A fun, beginner-friendly guide from someone who once spilled all over her kitchen!
You know that feeling when you light a scented candle and after a while your whole house smells like a fresh bakery?
What if I told you that you can make that magic at home?
Hi, I’m Aakriti from Mandy & Co, and I’ve been hand-pouring soy candles in my Gurgaon studio for a few years now. I didn’t start as an expert, rather started with a kitchen mess, a cracked jar, and wax all over myself. But after a few tries and some well searched recipes and blogs, I got it right!
So here’s a no fuss guide on how to make your own scented soy candles at home.
🛒 What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, gather these basic candle-making supplies (most available online on Amazon which I find is best for a beginner):
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Soy Wax Flakes or Soy Chunks
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Candle Wicks (cotton or wooden)
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Fragrance Oil (lavender, vanilla, rose, sandalwood—whatever you love)
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Wick Stickers or Hot Glue
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Candle Jar or Container (heat-safe glass or tin)
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Pouring Pitcher or Old Steel Jug
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Double Boiler Setup (or just a pot and a bowl)
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Thermometer (optional, but helpful)
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Pencil/Skewer (to hold wick in place)
🕯️ Pro Tip: If this is your first time, keep it simple. Don’t splurge on fancy molds. Use an old jam jar or coffee mug!
🧪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Soy Candles at Home
Step 1: Measure Your Wax
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Fill your jar twice with soy wax (flakes or chunks)—that’s the amount you'll need once it melts down.
Personal Tip: I once skipped this and ran out of wax halfway through pouring. Don’t wing it. Trust the double-fill rule.(This is only applicable for flakes)
Step 2: Melt the Wax
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Set up a double boiler (a bowl over simmering water).
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Add the wax flakes to the bowl.
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Stir gently as it melts—it’ll turn into a clear, golden liquid.
🕯️ Keep temp below 85–90°C (185°F). Too hot = fragrance evaporates too fast.
Step 3: Add Your Fragrance
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Once the wax cools slightly to around 65–70°C (150–160°F), add your fragrance oil.
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A good ratio is 8–10% fragrance to wax. (So if you have 100g wax, use 8–10g fragrance.)
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Stir slowly for at least 1–2 minutes so the scent blends evenly.
Pro Hack: Use high-quality fragrance oils made for candles, not essential oils meant for diffusers—they behave differently in wax.
Step 4: Secure the Wick
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Stick the wick in the center of your jar using a glue dot or wick sticker.
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Use a pencil or skewer laid across the top of the jar to hold it upright.
🎯 If the wick leans, your candle will burn unevenly.
Step 5: Pour the Wax
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Slowly pour the melted, scented wax into the container.
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Leave about 1 cm space at the top.
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Keep the wick centered and upright.
Let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours.
Step 6: Trim the Wick & Test Burn
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Trim wick to about ¼ inch (6–7 mm) before lighting.
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Do a test burn—check for smoke, flickering, or tunneling.
🔥 If it burns clean and even—you nailed it, candle genius!
🌿 Why Use Soy Wax?
At Mandy & Co, we only use soy wax and here’s why:
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Natural & non toxic: No paraffin, no nasties
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Burns longer & cleaner: Less soot, more glow
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Sustainable: Made from soybeans, not petroleum
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Great scent throw: Holds fragrances beautifully
It’s basically the plant-based milk of the candle world: clean, kind, and comforting.
💛 Extra Tips from Our Studio:
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Don’t move your candle while it’s cooling. This causes cracks or uneven tops.
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Use pre-tabbed wicks. Makes life so much easier.
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Store your fragrance oils away from light. They last longer that way.
🧠 Frequently Searched Qs (a.k.a. You're Not Alone)
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How do I scent soy wax candles naturally?
Use candle-safe essential oils (in moderation) or high-quality fragrance oils. -
Can I add food coloring or crayons for color?
Nope! These can clog wicks. Use candle dyes or mica powders only. -
Why does my candle have a rough top?
It’s a soy wax quirk. A gentle heat gun or hairdryer smooths it out.
🔥 Final Thoughts
Making scented soy candles at home is fun, calming, and honestly—kind of addictive. You’ll never look at overpriced mall candles the same way again.
So go ahead, start with one candle. Then maybe ten. Then maybe a homegrown brand? (We support that energy. That’s how Mandy & Co started too.)