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–+ servings
Homemade beef tallow candle in a mason jar labeled with lavender essential oil – clean-burning natural candle with a rustic and eco-friendly look.
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How to Make Natural Candles From Beef Tallow

Learn how to make natural candles from beef tallow with rendered tallow, cotton wicks, heat-safe jars, and optional essential oils.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time1 day
Yield: 1 -3 candles
Author: Stephanie

Materials

  • 1 to 2 cups rendered beef tallow
  • Cotton candle wicks
  • Heat-safe glass jars candle jars, metal tins, or candle molds
  • Wick tabs
  • Popsicle sticks pencils, or clothespins
  • Optional: 10 to 20 drops essential oil per cup of tallow

Instructions

  • In a double boiler, slowly melt your rendered tallow until liquid.
  • Once melted and slightly cooled (around 120–130°F / 49–54°C), stir in 10–20 drops of essential oil per cup of tallow.
  • Place the wick in the center of your container. Tape the wick tab or use hot glue to attach it to the bottom of the jar.
  • Use a popsicle stick to hold the wick in place.
  • Carefully pour the melted tallow into the container, leaving about ½ inch at the top. Let it cool undisturbed.
  • Once the candle is fully set (a few hours), trim the wick to about ¼ inch.
  • Let the candle cure for 24–48 hours for best burn quality.

Notes

Tips for Making Natural Candles

Use clean, well-rendered tallow for the mildest scent.
If your tallow has a stronger smell, essential oils can help soften it, but they will not completely cover poorly rendered tallow.
Use a heat-safe container that is meant to handle candle heat.
Trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn.
Store tallow candles in a cool place because tallow has a lower melting point than many waxes.
If the jar is wide, you may need a larger wick or more than one wick so the candle burns evenly.
If the wick is too small, the candle may tunnel down the middle.
If the wick is too large, the flame may be too big or smoky.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep candles away from children, pets, curtains, paper, and anything that can catch fire.