How to Make a Survival Candle: Light in the Darkest Times

Imagine this: the power goes out. A storm rages outside, cutting off your town from the rest of the world. Darkness descends, and the comforting hum of electricity vanishes. In a survival situation, light isn’t just about visibility; it’s about safety, warmth, and morale. That’s where a survival candle comes in. Forget fancy store-bought options; knowing how to make one yourself could be a crucial skill. This article will guide you through the process, equipping you with the knowledge to create a reliable light source from readily available materials.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Importance of a Survival Candle

A survival candle is more than just a pretty flame. It’s a multi-purpose tool that can provide:

Light: Illuminating your surroundings allows you to navigate, perform tasks, and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Warmth: While not a primary heat source, a survival candle can provide a small amount of warmth, especially in confined spaces.
Psychological comfort: In stressful situations, the flickering light of a candle can offer a sense of calm and security.
Cooking Assistance: A small candle flame can be used to cook small things like eggs.

Having a reliable light source can significantly impact your ability to cope with a survival situation. Knowing how to create one from scratch is a valuable skill that can empower you in times of crisis.

Gathering Your Materials: What You’ll Need

The beauty of a survival candle lies in its simplicity. You don’t need specialized equipment. With a little resourcefulness, you can find the necessary materials in your home or outdoors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Fuel Source

The fuel is the heart of your candle. This is what will burn to produce light and heat. Here are some options:

Wax: Old candles, candle stubs, beeswax, or even paraffin wax (available at most craft stores) are excellent choices.
Vegetable Oil: Olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or even used cooking oil can work in a pinch. However, they tend to produce more smoke.
Shortening: Solid vegetable shortening can also be used as a fuel source.
Petroleum Jelly: Vaseline is another possible fuel source.

Wick

The wick draws the fuel up to the flame. Here are some common wick materials:

Cotton String: Braided cotton string (like twine or yarn) works well. Avoid synthetic materials, as they don’t burn as cleanly.
Shoelaces: Cotton shoelaces can be used as an alternative wick.
Cardboard: Tightly rolled cardboard can work as a wick, but it burns faster and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Lint: Cotton lint from clothing or a dryer can be fashioned into a makeshift wick.
Braided Paper Towels: A tightly twisted and braided paper towel can function as a wick.

Container

The container holds the fuel and wick. It should be heat-resistant and stable.

Metal Cans: Cleaned-out food cans (soup, beans, etc.) are ideal. Make sure there are no sharp edges.
Glass Jars: Mason jars, baby food jars, or other glass containers can be used, but be careful of cracking due to heat.
Aluminum Foil: You can create a temporary container by molding heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Citrus Peels: The peel of an orange or grapefruit can be used as a container, especially for oil-based candles.

Optional Materials

Essential Oils: Adding a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax can add a pleasant scent.
Coloring: Crayons (broken into small pieces) can be melted into the wax to add color.
Scissors or Knife: For trimming the wick.
Lighter or Matches: To ignite the candle.

Prioritize safety when selecting your materials. Ensure your container is heat-resistant, and your wick is made from a natural fiber that won’t release toxic fumes.

Creating Your Survival Candle: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your materials, it’s time to assemble your survival candle. Here’s a general guide, adaptable to the specific materials you’ve chosen:

Wax-Based Candle

This is the most common and reliable type of survival candle.

Prepare the Wax: If using old candles, remove any remaining wick fragments or debris. Break the wax into smaller pieces to facilitate melting.
Melt the Wax: The safest way to melt wax is using a double boiler. Place the wax in a heat-resistant container (like a metal bowl) and set it over a pot of simmering water. Alternatively, you can use a microwave in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between, but this requires careful monitoring to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Never melt wax directly over an open flame.
Prepare the Container and Wick: Center the wick in the container. You can use a clothespin or pencil laid across the top of the container to hold the wick upright. Ensure the wick extends slightly above the top of the container.
Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into the container, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
Let it Cool and Harden: Allow the wax to cool completely and harden undisturbed. This may take several hours.
Trim the Wick: Once the wax is solid, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.

Oil-Based Candle

This is a good alternative when wax is unavailable.

Prepare the Container and Wick: Similar to the wax candle, center the wick in the container, ensuring it extends above the top. You can use a small piece of cardboard with a hole in the middle to keep the wick in place.
Add the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into the container, soaking the wick. Leave some space at the top.
Let it Soak: Allow the wick to soak in the oil for at least 15-20 minutes before lighting. This ensures the wick is saturated and will burn properly.

Shortening Candle

Pack the Container: Pack the shortening tightly into the container.
Insert the Wick: Create a small hole in the center of the shortening and insert the wick.
Saturate the Wick: Drizzle a little melted shortening or vegetable oil onto the wick to help it ignite.

