DIY Citrus Peel Candles Recipe
It’s funny how often we throw away things that could actually be useful. Citrus peels are a perfect example. After squeezing lemons for tea or slicing oranges for snacks, the peels usually head straight for the compost or trash.
But those bright, fragrant peels can actually become adorable little candles that smell amazing and look beautiful on a table!
These DIY citrus peel candles are a fun, simple craft because they use something you already have in your kitchen. They’re cheerful, natural, and incredibly easy to make!!
Plus, if you enjoy using essential oils around the house, this is a fun way to add their scent to your space without buying store-bought candles 🙂
If you’re just getting started with DIY projects, this is a great beginner craft. You’ll end up with charming little fruit candles that brighten a room and make your kitchen smell like fresh citrus.
Why Citrus Candles Are So Fun to Make
Citrus candles are simple, inexpensive, and naturally beautiful. The peels act as little candle bowls, which means you don’t need to buy any special molds or containers.
Citrus peels also contain natural aromatic oils, which means they add a light fragrance even before you add essential oils. When paired with lemon, orange, or other citrus essential oils, they create a fresh and uplifting scent!
Benefits of citrus scents include:
• Helping freshen indoor spaces
• Supporting a clean, bright atmosphere in the home
• Naturally boosting mood and energy
If you enjoy working with essential oils in DIY projects, citrus oils are often some of the easiest to start with. They blend well with many other oils and add a cheerful scent to homemade products.
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DIY Citrus Peel Candles Recipe
I made 6 candles using the following:
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 2 lemons
- 1-1½ cups candle wax
- 1½-2 teaspoons essential oil (about 70-90 drops)
- 6 candle wicks
You can use either soy wax or beeswax for this project. Both work well, though beeswax will give a more natural honey scent.
Instructions
Cut the orange and lemons in half.
Carefully scoop out the inside of the fruit, leaving the peel intact to create a small bowl. You might have to carefully cut off some of the bottoms to help them stay upright and straight.
Place a candle wick in the center of each citrus peel. You can secure it with a wick sticker or a small amount of melted wax.
Melt the candle wax using a double boiler or microwave-safe container.
Once melted, stir in the essential oils if using when the temperature of the melted wax is around 135 degrees F.
Carefully pour the melted wax into each citrus peel, keeping the wick centered.
Allow the candles to cool completely and harden.
Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting.
Notes
- Shelf life: Because these candles use fresh fruit peels, they’re best used within a few days. The peels will eventually get moldy. I would say they last between 1-2 weeks depending on where you live.
- Storage: Keep them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to burn them.
- Place the citrus candles on a heat-safe plate or tray when burning to catch any wax that may spill over.
- Any candle wick will work for this project.
- If a citrus peel feels wobbly, cut a tiny slice off the bottom so it sits flat.
- Both soy wax and beeswax work well for these candles.
If you enjoy projects like this, you might also like experimenting with homemade cleaners or other natural household products. Simple recipes can replace many store-bought items, and resources like the DIY Natural Cleaners eBook can help you build a full collection of natural options for your home.
Citrus Candles
Fresh citrus peel candles made with natural wax and essential oils. The orange and lemon peels act as natural candle containers, creating a bright scent and a decorative, eco-friendly candle.
Materials
- 1 orange
- 2 lemons
- 1-1½ cups candle wax
- 1½–2 teaspoons essential oil (45–90 drops)
- 6 candle wicks
Tools
- Knife
- Spoon
- Heat-safe bowl
- Double boiler or microwave-safe container
- Stirring utensil
- Measuring cup
- Heat-safe tray or plate
Instructions
- Cut the orange and lemons in half.
- Carefully scoop out the inside of the fruit, leaving the peel intact to create a small bowl.
- Place a candle wick in the center of each citrus peel. You can secure it with a wick sticker or a small amount of melted wax.
- Melt the candle wax using a double boiler or microwave-safe container.
- Once melted, stir in the essential oils if using when the temperature cools down to around 135 degrees F.
- Carefully pour the melted wax into each citrus peel, keeping the wick centered.
- Allow the candles to cool completely and harden.
- Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting.
Notes
- Shelf life: Because these candles use fresh fruit peels, they’re best used within a few days. The peels will eventually get moldy. I would say they last between 1-2 weeks depending on where you live.
- Storage: Keep them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to burn them.
- Place the citrus candles on a heat-safe plate or tray when burning to catch any wax that may spill over.
- Any candle wick will work for this project.
- If a citrus peel feels wobbly, cut a tiny slice off the bottom so it sits flat.
- Both soy wax and beeswax work well for these candles.
Final Thoughts
Homemade citrus candles are a simple craft that feels a little magical. With just a few ingredients, you can turn leftover fruit peels into cheerful candles that smell fresh and look beautiful on the table!
Projects like this are also a great reminder that natural living doesn’t have to be complicated. Often it starts with small things, like trying a simple DIY or learning how everyday ingredients can be used in new ways 🙂
