Ever wish your home could smell like a citrus grove without spending a dime on fancy candles? What if I told you that one orange and a splash of oil is all it takes to turn your kitchen into an aromatic oasis?
This simple, all-natural DIY is pure magic. It’s fast, fun, budget-friendly, and TikTok-viral-worthy. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or just want your space to smell incredible, this orange candle hack is about to be your new obsession. 🕯️🍊
✨ What You’ll Need:
- 1 large orange (navel oranges work best!)
- A sharp knife
- A spoon
- Olive oil, coconut oil, or any neutral oil
- A lighter or matches
Optional:
- A few drops of essential oil (like cinnamon or vanilla for a fall vibe!)
- Whole cloves or star anise for garnish
🍊 Step-by-Step: How to Make a Candle Out of an Orange
1. Slice Your Orange — But Only Halfway
Cut the orange horizontally across the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom half. You want to preserve the white stem in the center (this is your candle wick!).
2. Scoop It Like a Pro
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the inside of the orange, leaving the peel intact and making sure that white center stem remains attached to the base. This little piece is what’s going to light up your world.
Tip: Eat the orange segments as a reward while you work 🍊😉
3. Pour in the Oil
Fill the hollowed-out orange base about 3/4 full with your oil of choice. Make sure the white wick is coated well but still sticking out slightly.
Want to upgrade the scent? Add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or cinnamon bark. You can even float some herbs or spices for a decorative touch.
4. Light It Up 🔥
Carefully light the wick. It may take a few seconds to catch fire, but once it does, your orange candle will burn beautifully and radiate the dreamiest natural glow with a sweet citrus scent.
🧡 Why You’ll Love It
- 100% natural & eco-friendly
- Toxin-free and budget-friendly
- Fills the room with a subtle, relaxing scent
- The soft orange glow is incredibly aesthetic and cozy
- Great for parties, dinner tables, or relaxing bath nights
📸 Pro Tip for Instagram & Pinterest:
Snap your orange candle next to a cup of tea or a book, sprinkle some cinnamon around, and use natural light. Add this caption:
“Candle made from an orange 🍊✨ Who needs Bath & Body Works when nature does it better? #DIYhome #naturalcandle #sundayvibes”
💡 More Ways to Customize:
- Add dried rosemary or mint for an herbal flair
- Make multiple and float them in a bowl for a DIY centerpiece
- Use blood oranges or grapefruits for deeper colors
🍊 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do orange peel candles really work?
Yes! Orange peel candles work surprisingly well when made correctly. The natural oils in the peel are flammable, and when paired with the right wick (like the orange’s own pith or a cotton wick), you get a long-lasting, clean-burning candle with a subtle citrus scent.
2. How long do orange candles last?
Homemade orange peel candles typically last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the orange, how much oil is added, and the wick quality. You can extend the burn time by using a high-quality carrier oil like olive or coconut oil and trimming the wick properly.
3. What type of oil should I use inside the orange?
You can use a variety of oils, but olive oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil are most common. They’re safe to burn and produce a clean flame. Avoid using essential oils alone as they are too volatile and can burn too quickly.
4. Can I add essential oils to make it smell stronger?
Yes! While the orange peel already gives off a light citrus scent, adding a few drops of essential oils like sweet orange, cinnamon, clove, or vanilla can enhance the fragrance. Just be sure to mix the essential oils with the base oil (like olive oil) to avoid rapid burning.
5. Is it safe to use an orange peel as a candle holder?
Yes, as long as you’re supervising the candle and placing it on a heat-safe surface. Orange peels are naturally flammable, so it’s important not to leave your candle unattended. For extra safety, consider placing the orange candle inside a shallow dish or tray.
6. Can I make these in advance for an event or gift?
These candles are best made fresh, ideally the same day you plan to use or gift them. The orange peel can dry out over time, which may affect how well it holds oil or burns. However, they’re perfect for last-minute DIY gifts or table decorations
7. Will the orange smell fill the room like a regular candle?
The scent is more subtle than a store-bought candle. It offers a light, natural citrus aroma. For a stronger fragrance, add essential oils or burn more than one orange candle at a time.
8. Can I use other citrus fruits for this DIY?
Absolutely! This technique works with lemons, limes, or grapefruits too. Larger fruits like grapefruits will burn longer, while lemons and limes offer cute, smaller versions perfect for party centerpieces.
9. How do I keep the flame from going out too soon?
Make sure your wick (whether it’s the orange pith or a cotton wick) is dry and trimmed. Also, let the oil soak the wick slightly before lighting, and avoid drafty areas that could blow the flame out.
10. Is this a kid-friendly craft?
Yes — with supervision! Kids will love scooping the orange and helping with setup, but an adult should always handle the lighting and burning. This project is a great mix of fun, education, and sensory play.
✨ Final Thoughts
This little citrus candle is more than just a fun DIY — it’s a reminder that beauty can be simple, natural, and made from things we already have.
Try it today and watch your home literally glow up — the natural way. 🍊🕯️