How to Scent Candles Without Essential Oils (DIY Homemade)

Do you love the smell of scented candles but don’t like the price tag? Or maybe you’re looking for a unique gift that nobody else has? If so, then this blog post is for you!

To make scent candles without essential oils, you can use more natural ingredients such as coffee beans, lemon peels, vanilla extract, dried lavender, rose petals, and tea leaves.

scent candles

This is an excellent project for beginners, and it’s a lot cheaper than buying candles from the store.

So let’s get started!

How to Make Scent Candles without Essential Oils

candle wax
Candles. Credit: canva

Making your candles is a fun and easy way to add personality to your home.

And while essential oils are all the rage these days, you don’t need them to make a great-smelling candle. You might be surprised at how many everyday household items can be used to make your candles smell amazing.

Here are a few of our favorites.

Coffee Beans

coffee beans
Coffee beans. Credit: canva

We all know that coffee beans can make a delicious cup of joe. But did you know that they also make an excellent addition to homemade candles?

Just throw a handful of beans into the bottom of your jar before adding your wax, and enjoy the subtle scent of coffee as it wafts through your home.

Lemons

Lemons are another versatile household item that can be used in various ways.

The fragrance will be strong at first, but it will mellow out as the candle burns. Trust us; your home will smell like summer in no time flat!

Vanilla Extract

For a good reason, vanilla extract is one of the most popular candle flavorings. It’s budget-friendly and has a pleasant, inviting scent that everyone will enjoy.

Add a teaspoon or two to your melted wax, and you’ve got yourself a vanilla-scented candle that would rival any store-bought version.

Dried Lavender

lavender dried
Dried lavender. Credit: canva

Lavender‘s calming scent can help you relax after a long day at work. The fragrance will be subtle, but you’ll still enjoy this classic herb’s lovely aroma.

Tea Leaves

For a more eclectic scent, try using tea leaves in your candle. The mix of earthy and floral notes will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Simply throw a couple of tea bags into the bottom of your jar before pouring in the wax, and voila!

Dried Rose Petals

rose petals
Dried rose petals. Credit: canva

Like tea leaves, a few dried rose petals make for an aromatic mixture that will delight your senses.

Put them in the jar before adding the melted wax, and you’ll enjoy their fragrance in no time.

Cinnamon Sticks

We all know that cinnamon sticks go great in a mug of hot cocoa.

Simply add a few cinnamon sticks to the bottom of your jar before pouring in the melted wax, and you’ll enjoy their spicy fragrance for hours on end.

DIY Homemade Scented Candles

lavender candles
Lavender candles. Credit: canva

Project 1 – Lavender Scent Candles with Beewax Pellets

What You’ll Need: 

  • 1/2 cup of beeswax pellets 
  • A double boiler or Crock-Pot
  • 1/4 cup of coconut oil 
  • 1/4 cup of shea butter 
  • A glass jar 
  • A wick 
  • A chopstick or other long, thin object 
  • A saucepan 
  • A candy thermometer (optional) 
  • A spoon 
  • Your desired fragrance (I like to use dried lavender)

Instructions:

  1. Add the beeswax pellets, coconut oil, and shea butter to your double boiler or Crock-Pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and stir until everything is melted and well combined.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and cool for a few minutes.
  4. Carefully pour the melted wax into your glass jar, leaving a little space at the top for your wick and support.
  5. Insert the wick and ensure that it stays in place by laying down a chopstick or other long, thin object along its length.
  6. Let the candle cool for at least an hour before adding your desired fragrance (such as dried lavender).
  7. Allow the candle to cool completely before using it. Enjoy!

Project 2 – Coffee Bean Candles with Soy Wax Flakes and Vanilla Extract

candle coffee
Coffee candles. Credit: canva

What You’ll Need: 

  • 1/4 cup of soy wax flakes
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • A saucepan or Crock-Pot
  • A glass jar with a metal lid (such as a Mason jar) 
  • Coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, dried lavender, and other fragrant add-ins
  • A wick and wick support (glass weights are great) 

Instructions:

  1. Add the soy wax flakes to a saucepan or Crock-Pot along with your desired fragrances and other add-ins (such as coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, and dried lavender).
  2. Heat the ingredients over low heat, constantly stirring, until everything is melted and combined.
  3. Let the wax cool for a few minutes before pouring it into your jar (leaving some space at the top for your wick).
  4. Insert the wick and use glass weights while the wax sets.
  5. Let the candle cool completely before using it. Enjoy!

