Making Scented Candles In Plastic Container


It would be hard to find someone who doesn’t love scented candles. They are beautiful, soothing, and work for a long time. But making scented candles from scratch can be challenging. Many of us wonder if it is possible to make scented candles in a plastic container.

It is possible to make scented candles in a plastic container. You can use different shapes, colors, and sizes of plastic containers for your scented candles. However, it is very important that you choose the right type of plastic as normal plastic when in contact with flames can produce toxic fumes.

You might still want to be careful about knowing what type of plastic container to use. If you start without the right tools and recipes, you may end up with a mess. It is important to understand the process before trying it out. Otherwise, there may be safety hazards during the process.

Guide To Make Scented Candles In A Plastic Container

Making scented candles in a plastic container is almost the same as making them in any other container. In the case of plastic containers, you need to keep a few extra things in mind. By maintaining the correct procedure, the candles can be made in a very simple way.

Before starting, you should choose your preferred wax. There are multiple options to choose from. For instance- soy wax, white paraffin, blends of soy and paraffin, etc. Soy is a very good wax for candles as it is a natural product. But it is a tricky wax to use to make scented candles.

Paraffin wax is a little easier to work with. It is great for scented candles as it throws off a great scent. You can use blends of soy wax and paraffin wax according to your preference. This blend is called “para-soy,” which is 70% soy wax and 30% paraffin wax.

After you have selected your preferred wax, you should gather the necessary materials. You will need a double boiler pot, a heat-resistant container, a silicone spatula, essential oils, a candlewick, chopsticks, and your preferred plastic containers.

Step-01: Measure The wax

Before starting the procedure, make sure you have all the materials that you need. From the materials, first, take your desired plastic container to use for measurements. It is very easy to measure wax for making scented candles.

Take the desired container where you want your candle to be. Carefully pour the solid wax into that container. Make sure it reaches up to the spot where you want your candle surface to be. Now use that measured solid wax for the next steps. You can store the rest of the wax for use later.

Step-02: Melt The Wax And Add Scent

Start by preparing your containers before you continue to melt the candles. You should use a heat-resistant container to pour your melted wax into. This will allow you to cool the melted wax down before you pour it into your selected containers.

Take the measured wax and melt it on medium heat using a double broiler. It is the process of melting in a metal bowl that is carefully placed over a saucepan of steaming hot water. While the wax flakes are melting, use the silicone spatula to stir the flakes. Make sure they are getting the heat evenly. In that way, no solid flake will be left behind.

Once the wax has melted thoroughly, use around 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice. Mix the oil properly with the wax. Some popular choices for this step are- lavender essential oil, peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, etc. These essential oils will work as the main base for the fragrance in the candles.

Step-03: Transfer To Your Container And Add Candle Wick

After you are done melting and scenting the candle, let it cool down a little. This step is very important to follow. This is because, if you pour the melted wax directly into the plastic container, it might meltdown. That is why you should remove the container from the heat.

Use your spatula to slowly cool it down. Carefully attach the candle wick to the plastic container. The wick should have a flat metal bottom for it to stay in place. If you are having trouble balancing the wick, you can use a wick centering device to hold it in place.

When the melted wax cools down a bit, carefully pour the solution into your chosen container with the wick. Make sure you are maintaining a safe distance so that the wax does not spill onto you. Slowly fill the container until the melted wax reaches your desired surface. Then you can cut the wick short if it is too long for the candle.

Step-04: Let It Set In A Cool Place

The melted wax may take some time to cool down. You will have to wait until it is set properly before you light up the candle. Otherwise, it may lead to unexpected accidents. So, you must let the candle sit for several hours before it is ready for use.

It may take the candles overnight to get ready for use. Keep the candles in a cold place. You can keep it in the back of your cabinets or shelves. Make sure it is kept someplace where you will not mistakenly drop it. It should be out of reach of small children. Once the candles have been set properly and have hardened up, they are ready to be lit. You can use them easily.

Will Candle Wax Melt The Plastic Container?

It is safe to say that, no, the candle wax will not melt the plastic container. The process is quite similar to that of microwaving your plastic containers. The heat stays at a temperature below the fusion point of plastic.

In simpler terms, as long as you are not using feeble plastic or low-quality plastic containers, you are safe. The temperature of the melted wax will not reach the temperature at which plastic melts, resulting in the safe use of plastic containers for making your scented candles. Make sure to never leave the burning candle unattended.

So, you can go grab your favorite plastic containers to make scented candles in. This use of plastic containers is beneficial as well. It allows you to reuse some of your favorite plastic containers. You can also try out so many different colors, shapes, and sizes for your candles according to your liking.

Use Only Plastic Containers Made For Candles

Not all plastic containers are suitable for making scented candles. Most plastics can be quite flammable. They can burn easily and produce toxic fumes that are harmful to you.

This is why traditionally scented candles are made in glass, or tin containers. But these days you can find some especially made plastic containers made for making scented candles. They work just as well as tin or glass and without the hazardous consequences of using regular plastic.

Other Options To Try Out

If you are looking for more options than plastic containers to use for candles, you are in luck. Candles can be made in so many different containers. You have the full freedom to use the containers that you like. No matter the shape, size, color, or volume, with the right quality, it can become the best container to use to set your candle in.

Some of the famous alternatives to choose from are oven-safe ceramics, glassware, cast iron pots, enamel camping mugs, mason jars, etc. People also widely use pressure canning jars for setting their candles in. However, of all these options, the most widely used container for setting candles in glass jars.

People love to use them because of the aesthetics and the variety that they can come in. It is safe for reuse as well. If you are thinking about starting a business selling scented candles, you might want to keep a variety of options to choose from for your clients.

Conclusion

So, can you make candles in plastic containers? Yes, you can. Making scented candles in plastic containers is not as difficult as it may sound. You just have to follow the right instructions that I’ve provided in this article.

You can try making some for yourself and your friends. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily master the art of making scented candles.

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