If you have leftover wax from old jar candles, use a spoon to dig out the wax and divide them up by scent. Paraffin waxes are classic candle-making waxes that easily mix with other scents and colors. However, they are petroleum byproducts, meaning they are potentially toxic—avoid using these waxes whenever possible.

If you’re wax is in pellet form, you can skip this step.

If you want, you can mix multiple colors.

Beeswax has a melting point range of 144 to 147 °F (62 to 64 °C) and a flash point of 400 °F (204 °C). Soy wax melts within the 120 to 180 °F (49 to 82 °C) range depending on the specific blend. Flash points are variable—check the label or supplier. Paraffin wax melts above 99 °F (37 °C) and has a flash point of 390. 2 °F (199. 0 °C) without additives and 480. 2 °F (249. 0 °C) with additives.

For safety, always use an electric stove—never gas.

If the water in the large pot begins to evaporate, add more as needed. If your wax exceeds 340 °F (171 °C), remove it from heat until it falls back within the proper range.

If you purchased wax that is specifically designed for candles, they should have instructions for that amount of fragrances required per 1 pound (0. 45 kg) of wax. If your fragrance isn’t mixing properly, try increasing the temperature to 365 °F (185 °C). For general wax products, 1 ounce (28 g) for each 1 pound (0. 45 kg) is a safe bet.

If you’re using plastic, be sure to use containers that are marked as “microwave-safe. " Ceramic and glass dishes are usually fine, but you should still check for “microwave-safe” or “heatproof” labels on their packaging.

Be sure to keep checking on your wax about every 30 seconds throughout the process.

Be sure to keep checking on your wax about every 30 seconds throughout the process.

Check fragrance instructions from your wax supplier prior to mixing it in. Most include instructions for the amount of fragrance required per 1 pound (0. 45 kg) of wax, which is typically 1 ounce (28 g).

If you’d like, you can use your melted wax to adhere the wick to the container.

Don’t pull on the wick too hard or you could break it from the container.

Be sure to secure your wick if it’s off-center—letting it set in this position means it won’t burn properly.

For the best wax setting, leave your candle out set overnight at room temperature.

If you light your wick and the flame is bigger than 1 inch (2. 5 cm), your wick is too long.