How to Make DIY Citronella Candles That Repel Mosquitoes
When I think of summer, I think of entertaining on my deck or patio. I just love eating outside in the warm breeze, don't you?
One thing I dislike about it though, are all of those pesky mosquitoes buzzing around ruining my lovely evening! It was time to do something about it!
These DIY citronella candles do the trick and keep the pests away while looking pretty too! These were a blast to create, so be sure to have fun with the process.
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Tools and materials:
- Glass Votives (I used stemless wine glasses)
- Soy Candle Wax
- Balloons
- Long Candle Wicks
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Pencil
- Hot Glue Gun
1. Glue the wick
Apply hot glue to the base of your candle wick.
2. Insert the wick
Insert the candle wick into the center of the glass votive. Adhere the hot glue to the base.
3. Wrap the wick
Wrap the extra length of the wick around a pencil. Rest the pencil along the edge of the glass. This will keep it in place before you pour in your hot wax.
4. Melt the soy wax
Melt your soy wax (according to package directions) in a large pot. Be sure to use a pot that is solely for candle-making. Stir as it melts.
5. Add citronella oil
Once the wax has melted completely, allow it to cool slightly. Add drops of citronella essential oil to the melted wax.
*The rule is 50 drops per 1 cup of unmelted wax chips to keep mosquitoes away.
6. Pour the wax
Pour your candle wax into the glass votive. Fill it 1/4 to 1/2 full.
7. Leave to cool
Let the wax cool and harden for approximately 2 hours.
8. Trim the wick
Trim the wick to 1/4" long with scissors.
9. Add the balloon
Cut the neck off of a standard-size vinyl balloon.
Cut a small amount of the tip off of the other end of the balloon.
Stretch and slide the balloon onto the bottom half of the glass. This can be tricky, and takes a little patience to get it just right!
Remember, it's not meant to be perfectly straight. A part of the fun is it to be on an angle, off-kilter, etc. Think playful!
DIY citronella candles for repelling mosquitoes
Just TRY to get me now mosquitoes! The final product is both fun and functional - two of my favorite things. Now, grab your balloons and give it a try for yourself.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away For Good
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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NO!
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I would be careful using the stemless wine glasses and thin glass, period. First, the glass could (I’ve had this happen with not such thin glass) explode, also, I’m fairly certain the balloon would melt as the candle burns hotter with such thin glass and may ruin the surface you have placed it on.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Where do you get the citronella oil
What is the balloon for?
How to remove sticky at bottom of a glass?