Citronella Candles

[MommaD]

I am pretty sure that they are a whole different beast than other candles. I have a friend who is wanting me to think about putting some in his store. I want to start thinking and testing NOW if I decide to do it, to be ready by spring. Some pointers on these? I am thinking 8 ounce tins would be best, because they travel, although I see them in the pails in Walmart all the time. In my research, I have seen special wicks for citronella candles. MUST you use these to be successful? Any and all tips would be appreciated.

[SatinDucky]

This was discussed a lot last summer. If you do a search here and in the archives, I'm sure you'll find lots of opinions and tips.

[Scented]

Yeah, one pointer. Burn it outside. Real citronella is ummm a little too much for indoors.

[Tess]

Burn it outside, and keep it far away from pregger peeps. I am doing some testing on these myself for the spring, and I am not using any special wicks. I am wicking up a bit from my normal zincs. I did a small votive just for fun, and IT almost made it the entire duration. I actually think it died due to the sprinkler system drenching it with water.

[jenniejr]

Burn it outside, and keep it far away from pregger peeps. I am doing some testing on these myself for the spring, and I am not using any special wicks. I am wicking up a bit from my normal zincs. I did a small votive just for fun, and IT almost made it the entire duration. I actually think it died due to the sprinkler system drenching it with water.

Oh Tess! Your humor tonight has really made my day!

I am going to start testing citronella in a few weeks. I've already been told to "take it outside".

[diamondgirl_26]

correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I remeber someone saying you can substitute Lemongrass for Citronella. Lemongrass is not as stinky.

[nayarx8]

yeah, you can use lemongrass instead of citronella. and it smells a whole lot better! i tested both citronella and lemongrass on my porch last summer. the lemongrass actually seemed to work better than the cironella. and lemongrass doesnt make me gag when i burn it!

[KJohnson]

So when you make these can you use any kind of wax? Is there something you put in it that smells to repel the bugs?? I have a rewuest to make these for a spring haome and garden show. I have no clue so I better get testing

[SatinDucky]

It's the scent of citronella/lemongras that repels them. And the kind of wax will matter as well. It needs to throw the scent good.

[jenniejr]

correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I remeber someone saying you can substitute Lemongrass for Citronella. Lemongrass is not as stinky.

I was just thinking the same thing!! I remember a discussion about it last year. I am going to try the Lemongrass this time and see how well it works. As long as it keeps the skeeters away ..... I'm okay!!

I guess my only concern is whether the customers will believe the lemongrass works as well as citronella.

[SatinDucky]

I guess my only concern is whether the customers will believe the lemongrass works as well as citronella.

Mix them together with the citronella being just a tiny part. Then tell them it's a "special Citronella mix"

[jenniejr]

Mix them together with the citronella being just a tiny part. Then tell them it's a "special Citronella mix"

Thanks Ducky! You always have the BEST ideas!!

[KJohnson]

would you think IGI Comfort blend would work? It throws AWESOME

[quietgirl2004]

Ive been wanting to try the comfort blend and hear its really messy. Is it a one pour?Much shrinkage or anything?(Sorry not meaning to hijack)

[katiecraft]

Citronella candles I alsways use,

the biggest complaint I have is that they are all in plaes or tins and I want them for my outdoor table so something more decorative..

[Tess]

Mix them together with the citronella being just a tiny part. Then tell them it's a "special Citronella mix"

Why tell them at all? These aren't soaps you don't have to tell them every ingredient. You were right some customers may not think it works as well. I ahve not done the lemongrass personally, it's supposed to smell better, but then just about ANYTHING smells better than Citronella ... Blech!