Project 3 – Lemon Scented Soy Candles without essential oils

What You’ll Need:

  • 1/2 cup of soy wax flakes
  • A saucepan or Crock-Pot
  • A double boiler (optional but recommended) 
  • A glass jar with a metal lid (such as a Mason jar) 
  • Lemon peels and lemon essential oil (a teaspoon or two is enough) 
  • A wick and wick support (glass weights are great) 

Instructions:

  1. Add the soy wax flakes to a saucepan or Crock-Pot, along with your desired amount of lemon peels and essential oil.
  2. Melt the wax ingredients over low heat, stirring until everything is combined.
  3. Let the wax cool for a few minutes before pouring it into your jar, leaving space at the top for your wick.
  4. Insert the wick and use glass weights while the wax sets.
  5. Let the candle cool completely before using it (and enjoy its lovely lemon fragrance!). 

No matter which project you choose, there’s no doubt that making scented candles without essential oils is a fun and rewarding way to add some fragrance to your home.

So why wait? Get started on your DIY candle-making journey today!

FAQs

How to scent candles without essential oils?

One option is to use a scent like vanilla extract. It’s a natural scent that many people enjoy and doesn’t have any essential oils.

Another option is to blend different scents to create your unique fragrance. You can experiment with different combinations until you find one that you like.

How to scent candles naturally?

Here are a few ways to scent candles naturally:

  1. Add essential oils to the melted wax before pouring it into the containers.
  2. Before adding the wax, place whole spices or herbs (like cinnamon sticks, lavender buds, or rose petals) in the bottom of the candle containers.
  3. Infuse oils with spices or herbs by simmering them on the stovetop for a few minutes before adding them to the melted wax.

How to make fragrance oil for candles

Can you use food extracts to scent candles?

Yes. Food extracts can scent candles.

Many food extracts make great candle scents because they are natural and have a strong aroma. Some popular food extracts that can scent candles include vanilla, peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus.

Some food extracts contain chemicals that can release harmful fumes when burned, so it’s essential to research before using any extract in a candle.

How to scent homemade candles?

There are many different ways to scent homemade candles, but the most popular method is to use essential oils.

  • Essential oils are extracts from plants that have a strong smell and can be used to scent candles or other products.
  • Another way to scent candles is by using fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic chemicals that smell similar to essential oils but don’t have the same therapeutic properties. Fragrance oils can be toxic if ingested, so it’s essential to use them cautiously.
  • Finally, you can also scent candles by adding spices or herbs. This is an excellent option if you want your candles to have a specific flavor or aroma. Some popular spices and herbs that can be used for this

How to capture a scent for a candle?

  1. The first step is to decide what scent you want to capture. Once you have chosen a scent, you must purchase essential oils that correspond to that smell. Lemon, for example, has a bright and refreshing smell, while lavender is known for its calming properties.
  2. Once you have the essential oils, you must set up your work area. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, as the oil’s fumes can irritate. You will also need an oven or stovetop, wax pellets or beeswax pastilles, and a container to melt the wax.
  3. To begin capturing the scent of your chosen essential oil, place one teaspoon of oil into a saucepan and set it on the stove. Heat the oil until it begins to bubble. Then, carefully pour the hot oil into your wax pellets or beeswax pastilles container.
  4. Once the mixture has cooled and set, you can add a wick to your candle and enjoy its fresh scent!

Can the candle scents be customized?

Yes, they can be customized to your preferred scent or scent combination.

Are the candle scents strong and long-lasting?

Yes, they are strong and can last for hours when burned properly.

Are the candles made with natural ingredients?

Yes, they are made with natural ingredients and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

Can these candles be used as a Gift?

Definitely! They come in elegant packaging and make a perfect gift for any occasion.

Can these candles be used for aromatherapy purposes?

The natural scents can help create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for aromatherapy.

How long do the candles burn on average?

On average, they can burn for approximately 30-40 hours.

Is there a wide variety of candle scents to choose from?

Yes, there is a wide variety to choose from, such as lavender, vanilla, rose, jasmine, and more.

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