How To Make A Candle From An Orange

Materials needed

Creating a candle from an orange is a unique and eco-friendly way to add a warm and cozy ambiance to your home. Plus, it’s a fun and creative DIY project to try out. Before you can start making your orange candle, gather the following materials:

Oranges: Choose fresh, medium-sized oranges that are firm and have a smooth skin. The scent of the orange will add a delightful aroma to the candle.
Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to cut the orange in half.
Oil: Opt for a heat-resistant oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil. This will serve as the fuel for your candle.
Wick: Get a candle wick or make one by braiding cotton threads together. The length of the wick should be slightly longer than the height of the orange.
Lighter or matches: You’ll need a way to ignite the wick and light your candle.

Keep these materials handy and let’s move on to the next steps of creating your homemade orange candle.

Step 1: Gather the necessary materials

Before you embark on the journey of creating your own candle from an orange, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. By having everything prepared, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable candle-making experience. Here are the materials you’ll need:

Oranges: Choose fresh, medium-sized oranges with a smooth skin. The enticing scent of oranges will not only add a pleasant ambiance to your space but also provide a natural fragrance to the candle.
Knife: You’ll need a sharp knife to cut the oranges in half. Ensure that the knife is clean and free from any residue to maintain hygiene.
Oil: Select a heat-resistant oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil. These oils are ideal for candle-making as they are readily available and have a high burning point.
Wick: Purchase a candle wick from a craft store or create one by braiding together cotton threads. The length of the wick should be slightly longer than the height of the orange.
Lighter or matches: To ignite the wick and light the candle, have a lighter or matches on hand. Make sure to exercise caution and keep an eye on the flame at all times.

Gathering these materials beforehand will save you time and ensure that you have everything you need to successfully create your own orange candle. So, take a moment to gather these items, and let’s move on to the next step of the candle-making process.

Step 2: Prepare the orange

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to prepare the orange for your candle. Follow these steps to ensure your orange is ready:

Cut the orange: Take a sharp knife and cut the orange in half horizontally. Ensure that your cut is clean and even.
Extract the flesh: Gently scoop out the flesh of the orange using a spoon. Be careful not to damage the skin as it will serve as the candle’s holder.
Clean the inside: Rinse the hollowed-out orange halves with water to remove any residual pulp or juice. This step ensures that the candle burns cleanly and without any unwanted odors.
Pat dry: Use a paper towel to pat dry the inside of the oranges. Removing excess moisture helps the wick and oil to burn more effectively.

By following these simple steps, you have now prepared the orange for your candle. The empty orange halves will serve as the vessel for the candle, allowing the warm glow to shine through the translucent skin. Once you have prepared the oranges, it’s time to move on to the next step in creating your homemade orange candle.

Step 3: Create a wick

Now that you have prepared the orange, it’s time to create a wick for your candle. Follow these steps to make a simple wick:

Gather cotton threads: Take a few cotton threads and bundle them together. You can use regular cotton string or even unravel a piece of cotton fabric to create the wick.
Braid the threads: Start braiding the cotton threads together tightly. The braid should be firm and secure to ensure it doesn’t unravel during the candle-making process.
Trim the excess: Once you have braided the threads, trim any excess lengths so that the wick is slightly longer than the height of the orange. This will allow the flame to burn steadily.
Attach the wick: Place the wick into the center of one of the prepared orange halves. Press it gently into the bottom of the orange to ensure it stays in place.

Creating a wick is a crucial step as it provides the necessary fuel for the candle to burn. By using cotton threads, you create a safe and effective wick that will enable your orange candle to emit a warm and comforting glow. With the wick securely inserted, you are now ready to move on to the next step in the candle-making process.

Step 4: Fill the orange with oil

With the wick securely in place, it’s time to fill the orange with oil, which will serve as the fuel for your candle. Follow these steps to ensure a successful filling process:

Select the oil: Choose a heat-resistant oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. These oils have high burning points, making them ideal for candle-making.
Pour the oil: Slowly pour the oil into the hollowed-out orange half. Fill it up to about three-quarters full, leaving some space at the top for the wick to burn safely.
Allow absorption: Give the oil some time to absorb into the wick. This process ensures that the wick is saturated and ready to burn.
Top up if necessary: If the oil level drops significantly after absorption, add more oil to maintain the desired level.

