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How to Make Lavender Oil for Candles
Making lavender oil for candles is a simple process that involves infusing a carrier oil with dried lavender buds or blending it with lavender essential oil.
If you’ve been wondering how to make lavender oil for candles, the good news is that you don’t need a chemistry degree or fancy equipment.
You just need dried lavender, a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond, and a little patience.
This homemade lavender oil can then be added to melted wax to create beautifully scented candles that fill your home with a calm, relaxing aroma.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make lavender oil for candles, the best methods to use, and tips to get the strongest scent possible.
Let’s get started.
Why Make Lavender Oil for Candles
Making your own lavender oil for candles gives you full control over the ingredients and the strength of the scent.
Here’s why so many DIY candle makers prefer this approach:
1. It’s All-Natural and Free of Harsh Chemicals
Store-bought fragrance oils often contain synthetic chemicals you can’t pronounce.
When you make lavender oil for candles at home, you know exactly what goes into it.
This is especially important if you’re sensitive to artificial fragrances or want a cleaner burn in your home.
2. You Can Customize the Scent Strength
Making lavender oil for candles lets you decide how strong or subtle the lavender scent will be.
If you love a bold, room-filling lavender aroma, you can use more buds or add a few drops of essential oil.
If you prefer something gentler, you can scale it back.
That kind of control is hard to get with pre-made fragrance oils.
3. It’s More Affordable in the Long Run
Dried lavender and carrier oils are inexpensive, especially if you grow your own lavender or buy in bulk.
Once you learn how to make lavender oil for candles, you can whip up batch after batch without spending a fortune.
How to Make Lavender Oil for Candles: Two Easy Methods
There are two main ways to make lavender oil for candles, and both work beautifully depending on how much time you have.
1. The Cold Infusion Method
This is the slow and steady approach, and it’s perfect if you’re not in a rush.
Start by filling a clean glass jar about halfway with dried lavender buds.
Pour a carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil over the buds until they’re completely covered.
Seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark spot for four to six weeks.
Shake the jar gently every few days to help the oil absorb the lavender essence.
Once the time is up, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
That’s your homemade lavender oil for candles, ready to use.
2. The Quick Heat Infusion Method
If you need lavender oil for candles sooner, the heat infusion method is your friend.
Combine dried lavender buds and carrier oil in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.
Keep the heat low and let the mixture warm gently for two to three hours.
Never let the oil boil, as high heat can destroy the delicate lavender aroma.
Strain the oil through cheesecloth, let it cool, and bottle it up.
You’ve just made lavender oil for candles in an afternoon.
3. The Essential Oil Shortcut
If you want the fastest route to lavender oil for candles, simply blend lavender essential oil with a carrier oil.
A good ratio is about 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Stir it well, and your lavender oil for candles is ready in minutes.
This method gives you a consistent, potent scent every single time.
Tips for Using Lavender Oil in Candles
Once you’ve made your lavender oil for candles, here’s how to get the best results when you actually pour your candles.
1. Add the Oil at the Right Temperature
Wait until your melted wax has cooled to around 185°F (85°C) before stirring in your lavender oil.
If you add it while the wax is too hot, the scent will burn off.
2. Use the Right Amount
A general rule is about one tablespoon of lavender oil per cup of melted wax.
You can adjust this depending on how strong you want your candles to smell.
3. Stir Gently but Thoroughly
Stir your lavender oil into the wax for about two minutes to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
This helps the scent throw stay consistent from the top of the candle to the bottom.
4. Let Your Candles Cure
After pouring, let your candles cure for at least 48 hours before burning.
This curing time allows the lavender oil for candles to bind properly with the wax, giving you a stronger, cleaner scent.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Oil for Candles?
You make lavender oil for candles by infusing a carrier oil with dried lavender buds or blending it with lavender essential oil.
Whether you choose the slow cold infusion, the quicker heat method, or the essential oil shortcut, the result is a beautiful, natural lavender oil you can add to any candle recipe.
Just remember to add it at the right temperature, use enough oil, and let your candles cure for the best scent possible.
Now that you know how to make lavender oil for candles, you can create your own calming, spa-like candles right at home.