A Spark of Inspiration
It all began with a simple observation in the heart of the Terme Sveti Martin kitchen. We noticed that the oils used to prepare delicious meals were often discarded after use. Inspired by the global movement toward sustainability, we decided to find innovative ways to repurpose this oil. And so, the idea of creating scented candles from waste oil was born—a project that combines creativity, sustainability, and a touch of luxury.
Benefits and the Bigger Picture
Making scented candles from waste oil is not just a fun and creative activity—it’s also a step toward a more sustainable future. By repurposing used kitchen oil, we reduce waste, minimize our carbon footprint, and create something that brings joy and tranquility into our homes. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to engage the community and raise awareness about sustainable practices.
At Terme Sveti Martin, we believe that every small step matters. By transforming what was once waste into something valuable and beautiful, we’re not only lighting up our spaces but also illuminating the path to a greener, more sustainable world. So, the next time you finish frying vegetables or cooking the perfect steak, remember—your leftover oil has the potential to become a fragrant beacon of sustainability.
Make Your Own Scented Candles
Ready to embark on your own candle-making adventure? Here’s how you can turn leftover oil from your kitchen into beautiful, fragrant candles.
- Used cooking oil (strained and filtered—we recommend a coffee filter) (approx. 2 cups)
- Soy wax flakes (approx. 500g)
- Essential oils (for fragrance of your choice—check beforehand if the oil is safe for candle-making)
- Candle wicks
- Heat-resistant metal or glass container
- Mason jars or recycled candle containers
- Double boiler or a pizza pan as a makeshift option
- Spoon or stirring stick
- Newspaper or old towels (to protect your workspace)
Instructions for 6 Candles:
- Strain and Filter the Oil: Begin by straining the used cooking oil through a fine mesh sieve to remove food particles. For extra-clean oil, filter it through a coffee filter. This ensures your candles burn cleanly.
- Melt the Wax: Set up a double boiler and melt the soy wax flakes.
- Mix the Oils: Once the wax is fully melted, slowly add the strained cooking oil. Stir well to combine.
- Add Fragrance: Add your favorite essential oils. Approximately 70 ml of essential oil is recommended, but you can adjust the amount if working with smaller quantities of wax and oil. Mix thoroughly to distribute the fragrance evenly.
- Prepare the Containers: While the wax and oil mixture is still liquid, prepare your candle containers. Place a wick in the center of each container, securing it with a centering device or a bit of melted wax at the bottom.
- Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the wax mixture into the containers, leaving a bit of space at the top. Allow the candles to cool and harden at room temperature.
- Trim the Wicks: Once the candles have hardened, trim the wicks to about 6 mm. This ensures a cleaner and safer burn.
- Enjoy Your Candles: Light your handmade scented candles and enjoy the warm, fragrant ambiance!
Our advice: You can add natural colors to the mixture (e.g., turmeric for orange, coffee for brown, spirulina powder for blue…). For pleasant summer evenings outdoors, we recommend one of the eco-friendly essential oils that will smell great while also repelling unwanted mosquitoes or other insects, such as lavender essential oil, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, or Java citronella.
Bravo! You have just turned kitchen waste into a sustainable and beautiful product!
