How to Make Tallow Candles
Learn how to make tallow candles using only a few ingredients! It is so easy to make and are the perfect candles for emergencies.
Looking for a non-toxic, long-lasting candle? Tallow candles are an easy, natural alternative to store-bought options.
They’re budget-friendly, burn clean, and work great for everyday use or emergencies.
I loved how easy it was to make DIY tallow candles! I made sure to add them to my 72-hour kit, but you can also use them for anywhere in your home.
The best part is that you only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own homemade tallow candle.
Why Tallow Candles?
Here are a few of the benefits of tallow candles:
Natural & Non-Toxic – No synthetic wax, no chemicals, no artificial fragrance. Just pure, clean-burning
tallow.
Budget-Friendly – If you already have tallow, these candles cost almost nothing to make.
Make your own clean, skin-loving tallow products with 20 step-by-step recipes anyone can follow.
Emergency-Ready – Tallow candles burn longer than most store-bought candles, making them great for power outages.
Easy to Customize – Add essential oils for a naturally scented candle.
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How to Make Tallow Candles
Here is how to make your own DIY tallow candle! This makes about 4 ounces of candle wax.
You’ll Need:
- 4 ounces rendered tallow (or learn how to make your own!)
- Candle-making kit
- Glass jar
- 150 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the tallow in a glass jar using a double boiler on low heat. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Once fully melted, let it cool for 15 minutes before adding essential oils (if using).
Place the wick in your jar and carefully pour in the melted tallow. Let it harden completely. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch, and you’re done!
A Few Notes:
No essential oils? No problem. Tallow candles work just fine unscented. If it smells like beef, your tallow wasn’t rendered properly. (A second strain through cheesecloth usually helps.)
Want a firmer candle? Try adding a little beeswax for a sturdier texture.
Best Essential Oils for Tallow Candles
If you want to add scent, here are a few good options:
Lavender – Calming, perfect for winding down.
Cinnamon & Clove – Cozy and warm, great for winter.
Lemon & Rosemary – Bright and fresh, perfect for the kitchen.
Peppermint – Invigorating and crisp.
Pro Tip: Essential oils can lose their scent if the wax is too hot. Always let the tallow cool a little before adding them.
FAQs
Do tallow candles smell like beef?
No—if your tallow is properly rendered, it shouldn’t have much of a scent. If you notice a mild beefy smell, it’s likely due to residual impurities in the fat.
Learn how to make your candles smell stronger.
How long do tallow candles burn?
They burn longer than soy or paraffin candles! A small 4-ounce tallow candle can last 10-15 hours, depending on wick size.
Can I mix tallow with beeswax?
Yes! Mixing 50% tallow with 50% beeswax can help your candle hold its shape better, especially in warmer temperatures.
Tallow Candle
Materials
- 4 ounces rendered tallow
- Candle-making kit
- Glass jar
- 150 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the tallow in a glass jar using a double boiler on low heat. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Once fully melted, let it cool for 15 minutes before adding essential oils (if using).
- Place the wick in your jar and carefully pour in the melted tallow. Let it harden completely. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch, and you’re done!
Notes
- No essential oils? No problem. Tallow candles work just fine unscented. If it smells like beef, your tallow wasn’t rendered properly. (A second strain through cheesecloth usually helps.)
- Want a firmer candle? Try adding a little beeswax for a sturdier texture.
Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!
Final Thoughts
That’s it! A simple, effective, and all-natural candle you can make in no time.
Whether you need a natural light source, want a DIY emergency candle, or just love the idea of making your own non-toxic candles, tallow is a great choice.
