Published By: Rinks

Do You Throw Away Your Orange Peels? Make This Eco-Friendly Diy Candle Instead

Learn how to repurpose your orange peels into eco-friendly candles with this simple and creative DIY idea.

Oranges are a beloved fruit, enjoyed for their sweet, tangy flavour and high vitamin C content. But once you've savoured the juicy goodness, what do you do with the peels? Instead of tossing them in the trash, why not repurpose them into something beautiful and useful? Let us guide you through making an eco-friendly DIY candle using orange peels. Not only is this a fun and creative project, but it also helps reduce waste and adds a lovely citrus scent to your home. Read on!

The benefits of repurposing orange peels

Repurposing orange peels into candles is a fantastic way to embrace eco-friendly living. By reusing the peels, you reduce waste and give them a new purpose. This small step can contribute to a larger effort to minimise your environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

Natural aroma

Orange peels contain natural oils that release a fresh, citrusy aroma when heated. Using them to make candles ensures that your home is filled with a delightful, natural scent, free from artificial fragrances and chemicals. This can be especially beneficial for those sensitive to synthetic scents.

A fun and creative project

Creating candles from orange peels is an enjoyable and rewarding DIY project. It's a great way to spend time with family and friends, engage in a hands-on activity, and produce something beautiful and useful. Plus, it’s a perfect project for those who love crafting and experimenting with new ideas.

Prepare the orange peels

Start by cutting the orange in half. Carefully scoop out the fruit from each half, making sure not to damage the peel. The goal is to keep the peel intact, forming a natural bowl. If desired, enjoy the fruit as a snack while you work!

Create the wick

Cut a piece of cotton string to use as the wick. The length should be slightly taller than the height of the orange peel bowl. If you're using vegetable oil, tie a small knot at one end of the wick to help it stand upright. If you're using melted candle wax, you can anchor the wick with a small metal tab or simply hold it in place until the wax hardens.

Fill the orange peel bowl

If you’re using vegetable oil, fill the orange peel bowl about three-quarters full. Place the knotted end of the wick in the oil, ensuring it stands upright. If you're using melted candle wax, carefully pour the wax into the orange peel bowl, leaving a bit of space at the top. Insert the wick into the centre, holding it in place until the wax begins to solidify.

Enjoy your eco-friendly candle

Light your orange peel candle and enjoy the warm, natural glow and refreshing citrus scent. These candles make wonderful decorations for your home and can also be thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts for friends and family.

Experiment with different citrus fruits

Don't limit yourself to oranges! Try using other citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemons, or limes. Each fruit will offer a unique size, shape, and scent, allowing you to create a variety of candles. For added flair, consider decorating the outside of the orange peel with natural elements like twine, dried herbs, or small flowers. This can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your candles and make them even more special.

Repurposing orange peels into eco-friendly candles is a simple yet impactful way to embrace creativity and sustainability. This DIY project not only reduces waste but also fills your home with a natural, pleasant aroma.