Lemons are a fun and sustainable option as a vessel for making candles, and these lemon citronella beeswax candles are perfect to celebrate the start of summer! After these candles have been burned down, both the lemon peel and any remaining beeswax can be composted (after removing any wick tabs, if you’re using them). We use pure beeswax to make our candles and it is my favorite option because it is a natural, renewable resource. My friend Julia / Simply Living Well shared a fantastic version of these candles in her book where she added citronella oil to the wax and garnished with herbs so we’re incorporating that as well. These candles must be burned with care– please be sure to read the safety notes at the end of the tutorial.

Materials:

– lemons
– pure beeswax
– cotton candle wick
– sustainer tabs (optional)
– wooden popsicle sticks
– a heat-proof container to melt you wax in that you’ve designated for crafting (I use this stainless steel pitcher)
– metal cookie cutter
– candy thermometer (optional)
– sharp kitchen knife

Instructions for making beeswax candles in lemons

Step 1: How to melt beeswax using the double boiler method

To melt your beeswax, first place your heat-proof container inside of a larger pot. Place a metal cookie cutter under your container so that it does not sit directly on the bottom of the larger pot. This double boiler set up allows the beeswax to melt slowly and evenly. Fill the larger pot with water so that the bottom of your container is submerged a few inches. Place the beeswax inside of the container along with the thermometer if you are using one. Heat the water and simmer over medium-low heat. You want your beeswax to liquify and reach a temperature between 150°F and 160°F. Make sure that you keep an eye on the wax— pouring at the proper temperature is extremely important to avoid issues such as wax tunneling. If you’re adding essential oils to your wax you may do so now by removing from heat for 5 minutes then mixing in 8 drops citronella oil (per instructions from my friend Julia’s book)

Step 2: How to prepare the lemons and wick

Prepare your lemons and wick while your wax is melting. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut each lemon in half. Scoop out the insides of your lemons. Set the top aside if you are keeping it or compost it. Cut a length of wick for each lemon that is a couple inches longer than the final length that you’ll need. Dip the entire wick into the melted wax, letting the wax saturate the wick for a few minutes. Straighten the wick out and lay on a piece of parchment paper to cool. If you are using sustainer tabs, attach the bottom of the wick to the holder and secure. If you are not using sustainer tabs, position the wick in the center by wrapping the end of the wick around a flat-sided pencil or wooden popsicle stick and balancing the stick across the top of the lemon peel. Make sure that the wicks are straight and centered. Repeat for each lemon.

Step 3: Pouring the beeswax

Carefully pour the beeswax into the first lemon until it reaches your desired height. Straighten the wick immediately if has moved during the process. Let the wax cool and harden while being careful to not disturb it. It may take several hours. Trim the wicks once the beeswax has completely hardened.

Leftover beeswax and cleanup:

I always pour any remaining melted beeswax into a silicone mold to save to use again later. Use a cloth (designated for cleaning wax) to wipe up any remaining wax residue while it is still hot. If you’re using a designated melting pot or pitcher for just wax, you can also just choose to let it solidify inside of the pitcher and then stick it back on the stove to re-melt it at a later time.

Use + Safety:

You will need to use these candles within the first day or two of making them since the lemon will degrade quickly. Place them on a heat safe dish when you burn them and you should always keep an eye on them. Always trim candle wicks to approximately 1/8” before lightning. Supervise children and pets at all times. DO NOT leave a burning candle unattended— citrus peels are inherently flammable so we only make this as a special occasion candle to be burned under tight supervision. When adding any dry ingredients to candles place them away from the wick and completely submerge/encase them in the wax (you can also dip them in wax prior to adding). Keep in mind that several essential oils are flammable including citronella (other examples are lavender, tea tree and all citrus oils) so if you choose to add them, please burn with care and at your own risk.