DIY: Easily make your own mosquito repellent candle!

With the arrival of warmer weather, evenings on the patio, picnics, and wide-open windows, mosquitoes also make their grand return. At Ely's Candle, we've thought of you with the Tranquil Summer collection, a range of candles and room fragrances designed with a synergy of scents traditionally known to repel summer insects. And if you also enjoy a DIY approach, here are two homemade recipes to create your own citronella candles using vegetable wax and essential oils (more accessible and less expensive).

Mosquito repellent candle made with vegetable wax and citronella essential oils

Ingredients and equipment:

• 200 to 240 g of vegetable wax (preferably soy) in flakes.
• 25 to 30 drops of citronella essential oil.
• 1 cotton or wooden wick (make sure to choose the correct wick size according to the diameter of your container).
• 1 heat-resistant container (approximately 30cl) (glass jar, yogurt pot, ceramic cup…)
  

💡 Good to know: soy wax is 100% plant-based, ideal for an eco-friendly approach.

The recipe, step by step:

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler, stirring gently. Check the temperature of your wax; it should not exceed 100°C. Bring it down to 80°C, which is the ideal temperature.
   
   
2. Prepare the container : secure the wick to the center of the bottom with a dab of hot wax or special adhesive. Use two chopsticks to hold it straight.
   
   
3. When the wax has reached 80-90°C, let it cool slightly (to about 60°C) before adding your essential oils . This prevents them from evaporating and degrading.
   
   
4. Mix gently to fully incorporate the oils.
   
   
5. Pour the wax into the container, keeping the wick straight.
   
   
6. Allow to cool for at least 24 hours at room temperature . Then, trim the wick to approximately 0.5 to 1 cm from the surface.
   

Original variation: Mosquito repellent candle in a lemon

Looking for an even more natural and decorative candle? Try this version made with fresh lemon. Perfect for an outdoor table!

Ingredients :

• 4 fresh lemons
• A few sprigs of thyme
• 35 drops of citronella essential oil
• 300g of soy wax
• 8 cotton wicks (adjust the size of the wick according to the size of your lemon halves).

Preparation steps:

1. Cut the lemons in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the pulp .
   
   
2. Melt the wax in a double boiler as in the previous recipe.
   
   
3. Place the lemon halves on a flat surface and pour the melted wax inside.
   
   
4. Add 5 drops of essential oil to each half.
   
   
5. When the wax begins to solidify, insert the wick in the center.
   
   
6. Sprinkle with fresh thyme , then let cool for 6 hours.

🍋 This natural version is ephemeral, but perfect for an evening or an outdoor picnic.

Practical advice and safety

Properly dosing essential oils

• Do not exceed 10% of the wax weight . Beyond that, it can impair combustion and not improve efficiency.

Safety first

• Use only essential oils suitable for combustion . Avoid those that may be irritating (such as cinnamon or peppermint).
  
  
• Never leave a burning candle unattended , whether outdoors or indoors.
  
  
• For your homemade container candles, be sure to leave the candle burning for at least 1.5 to 2 hours until the entire diameter is melted. This will ensure optimal clean burning.

Customization

• Add natural dyes , dried flowers or aromatic herbs such as rosemary or lavender.
  
  
• Play with scents: citronella, lemon eucalyptus, true lavender, rose geranium… so many repellent and pleasant options.

And if you're short on time or prefer a ready-made, tried-and-tested solution, consider Ely's Candle's " Peaceful Summer " collection: effective and elegant scented candles, formulated to offer you peaceful summer evenings without compromising on olfactory pleasure. All made with non-toxic, French ingredients.