Easy DIY Survival Candles

DIY survival candles are valuable items especially in times of emergency, such as disasters and floods. Candles sold in the market and online can be very expensive and only last for a short period of time. It is for this very reason why many preppers choose to make “survival candles” at home using less expensive higher quality materials.

Basic Materials for DIY Survival Candles

The materials used in making homemade DIY survival candles are inexpensive and easy to find. Below are the primary ingredients in making survival candles.

  • Soy Wax Flakes. This component of DIY survival candles can be found in most craft stores or online shopping sites, like right here. Soy wax flakes are a commonly used ingredient in making scented candles. This type of wax is preferred over other types of wax because it is cheaper and it burns longer than other waxes. Moreover, soy wax flake is also renewable and all-natural.
  • Canning Jars. Canning jars for survival candles can be bought from department stores or recycled products. Sophisticated and candle-specific jars can be purchased in stores such as Walmart and K-mart. On the other hand, one can benefit from recycled jars from containers of jams, sauces, and similar others.
  • Wick and Tabs. One must make sure that these are longer than the height of the candle holder. This can be a thick thread or a candle wick that can be found in craft stores as well. You can find some basic wicks here.

Basic Tools for DIY Survival Candles Making

Aside from the above-mentioned ingredients, there are also some important tools that are needed in making the homemade survival candle project. These tools can be purchased in the supermarket or can be found in homes.

  • Scissors. These are used for cutting wicks, so that they are not too long or too short.
  • Double Boiler. This is used to melt the wax. However, in the absence of double boiler, a large and a small pot can be used.
  • A pouring device. Any pouring device that can withstand heat, such as Pyrex measuring cups, can be used.
  • Protective Gloves. A pair of gloves is used to protect one’s hands from getting burned while pouring waxes onto containers

Steps on How to Create Homemade DIY Survival Candles

diy survival candleOnce all materials and tools are prepared, one can start making homemade candles. The following is a step-by-step procedure in making survival candles.

  1. Get the wicks ready. Wicks should not be too long or too short. Make sure to measure them against the container or jar to be used. Then, trim them down if they are way too long.
  1. Put the wicks in the jars. Do not worry if wicks are not centered. They can be fixed while pouring the wax.
  1. Melt the wax. Fill the larger pot with water. Allow it to boil. Next, insert a smaller pot inside and put the wax flakes onto the smaller pot.
  1. Pour wax onto container. Carefully transfer the melted wax onto the container. Do not fill the jar up the whole way, leave some space between the wax and the top of the jar. While pouring the wax, one can also adjust the wick so that it goes into the center of the jar.
  1. Trim the wick as needed. After the wax has cooled down, trim the wick as needed. It should only be at least ¼” from the wax.

DIY survival candles can stay lit for about 40 to 50 hours, 4 hours per day, in a ten day period. However, the duration primarily depends on the size and the number of wicks. It would be very easy for someone to spend as little as $1.62 for all the necessary materials needed to make these DIY survival candles.

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