How to Make a Candle Out of Soap
Candles are a way to share memories, make new ones, and create an atmosphere. However, they can be expensive or difficult to find the perfect one for you. What if I told you that making your own candle doesn’t have to be hard?
In this blog post, I will show you how to make a candle out of soap! Read on for more information about the different ways that candles can transform any space into something special.
What Things You’ll Need to Make a Candle Out of Soap?
1. A Candle Holder
You will need a candleholder and some wax to make a candle out of soap. A mason jar is a good option for a candleholder. You can choose the jar size depending on where you want to put the candle. Smaller jars are better, so the wax doesn’t overflow.
2. A Soap Bar (or two!)
You can do a few different things for the actual base of your candle! I first went to my local grocery store and grabbed a few bars of soap. The second thing I did was go to the dollar store and buy a few more bars of soap. Both give off scents that I love! If you are going to use two different kinds of soaps, ensure that they smell good together or separately.
3. A wick
Next, you’ll need a wick! I used what is called 18 gauge floral wire, which worked great as my wick. You can use any kind of wire that you think will work best for your candle. I bought mine on the craft aisle in Walmart for cheap.
4. Wax (I Used This Paraffin Wax)
You’ll need some wax to put into the candle. I used paraffin wax because it’s easy to find at most places and comes in a very cheap bag!
5. An Old Pot and Stove
I chose to use an iron pot that was on my stovetop that never gets used anymore. If you have an iron pot in which you wouldn’t mind burning a little bit of soap, then go for it!
Steps To Follow: How to Make a Candle Out of Soap
Step 1: Cut Soap into Small Pieces
First, you want to cut your large bars of soap into smaller pieces. You can do so by putting the entire bar into a ziplock bag and using a hammer to break it up. I personally recommend letting it sit in the freezer for about ten minutes before doing this because it’s easier!
Step 2: Put Soap Into Pot
Next, you want to put all of the cut-up pieces into a pot. I used an iron pot because I’ve never used it before and didn’t mind purchasing one just for this craft project!
Step 3: Add Water
This next step is optional but recommended because it helps melt the soap bars faster by putting water in with the soaps. It’s your call if you want to put it in or not!
Step 4: Place Wick/Wax On the Top
The next step is to place your wick onto the top of a pot so that it can attach to the soap bars and start melting them into the wax. You’ll need something long enough for this, like a metal wire or a long stick.
Step 5: Melt Soap
This step is probably the hardest one! It requires you to stand by the pot and stir the soap until it melts into the wax. You’ll need to ensure it doesn’t overflow from the pot because this will cause damage to your stovetop if it does!
Step 6: Dip The Wick Into Wax
Once the soap has melted into wax, you can dip your wick into it to see if it will light immediately! Light a piece of paper or a small candle on fire and use that flame to help burn any excess wax off the wick.
Step 7: Mix Your Melted Soap
After you have the wick lit, you can mix your melted soap with the wax already on top of your pot. This step will help create one solid piece for the candle rather than separate layers of different colors.
Step 8: Lay Out Wick
When everything is mixed together and ready to go, you’ll want to lay both ends of the wick out on opposite sides of your candleholder. Cut them to make sure that they are even.
Step 9: Place Wick Into Holder
Now it’s time to place the wick into whatever you decide to use for a holder! I used mason jars, so they were easy for me and didn’t look too bad either!
Step 10: Cut Wick to Match Height
When you have it all in place, make sure that the wick is centered enough so that it can light up your candle and burn evenly down both sides. You may need to trim one end or squash the other end of the wick a little bit to reach this level.
5 Tips To Make Your Candle Soap Last longer:
- Store your candle in a cool, dry place to avoid melting and keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Ensure the top of your candle is always trimmed to ensure even burning.
- If you notice small cracks forming on the surface, don’t throw them away because you may get more than 30 minutes of burn time.
- Don’t leave your candle unattended during burning; extinguish it regularly to prevent it from overheating.
- Be sure to trim the wick before each lighting because leaving too much wick exposed will create a fire hazard.
Frequently Asked Question
Can You Burn Bar Soap Like a Candle?
No, you cannot burn bar soap like a candle. Soap is a type of cleaning agent composed of fats and oils. When burned, these ingredients react with oxygen in the air to create toxic fumes that can harm your health.
Can You Melt Soap in a Wax Burner?
Yes, you can melt the soap on a wax burner. However, it is important to be careful not to overheat the wax burner or the soap. Overheating can cause the soap to liquefy and create a hazardous environment.
Can Perfume Be Used in Candles?
Perfume can be used in candles, but it is important to note that the concentration of fragrance should be low so as not to overpower the candle.
When choosing a fragrance for your candles, it is important to consider the type of candle you are making. For example, if you are using a soy wax candle, you would not want to use a perfume with a strong floral or citrus scent because these scents will be too overwhelming.
Instead, choose a light and delicate fragrance like lavender or jasmine. When choosing a fragrance for your candles, it is also important to keep in mind the season. For example, during the fall season, you might want to choose a pumpkin spice scent, while during the winter season, you might want to choose something like snowflakes or gingerbread.
Can You Put Glitter in Candles?
No, glitter cannot be put in candles. Candles are meant to be used as a decorative items and should not contain any dangerous or toxic substance.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a creative way to use leftover soap, make candles! Soap is the perfect ingredient because it’s both hard and soft. I used my favorite fragrance oil and colorant to create this beautiful candle that smells wonderful.
Check out this blog post on making a candle out of soap to make your own DIY candle soap! There’s no need to buy expensive supplies or wait for long periods; just get creative with your ingredients and enjoy making something beautiful at home.
