Mason Jar Citronella Candles
Mason Jar Citronella Candles are the simple, budget-friendly solution you need if you’re tired of bugs ruining your time outside.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, relaxing on the porch, or planning a cozy evening on the patio, you want something that actually works—without spending a fortune or running to the store last minute.
The best part? These candles are a surprisingly easy craft idea to make!

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How do you make citronella candles in mason jars?
- Start by drilling a small hole in the center of your mason jar lid and threading a natural wick through it, leaving a couple of inches exposed at the top and the rest reaching the bottom of the jar.
- Fill the jar with citronella oil or torch fuel, adding any extra essential oils if you’d like a custom scent, then secure the lid in place.
- Finish by trimming the wick to about ¼ inch and decorating the jar if desired.
- Your homemade citronella candle is now ready to use for patios, backyard nights, or camping trips.

Oil of Youth Citronella Essential Oil (16oz Bulk) – Pure Essential Aromatherapy for Relaxation, Mood, Diffuser, Candles
Citronella 32oz. Fragrance Oil I Perfume I Skin Oil I Scented Oil. DIY Projects Such as Candles, Bath Bombs, Body Butters, Creams & Lotions. Few Drops in The Diffuser, Burners, or Warmers.
CHEFBEE 200 FT Organic Hemp Wick, Well Coated Natural Beeswax for Hemp Wick Lighter or Candle Making, Slow Burn, No Dripping, Standard Size(1.1mm)
TIKI Clean Burn Mosquito Repellent Torch Fuel – 1/4 Gallon (32 oz.), Smokeless & Low-Soot Citronella, Mosquito Repellent, Plant-Based Formula for Outdoor, Patio, Garden & Backyard Torches
MTLEE 4 Pack 12 oz Mason Jar Soy Candle with Essential Oils Scented Soy Wax Candles up to 60 Hours Burn Time Gift for Easter Home Office Wedding Birthday Farmhouse Party Mother(Vanilla)
DARJEN 10 Pack Green Candle Jars for Making Candles- 7.5 OZ Empty Glass Candle Making Jars with Bamboo Lids and Labels, Candle Containers Candle Making Jars for DIY Gifts
Tips for Making DIY Citronella Candles in Mason Jars
- Use the right wick – Natural cotton or hemp wicks burn cleaner and give you a more even flame, which helps your citronella candle last longer.
- Don’t skip the lid fit – Make sure the wick is centered and the lid is secure—this keeps the flame steady and prevents uneven burning.
- Customize your scent – Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon to enhance the scent while still keeping the bug-repelling benefits.
- Keep the wick trimmed – Trim to about ¼ inch before each use to avoid smoke and keep the flame controlled.
Most standard glass mason jars work great, just make sure they’re heat-safe and sturdy.
It depends on the size of your jar and wick, but they typically burn for several hours at a time.
Yes! Wax gives a more traditional candle, while torch fuel creates a longer-lasting outdoor option.
While you’re planning more time outside, be sure to check out these fun and easy ideas to make the most of your summer days, too.
- Ice Cream Cone Bird Feeders are a simple and fun activity that lets kids create a sweet treat for backyard birds while enjoying some hands-on outdoor time.
- These Summer Bucket List Ideas will help you fill your days with memorable, family-friendly activities that keep everyone excited all season long.
- A Gardening Scavenger Hunt for Kids turns time in the yard into an adventure, encouraging little ones to explore nature while staying entertained.
- Lemonade Recipes are perfect for cooling off on warm days and make a refreshing addition to any backyard hangout.
- Camping Meal Ideas make outdoor cooking easy and stress-free, whether you’re heading to the campsite or just enjoying a night in your backyard.

DIY Mason Jar Citronella Candles
Equipment
- a screwdriver and hammer or a dremel
Ingredients
- Tiki Torch replacement wicks or 1/8″ candle wicks
- A Mason Jar with lid
- Citronella
Instructions
- I opted to use one of my mason jars and a lid meant to transform your mason jar into a cup. It worked perfectly for my purpose!
- Just keep in mind if you do this, to remove the rubber stopper.
- If you don't use a lid like this and decide to use the mason jar lid, use a screwdriver and hammer or a dremel to poke a hole in the middle of your lid.
- Pull your wick through the hole, fill the jar with citronella and voila! A DIY Mason Jar Citronella Candle!









I love this DIY idea. I can definitely use these at my outdoor gatherings!
What a great idea!