By carefully filling the orange with oil, you provide the necessary fuel for the wick to burn and create a beautiful flame. Ensure that the wick is fully submerged in the oil to prevent it from burning out prematurely. Now that you have filled the orange with oil, it’s time to move on to the next and final step of creating your homemade orange candle.

Step 5: Light the wick

With your orange candle prepared and filled with oil, it’s time to bring it to life by lighting the wick. Follow these steps to safely ignite the wick:

Ensure a safe environment: Place your orange candle in a stable location away from flammable objects. Clear the surrounding area to prevent any accidents.
Hold the flame: Using a lighter or a match, carefully light the tip of the wick. Hold the flame to the wick until it ignites and begins to burn steadily.
Observe the flame: As the wick burns, observe the size and color of the flame. It should be a gentle, steady flame without excessive flickering or smoking.
Monitor the candle: Keep an eye on your orange candle while it burns. Ensure that the flame stays within a safe height and that the oil doesn’t overflow.

Lighting the wick is the final step in creating your homemade orange candle. Take a moment to appreciate the warm glow and the subtle fragrance that fills the air. Remember to practice caution and never leave a burning candle unattended. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere your orange candle creates and embrace the soothing ambiance it brings to your space.

Step 6: Safety precautions

While creating and enjoying your homemade orange candle, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Keep in mind the following precautions to ensure a safe candle-making experience:

Supervise the candle: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always be present to monitor the flame and extinguish it if necessary.
Place on a heat-resistant surface: Set your orange candle on a stable and heat-resistant surface. This helps prevent any accidental spills or burns.
Keep away from flammable objects: Ensure that the candle is placed away from curtains, fabrics, papers, or any other flammable materials.
Maintain a clear area: Create a safe zone around the candle by removing any clutter or objects that could accidentally come into contact with the flame.
Trim the wick: Regularly trim the wick to ¼ inch to prevent excessive smoke and soot. This also helps maintain a steady and controlled flame.
Extinguish properly: When you’re ready to extinguish the candle, use a snuffer or gently blow out the flame. Avoid smothering the flame with the orange half.

By adhering to these safety precautions, you can enjoy your homemade orange candle without any concerns. Safety should always be a priority when dealing with open flames. With proper care, your orange candle will provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.

Step 7: The benefits of orange candles

Creating a candle from an orange not only adds a unique touch to your home decor but also brings several benefits. Let’s explore some of the advantages of using orange candles:

Natural aroma: The natural scent of oranges provides a refreshing and uplifting aroma. It can help create a calming and stress-relieving atmosphere in your living space.
Eco-friendly: Making candles from oranges is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wax candles. By repurposing citrus fruit, you reduce waste and contribute to a greener environment.
Budget-friendly: Oranges are readily available and affordable, making them an economical choice for candle-making. You can enjoy the cozy ambiance of a candle without breaking the bank.
Safe and natural ingredients: Orange candles are made from natural ingredients, such as oranges and oil, without any harmful chemicals. This makes them a healthier option compared to synthetic fragrances found in some commercial candles.
DIY creativity: Creating your own orange candle allows you to unleash your creativity. You can experiment with different designs, scents, or even incorporate other natural elements like dried flowers or herbs.

By embracing the benefits of orange candles, you can enhance your home with a natural and eco-friendly ambiance. Enjoy the gentle glow and invigorating scent that these homemade candles provide, and revel in the positive impact they have on your well-being.

Step 8: Other creative candle ideas

Creating candles from oranges is just the beginning of your DIY candle-making journey. There are plenty of other creative candle ideas you can explore. Here are a few to inspire your creativity:

Fruit shell candles: Similar to orange candles, you can hollow out other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits and turn them into charming candle holders.
Gel candles: Experiment with making gel candles using transparent gel wax. You can add various decorative elements like seashells, glitter, or small figurines to create stunning visual effects.
Beeswax candles: Beeswax candles offer a natural golden glow and a sweet scent. They are non-toxic and have a longer burn time than paraffin wax candles.
Teacup candles: Repurpose vintage teacups or mugs by turning them into unique candle holders. Fill them with melted wax and place a wick in the center for a cozy and nostalgic ambiance.
Layered candles: Get creative with colors and scents by layering different-colored wax in a jar or container. Experiment with different combinations to create visually appealing and fragrant candles.

These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The world of candle-making is vast and offers endless possibilities. Don’t hesitate to explore different techniques, materials, and scents to craft candles that reflect your personal style and preferences.