it. Leave the wax heating up until the thermometer reads anywhere between 175 to 180 degrees.
6. Remove the bowl and the thermometer from the heat.
7. Let the wax cool to a temperature of about 130 degrees.
8. Combine coconut oil with your favorite essential oil or mix of oils. Add this mixture to the melted wax and stir.
9. Pour the mixture of wax and oil into the prepared mason jars, leaving about a quarter inch of space.
10. Let the wax cool completely and then trim the wicks to a desirable height.

By using these homemade fall candles this Thanksgiving, you’ll make your home warm and inviting without compromising your air quality. If you have any questions about home comfort and indoor air quality, don’t hesitate to contact CCAC. We help Coastal Bend homeowners keep their homes safe and comfortable throughout the year.