Candle Making 101: Sourcing Healthy Ingredients & Easy DIY Recipes
How to Make Healthy Candles Using Coconut Wax: A Simple Guide
Candles are more than just a way to light up a room – they can set the mood, create a cozy atmosphere, and even help you relax after a long day. But did you know that many commercial candles contain harmful ingredients that can affect your health? The good news is, you can make your own healthy candles at home using natural ingredients. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of making clean, eco-friendly candles using coconut wax. Be sure to check out the accompanying video on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more DIY tutorials!
Why Natural Wax Matters
When making healthier candles, one of the most important choices you can make is selecting a natural wax. Most conventional candles use paraffin wax, a petroleum derivative. While it's common and inexpensive, paraffin wax can release toxic chemicals into the air when burned, potentially triggering allergies, headaches, and even respiratory issues in some people.
For a healthier alternative, you can opt for natural waxes like soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. Each has its benefits, but today, we’re focusing on coconut wax, which has quickly become a favorite for DIY candle makers due to its clean burn and luxurious feel.
Why Choose Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is a premium wax that offers a creamy, smooth finish, making your candles not only beautiful but also healthier for you and the environment. Here are some key reasons why you should consider using coconut wax:
- Longer Burn Time: Coconut wax burns longer than paraffin, meaning your candles will last much longer.
- Soot-Free: Unlike paraffin wax, coconut wax produces little to no soot, so it won’t release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Sustainable: Coconut wax is eco-friendly, made from renewable resources, and it supports environmentally responsible practices.
How to Measure Your Wax
Before you start melting your wax, it’s important to know how much you’ll need. This depends on the size of your container. Luckily, there’s a simple formula you can use to calculate the amount of wax required.
The 80% Rule
The general rule is to fill your container about 80% of its total size. For example, if your container is 8 ounces, you’ll want to multiply that by 0.80. Here’s the math:
8 oz x 0.80 = 6.4 oz
So, for an 8-ounce container, you’ll need 6.4 ounces of wax. This formula can be applied to any size container you have.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Wax
Now that you know how much wax to use, let’s go over how to measure it accurately. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A scale
- Your container
- Coconut wax cubes
- Set Up Your Scale: Place your container on the scale and make sure to “tare” the weight. This zeroes out the weight of the container so you’re only measuring the wax.
- Add the Wax: Start adding wax cubes to your container until you reach the desired weight (for an 8-ounce container, it’s 6.4 ounces).
- Melt the Wax: Once you’ve measured the correct amount of wax, it’s time to melt it. You can use a double boiler or a wax melter. Heat the wax between 180°F and 200°F until it becomes fully liquid.
Why You Should Subscribe to Our Channel
Making your own candles is a fun, creative process that allows you to control exactly what goes into them. By choosing healthier ingredients like coconut wax, you’re not only crafting a beautiful candle but also making a healthier choice for your home.
For a detailed, step-by-step demonstration of this process, be sure to watch our video tutorial on YouTube. We cover everything from selecting the best wax to measuring and melting, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the perfect candle. Plus, by subscribing to our channel, you’ll get access to a variety of DIY projects and eco-friendly tips to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Click here to watch the full video on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe!
Stay tuned for more DIY tutorials and sustainable living tips!