3. Mason Jar Citronella Candles
The Vibe: Practical summer magic — beautiful candlelight that also keeps mosquitoes away.
Mason jar citronella candles are one of the most popular and most genuinely useful mason jar backyard decor projects — they combine the warm, atmospheric beauty of candlelight with the very practical function of mosquito repellent. Made from natural citronella essential oil, soy wax, and cotton wicks, these candles are significantly more effective than store-bought citronella products, more beautiful than any commercial option, and cost a fraction of what you would spend on equivalent store-bought candles.
What You Will Need:
- Wide-mouth pint or quart mason jars
- Soy wax flakes (available at craft stores — soy wax has a lower melt point and creates a cleaner burn than paraffin)
- Pre-tabbed cotton wicks sized for the diameter of your mason jars
- Citronella essential oil (not fragrance oil — pure essential oil is necessary for effective mosquito repellency)
- A double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water
- A candy or cooking thermometer
- Wooden skewers or pencils and tape or wick centering tools to keep wicks centered while pouring
How to Create Them:
Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer — remove from heat when the wax reaches 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow to cool to approximately 165 degrees before adding the citronella essential oil — adding it too hot causes the scent to evaporate before the wax sets. Use approximately one ounce of citronella essential oil per pound of soy wax for effective mosquito repellency. Stir thoroughly. Place a pre-tabbed wick in the center of each mason jar, using a wooden skewer balanced across the jar mouth to keep the wick centered. Pour the scented wax slowly into each jar. Allow to cool undisturbed at room temperature for 24–48 hours. Trim wicks to one quarter inch before first use.
Pro Tips:
- Adding a small amount of lemongrass essential oil alongside the citronella enhances the repellent effect and creates a more complex, pleasant scent
- Soy wax candles have a slightly softer surface than paraffin — a small dip or sink hole may appear in the center as the candle cools. Fix by melting a small amount of additional soy wax and pouring a thin top layer
- The first burn of any soy candle should last long enough for the entire surface to melt to the edges — this prevents tunneling in subsequent burns
- Add dried herbs — lemon verbena, rosemary sprigs, or lavender — to the wax before it fully sets for a beautiful natural element that adds to the visual appeal
- Burn in a cluster of three or more for maximum mosquito-repelling coverage in an outdoor area
Materials Cost: Approximately $30–$45 for materials to make eight to twelve candles. Each candle costs approximately $2–$4 to make versus $8–$15 per store-bought equivalent.
Variations: Add lavender essential oil for a blend that repels mosquitoes and moths. Use colored glass mason jars — blue, green, or amber — for colored candlelight. Tie a bundle of dried herbs around the outside of each jar with twine for a farmhouse aesthetic.
Best Placement: Outdoor dining table centerpiece, arranged along a fence rail, clustered near seating areas, or positioned around the perimeter of a patio space.
