How to Create a DIY Emergency Candle

This guide walks you through creating a simple emergency candle using household items.

GEAR & TOOLS

12/10/20245 min read

How to Create a DIY Emergency Candle

When the power goes out unexpectedly, having a reliable source of light is essential. While flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are convenient, they may not always be readily available or functional. A DIY emergency candle is an easy, affordable solution that can provide light in times of need. This guide walks you through creating a simple emergency candle using household items.

Real quick! If you haven't already, take advantage of these FREE PDF guides that are 100% free, download and print them all out in case of power or internet loss:

Free disaster guides covering medical, food, water and more (printable pdf)

Bug out bag planner (printable pdf) with 103 examples

Vehicle survival kit with 101 examples (printable pdf)

The Critical Skill of Making an Emergency Candle

When it comes to candles, I recommend having 24 medium to large size ones. Candles can be found at dollar stores and other places for pretty cheap. Stick with unscented plain white ones of varying sizes. They can heat a small area and provide light as well as start fires. This is one of many reasons I keep a small candle in my Altoid survival tin, along with 34 other items. Every client i work with gets one of these loaded for free. It can fit in a pocket, purse, or EDC survival bag easily. Candles are also one of those items I tell people to put in their barter box for trading, without disclosing the other stockpile of candles. NOTE: I can't emphasize this enough, DO NOT advertise to people that you have a disaster plan in any capacity. No matter how proud you are, act dumb, and make it sound like SHTF planning is a foolish idea. Especially in urban and most suburban areas. Even things like candles become high value items during a disaster, which can creep up at any moment...

Darkness has a way of amplifying danger. When the power fails, the once-familiar environment becomes an unforgiving maze. Lights flicker out, leaving a void that can disorient and paralyze. Emergency candles bridge that gap, offering more than light—they provide security, comfort, and a way to keep moving forward. Knowing how to make one is not just resourceful; it’s a skill that can define survival.

An emergency candle isn’t about luxury. It’s about necessity. When the power grid collapses, batteries deplete faster than anticipated, and flashlights can only illuminate so much. Candles offer a reliable, long-lasting light source that doesn’t rely on fragile supply chains. Creating one from materials already at hand—wax remnants, string, or even cooking oil—transforms a seemingly desperate situation into a manageable one. It’s not about finding light; it’s about creating it. Once you learn to be creative and turn something old into something new, you can find everyday items you can repurpose for SHTF.

The process itself is straightforward, but its impact is profound. Melting down old wax scraps, shaping them into a container, and adding a wick might sound simple, but in a crisis, it becomes an act of defiance against the chaos. For those without wax, alternative methods are equally effective. A small jar filled with cooking oil, paired with a cotton wick, burns steadily, offering hours of light. It’s this kind of ingenuity that separates the unprepared from those who thrive under pressure.

Candles aren’t just about illumination. In freezing conditions, they offer warmth, enough to stave off hypothermia when larger heat sources fail. Placed strategically, they become beacons, guiding family members or signaling rescuers. The soft, steady glow of a candle steadies the mind, anchoring people in an environment stripped of normalcy.

Being able to make a candle also serves another purpose—independence. When the shelves are bare and traditional supplies are out of reach, the ability to create a functional light source from everyday materials restores a sense of control. It’s not just about surviving the moment but about asserting mastery over the elements, however small that victory might seem.

Disasters don’t wait for convenience. Supplies run thin, and resources become scarce. Knowing how to craft an emergency candle from materials at hand—whether it’s wax, oil, or even crayons—turns a small skill into a survival advantage. It’s not just light; it’s the ability to see, to endure, and to act. For now start stocking up at items from the dollar store and even survival items at Walmart that are under $40.

Materials You Will Need:

Wax: You can use leftover candle stubs, paraffin wax, beeswax, or even crayons.
Container: Small jars, tins, or heat-safe glass containers work best.
Wick: Cotton string, shoelaces (without plastic tips), or pre-made wicks from craft stores.
Double Boiler: A heat-safe bowl and a pot for melting the wax.
Pencil or Stick: To hold the wick in place.
Scissors: For cutting the wick to size.
Optional Additions: Essential oils for fragrance or dye for color.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Container:
- Clean your chosen container thoroughly to ensure there are no residues or contaminants.
- Attach the wick to the bottom center of the container. You can use a bit of melted wax or hot glue to hold it in place.
- Tie the top of the wick to a pencil or stick and lay it across the top of the container to keep the wick upright and centered.
Melt the Wax:
- Break the wax into smaller pieces for easier melting.
- Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the wax to the bowl and stir occasionally until fully melted. If using crayons for color, peel off the paper wrapper and add the crayon pieces to the melted wax.
Add Fragrance (Optional):
- Once the wax is melted, you can add a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant aroma. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the Wax:
- Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared container, holding the wick steady.
- Leave about half an inch of space at the top of the container.
Let the Candle Set:
- Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely. This process may take a few hours depending on the size of the container.
- If the wax sinks around the wick as it cools, reheat some wax and pour it into the depression to level it.
Trim the Wick:
- Once the candle is fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch to ensure a clean, even burn.

Tips for Safe Use:

Always place the candle on a heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Store your DIY emergency candles in a cool, dry place for future use.

Why Make Your Own Emergency Candle?

Creating your own emergency candle not only saves money but also ensures you have a reliable light source when needed. Additionally, it’s an eco-friendly way to reuse leftover wax and containers. Whether you’re preparing for power outages or simply enjoy DIY projects, making emergency candles is a practical and rewarding activity.

Start your DIY project today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being prepared!