Candles and some kind of deodorizer are two must-have items in any shelter, bug-out-location or self-sufficient homestead. Instead of buying and stocking up on products that may contain harmful chemicals, consider making your own out of some common and natural ingredients. The process is a lot easier than you may think, and you can kill two birds with one stone at the same time.
Basic Ingredients:
4 pint-sized mason jars
4 wicks and anchors
12 ounces of beeswax
10 ounces of coconut oil
40 drops of tea tree oil
120 drops of essential oils of your choice
Getting Started
The first step is cut up the wax and place it in a large microwave-safe bowl or double boiler before adding in the coconut oil. Microwave it for around 5 minutes or cook over low heat while stirring frequently until the wax melts and mixes with the coconut oil. If the wax is slow to melt in the microwave, remove from heat, break up some of the remaining chunks and give it a stir before cooking for another minute or two.
Stir in the tea tree and essential oil until everything is mixed thoroughly, and warm it over very low heat if it begins to solidify before you’re ready to pour it into the mason jars. Carefully pour in a small amount into the warmed jars before attaching the wick to the anchor and dropping it into the center. Hold the wick in place for a couple of minutes until the wax firms up. Next, use the handle of a wooden spoon, chopstick or Popsicle stick to hold the wick in place as you carefully fill the jars with the rest of the wax to prevent it from falling over.
Find a small object to prop up the wick and hold it in place until the wax hardens. Place the candles in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, and let them rest until the wax has set. Try to avoid fast-cooling the candles as this can cause the wax to crack or cause the candle to fill with pockets of air or unwanted moisture. Sore the candles in a cool, dry place and use as desired.
Bacteria-Fighting Essential Oils
Remember that most odors are caused by bacteria, so try to pick essential oils that not only kill bacteria but smell good as well. Some popular choices include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, thyme, oregano, rosemary, thyme and sage. While it may seem strange to include cooking herbs, they smell surprisingly good, and rosemary, sage and thyme can also produce a calming effect in the room as well. You can also experiment with different combinations or add in additional items such as vanilla or almond extract to create even more fragrances.
Try this recipe for yourself, and see how potent and effective these candles can be when it comes to fighting unpleasant odors. Scented candles aren’t the first thing that usually comes to mind when thinking about long-term survival. However, they can definitely make living in smelly and poorly-ventilated spaces a lot easier to contend with, and they can also be an excellent source of ambient emergency light as well.