These long-burning lard candles are not only easy to make but also a cheap and natural alternative to modern candles, which can be pricey and release harmful chemicals into the air. We always keep a few on hand in case of an emergency power outage.
There are only a few days before Christmas, and I still have gifts to purchase, which means I still have wrapping to do, which means...no, I'm not ready for the holidays. I guess starting kitchen renovations two weeks before Christmas was not a good idea after all.
So if you plan on dropping by over the next few days, expect to find my house a complete disaster. Cleaning has taken a back seat to putting my kitchen together.
We're also busy installing a wood stove for some much-needed heat in our drafty, 200-year-old home. Currently, I have TWO wood stoves (neither one installed) in my living room because the first one we bought was the wrong size. Also adorning my living room floor is the old cast-iron sink from the kitchen. It all makes for a nice Christmasy atmosphere.
And if that hasn't deterred you from stopping by, this may. Holiday guests will be served tea and pickles. As you may remember, I made homemade pickles this past summer - only I made way too many, and now there is almost no room left in my fridge for holiday goodies.
So what is the point of this blog other than to complain? I completed another project during the chaos of the season - emergency candles. And no, they are not called emergency lard candles because we'll have to call 911 when our house burns down, as my husband jokingly (I think?) pointed out.
Because I'm thrifty and I don't like anything to go to waste, I made these beautiful candles out of lard. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than soy or beeswax. In fact, it's often thrown away, so why not put it to good use?
Fun fact: I'm also known to use lard or leftover bacon grease as a moisturizer. So if you happen to lean in for a hug over the holidays and think you smell bacon, you're not crazy. It's just my cream.
Jump to:
INGREDIENTS & EQUIPMENT
Pork lard (pork fat)
I recommend leaf lard, which comes from the fat around a pig's kidneys and loin. Compared to other lards, properly rendered leaf lard has a neutral, non-porky smell, making it perfect for candle making.
Note: Lard is smooth and creamy, making it easy to work with and ideal for container candles. But for pillar or taper candles that need to maintain their shape, use tallow (beef fat), which has a firmer texture, instead.
Candleholders
Choose a holder that can handle the heat. Some good choices include wide-mouth mason jars or other glass containers with a lid, metal tins, or a beautiful ceramic or pottery candleholder.
Natural candle wicks and wick stands
Using natural, eco wicks like cotton or wood will help ensure a clean and steady burn for your lard candles. I used these wax-coated cotton wicks: amazon.ca or amazon.com.
Toothpick - to help create a smooth candle top and eliminate cracks
Pencils or clothespins - to help keep the wicks in place
Wax adhesive (such as amazon.ca or amazon.com) or hot glue - to secure the wicks to the candleholder
Essential oils (optional) - Add your favorite scents. I like cinnamon or cedarwood.
Double boiler - For melting the lard.
Did you know early candles were often made from rendered animal fat? In Roman times, candles were crafted from tallow and other rendered fats.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Melt lard using a double boiler: Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with warm water and place the lard in the top pot. Heat gently over medium heat until the lard is fully melted.
2. Apply hot glue or wax to the bottom of the wick stands and attach them to the bottom of your candle holder.
3. Use two pencils or whatever you have on hand to hold the wicks straight and steady in the container.
4. Allow the lard to cool slightly and then pour the liquid (leave some for the re-pour later on) into your holder.
5. Add optional essential oils and stir them in.
6. Once the lard has cooled, use a toothpick to poke a couple of holes around the wick. Then reheat the lard and re-pour onto the surface. This helps create a smooth candle top and eliminate cracks.
7. Let cool at room temperature for 24 hours before lighting and trim the wicks to about ¼ inch.
PRO TIP
Pre-warm your candleholders - This helps prevent the lard from cooling too quickly and forming sinkholes.
SUBSTITUTIONS
You can use tallow (beef fat) instead of lard to make homemade beef tallow candles. Here are a few points to consider:
- Texture: Tallow is more solid at room temperature compared to lard, which can make it a better choice for candles that you want to hold their shape well, such as pillar candles.
- Burn quality: Homemade tallow candles tend to burn a little longer than lard candles.
- Scent: Tallow has a mild beefy scent, which might be noticeable. Adding essential oils can help mask the scent.
How to Make Long-Lasting, Beeswax Candles (easy, DIY recipe!)
If you enjoyed learning about lard candles, you'll love my guide on crafting beautiful, beeswax candles. These long-lasting candles burn cleanly, produce very little smoke, have a pleasant, honey-like scent, and even purify the air.
STORAGE
For best results, store your lard candles in a cool, dry place. Warmer temperatures can cause the lard to soften, so keeping it in a stable environment will ensure it maintains its shape and burn quality.
Did you know?
Burning paraffin wax candles (especially the less expensive ones) can release harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene into your air. They also contain dyes and artificial scents that, when burned, release a variety of chemicals. Lard candles are a great natural and healthier alternative.
SHELF LIFE
To maximize shelf life, store your homemade candles in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can cause the lard to go rancid.
Room Temperature: Lard candles can last up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Storing lard candles in the fridge can extend their shelf life to about 1 year.
FAQ
There are many different wicks to choose from when you are making your own homemade candles. Using natural wicks like cotton or wood will help ensure a clean and steady burn for your lard candles.
Braided Cotton Wicks:
These wicks are known for their clean burn and consistent flame. They work well with the density of lard and help minimize soot and smoke.
Wax-Coated Cotton Wicks:
My favorite are wax-coated cotton wicks. They're inexpensive and the wax coating makes the wicks more rigid and easier to handle.
Wooden Wicks:
A wooden wick is best for larger candles. I love the fact that they make a cozy, crackling sound.
With the right materials and proper care, lard candles can burn cleanly and provide a steady source of light. Here are some tips:
Use purified lard: Using high-quality, purified lard can help ensure a cleaner burn. Impurities in the lard can cause soot and smoke.
Choose natural wicks: Using natural wicks, such as cotton or hemp, can contribute to a cleaner burn. Avoid wicks with metal cores, as they can produce more soot.
Trim your wick: Trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each use can help maintain a clean burn and prevent excessive smoking.
Homemade candles are safe as long as you follow basic safety guidelines. Use high-quality, natural ingredients such as lard or tallow and natural wicks like cotton or wood. Melt the lard gently using a double boiler to avoid overheating, and ensure the wick is properly secured and centered. Always burn candles on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.
Lard candles can last up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Storing lard candles in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life to about 1 year.
I hope you don't have to burn the midnight lard like me trying to get everything done before Christmas, but I do hope you enjoy these natural emergency lard candles. Merry Christmas, my friends!
Homemade Lard Candles Recipe
Equipment
- - Lard
- - Candleholders
- - Natural candle wicks and wick stands
- - Toothpick
- - Pencils
- - Wax adhesive or hot glue
- - Essential oils (optional)
- - Double boiler
Instructions
- Melt lard using a double boiler: Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with warm water and place the lard in the top pot. Heat gently over medium heat until the lard is fully melted.
- Apply hot glue or wax to the bottom of the wick stands and attach them to the bottom of your candle holder.
- Use two pencils or whatever you have on hand to hold the wicks straight and steady in the container.
- Allow the lard to cool slightly at room temperature and then pour the liquid (leave some for the re-pour later on) into your holder.
- Add optional essential oils and stir them in.
- Once the lard has cooled, use a toothpick to poke a couple of holes around the wick. Then reheat the lard in the double boiler and re-pour onto the surface. This helps create a smooth candle top and eliminate cracks.
- Let cool for 24 hours before lighting and trim the wicks to about ¼ inch.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
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Mariette LeBlanc says
Nice Kimberly, if my mom was still living she would probably say that they used lard for many things as well.....I know that they made hand soap and possibly laundry soap (I'm not sure). Always enjoy reading your posts. Merry Christmas in case we don't get to see you at X Mas....xox
Kimberlee Bastien says
I'll have to look into that! Sounds like another project I can do. 🙂 Thank you and Merry Christmas to you too! xo
Marianne says
I love this idea. I use lard to make soap.
Just wondering if the lard candles give off an aroma...of lard...? Thanks!
Kimberlee Bastien says
Hi Marianne, Thank you for your comment. No, there is no lard aroma from the candles. 🙂 Enjoy!
Patricia Colvin says
I'm working on salves right now. Found you through Google. I think I have figured out that I am slightly scorching my lard when simmering it w my medicinal herbs in there. even before I put herbs in afyer I rendered it, it still looks a bit yellow. Although when I had stored in jars, it was pretty white. Frustrating. It makes a wierd smell when I infuse it w herbs. I tried "cleaning " my lard again beforehand after rendering by using cut up peeled potatoes, and did it twice. So it was better, but still smells kinda porky. I managed to.cover that part up with essential oils, like mint and such. But that burnt smell is hard to mask. I made some skin healing salve I call "underboob salve", betcha can't. guess what that's. used for, and after a few days in the jar, the burnt smell kicked down some w judicious use of tea tree oil (antifungal and a strong smell to mask things), but it still isn't up to par to the.professionals. So I stumbled upon this page, wondering how to get my lard, pure, pure, pure, without spending all day chained to the stove. I think I will try the method where you put it in a jar in the oven, next. No burning involved. I hope.