Candle & Soap Making Candle & Soap Making Basics

A Beginner Guide to Candle Making

By
David Fisher
David Fisher

David Fisher is a highly regarded professional soaper with over 15 years of experience, sharing his knowledge of the craft, science, and chemistry of saponification. He currently owns Bath Rabbit Soap Company and is the author of "The Complete Photo Guide to Soap Making."

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Updated on 07/17/24
how to make homemade candles

The Spruce / Caylin Harris

While candles can make your home feel cozier, they don't last forever and can be a little pricey. It's easy to learn how to make candles; they contain three main components: wax, a wick, and a container. Making your own candles also means you can control the types of ingredients as well as the level of fragrance

We have compiled step-by-step instructions for easy candle-making. Be sure to read through all of the steps first to familiarize yourself with the process. And be sure to cover your prep area with newspaper or a brown paper bag before you begin.

After making your first candle, you can get more adventurous and try making different types of candles; be sure to choose the appropriate wax and wick for a more advanced project. Want a more personal touch? You can customize your candle even further by selecting a fragrance or essential oil to add scent—the variety of candles you can make is limited only by your imagination and your willingness to experiment.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pot
  • Hot plate or electric stove

Materials

  • Wax
  • Wick
  • Container
  • Fragrance (optional)
  • Color (optional)
  • Skewers or Popsicle sticks

Instructions

  1. Place the Wick

    Before you pour the wax, place your wick into the appropriate vessel. We like to use an empty container from a previously used candle—it's eco-friendly and budget-friendly!

    Insert the wick into the container for your homemade candle
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris 

  2. Heat the Wax

    Set the pot over a heat source, such as a hot plate or electric stove. Add the wax and allow it to melt. If desired, add color and fragrance to the melted wax in the pot.

    add color and fragrance to melted wax
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris 

  3. Transfer the Wax

    Carefully pour the hot wax into the container. Use skewers or popsicle sticks to help keep the wick in place. Let the wax cool completely, then trim the wick to size.

    pour the hot wax into the candle container
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris 
    holding the wick in place
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris