Citronella: Reclaim Summer Evenings from Pesky Intruders.

Citronella Oil & Candle Guide

Citronella is a refreshing, eco-friendly way to reclaim your summer evenings from pesky intruders.

The Story of Citronella

Imagine a balmy summer evening on your porch. The air hums with the sounds of crickets, the sun dips low, and a soft citrusy breeze lifts your spirit. You strike a match and light a candle—within minutes, the invisible shield of citronella begins its work. The mosquitoes that once buzzed close now hover away, leaving you free to enjoy the night in peace.

Citronella has long been nature’s guardian for outdoor gatherings. Distilled from the tall blades and stems of lemongrass, it brings both utility and delight: a vibrant citrus scent that refreshes the senses while quietly defending your space.

Benefits of Citronella

Effective Mosquito Repellent: Shields against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Fresh, Pleasant Aroma: A lemony, slightly grassy scent that uplifts mood.
Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and non-toxic compared to chemical sprays.
Scientifically Backed: Shown to reduce mosquito landings by up to 40% outdoors.

Practical Candle-Making with Citronella

Key Guidelines:

Dosage: ~0.66 oz (18.7 g) per 8 oz candle.
Blends: Works beautifully with eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint.
Timing: Add essential oil after removing wax from heat (preserves potency).
Mixing: Stir well to ensure even fragrance distribution.

Recipe: Citronella + Lemongrass Candle

Yields: 2 × 8 oz candles (10 oz jars with 3-inch diameter)

Ingredients:

1 lb soy wax
2 ECO-10 cotton wicks (for 3-inch jars)
0.66 oz (18.7 g) citronella essential oil
0.66 oz (18.7 g) lemongrass essential oil
2 heat-resistant containers (10 oz, 3-inch opening)

Instructions:

Prepare Container: Secure wick with holder or clothespin.
Melt Wax: Double boiler method, 180–185°F.
Add Oils: Remove from heat, stir in oils gently for 2 minutes.
Cool & Pour: Let wax cool to ~150–140°F. Pour into jars.
Cure: Let harden and cure 7+ days.
Trim Wick: Keep at ¼ inch before each burn.

Advanced Techniques

Layered Candles: Pour half citronella blend, let set, then top with lavender-citronella mix for a dual-effect burn.
Citronella Citadel: Use multiple smaller candles to create a perimeter of protection outdoors.
Travel Tins: Portable citronella candles for camping, picnics, and festivals.
Infused Wax Chips: Add dried rosemary or eucalyptus leaves to wax for visual beauty and synergistic scent.

Usage Tips

Best Outdoors: Patios, porches, gardens, campsites.
Multiple Candles: Create a circle of coverage for gatherings.
Pre-lighting Ritual: Ignite 20 minutes before sitting outside for maximum effect.
Mood Setting: Pair with herbal teas or journaling for a calm, insect-free dusk.

Citronella Pairings for Candle Blends

Essential Oil Pairing	Aroma Profile	Benefits	Best Use Moments
Lemongrass 🌿	Bright, grassy, lemony	Boosts citronella’s insect repelling	Outdoor dinners, garden parties
Lavender 🌸	Soft floral + citrus	Calming, relaxing, insect defense	Evenings on porch, bedtime outdoors
Eucalyptus 🌬️	Fresh, camphorous	Clears airways, synergistic insect repellent	Camping trips, breezy nights
Peppermint ❄️	Cool, crisp, minty citrus	Energizing, wards off spiders/ants too	Daytime picnics, study outdoors
Cedarwood 🌲	Earthy, grounding	Adds depth, enhances mosquito barrier	Rustic outdoor gatherings