Regardless of the fuel you use, always exercise caution when handling hot wax or oil. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby in case of accidents.

Optimizing Your Survival Candle for Longevity

A survival candle is only as useful as its burn time. Here are some tips to extend the life of your candle:

Use a Large Container: A larger container holds more fuel, resulting in a longer burn time.
Choose the Right Wick: The thickness of the wick affects the rate at which the fuel burns. A thinner wick will generally result in a longer burn time.
Add Salt to the Wax: Adding a small amount of salt (about a teaspoon per pound of wax) can help the wax burn more slowly and evenly.
Maintain the Wick: Trim the wick regularly to about 1/4 inch. This will prevent smoking and ensure a cleaner, more efficient burn.
Protect from Drafts: Drafts can cause the candle to burn unevenly and more quickly. Place the candle in a sheltered location.
Use a Lid: When not in use, cover the candle with a lid to prevent dust and debris from contaminating the fuel.
Controlled Burning: Burn the candle in short intervals rather than continuously. This can help conserve fuel and extend its overall lifespan.

Experiment with different wick materials and sizes to find the optimal combination for your chosen fuel source. Practicing candle-making in advance will allow you to refine your technique and maximize burn time.

Safety Considerations: Handling Fire Responsibly

Fire is a powerful tool, but it demands respect. Always prioritize safety when making and using survival candles:

Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended: This is the most important rule. Always keep a close eye on a burning candle.
Keep Away from Flammable Materials: Keep candles away from curtains, paper, clothing, and other flammable items.
Place on a Stable Surface: Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface to prevent it from tipping over.
Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Ensure candles are out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidents.
Ventilation: Burning candles consume oxygen. Ensure adequate ventilation in the room.
Have a Fire Extinguisher or Baking Soda Nearby: In case of a fire, have a fire extinguisher or baking soda readily available.
Never Use Water to Extinguish a Grease Fire: If the candle flame gets out of control, smother it with a lid or baking soda. Never use water on a grease fire, as this can cause it to spread.
Dispose of Candles Properly: Once the candle has burned down completely, allow the container to cool before handling it. Dispose of any remaining wax or oil properly.

Fire safety is paramount. By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe and responsible experience.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Survival Candle Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic survival candle, you can explore some advanced techniques to enhance its functionality:

Tea Light Extenders: Create a simple extender by placing a tea light inside a larger metal can. The can will reflect heat and light, making the tea light more effective.
Multi-Wick Candles: Use multiple wicks in a single container to increase the amount of light produced.
Waterproof Candles: Dip a finished candle in melted paraffin wax to create a waterproof coating. This will protect the wick from moisture and make the candle easier to light in wet conditions.
Scented Insect Repellent Candles: Add citronella or other insect-repelling essential oils to the wax to create a candle that repels mosquitoes and other bugs.
Emergency Stove: Use a large candle inside a tin can with air holes to create a small emergency stove for heating water or cooking small items.

Continual learning and experimentation will expand your skills and allow you to adapt your survival candle techniques to different situations.

Making a Survival Kit with Candles

The best way to ensure you have access to a survival candle when you need it is to pre-pack it into a survival kit. Here are some items to include in your survival kit:

Pre-made survival candles: Have at least two or three candles ready to go.
Extra wicks: Pack additional wick material.
Fuel: Keep extra wax, oil or shortening in the kit.
Lighter or waterproof matches: Be sure to pack a reliable source of ignition.
Small container: A small metal tin can be included.
Fire starter: Pack cotton balls with petroleum jelly, as these make great fire starters.
Aluminum foil: Include aluminum foil to make a container if needed.

Preparation is key to surviving any situation, so make sure that your survival kit is packed with items you can easily rely on.

Conclusion: Embrace the Light

Knowing how to make a survival candle is a valuable skill that can provide light, warmth, and comfort in challenging situations. By gathering readily available materials and following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a reliable light source that can make a significant difference in your ability to cope with a power outage, a wilderness emergency, or other unexpected events. Remember to prioritize safety, experiment with different techniques, and practice your skills in advance. With a little knowledge and resourcefulness, you can transform darkness into light and empower yourself to face whatever challenges may come your way.

What materials do I need to make a survival candle?

To create a basic survival candle, you’ll need a few readily available items. First, you’ll need a container – a small tin can, a mason jar, or even a sturdy, heat-resistant bowl will work. Second, you’ll need a fuel source. Common options include vegetable oil, olive oil, or melted wax from old candles. Finally, you’ll require a wick. This can be made from tightly rolled cotton balls, a piece of cotton fabric, or even a shoelace.

Beyond these essentials, you might want some additional materials for enhanced performance or safety. Sand or pebbles can be placed at the bottom of the container to stabilize the wick and prevent it from tipping. A small metal washer can be attached to the base of the wick to keep it submerged in the fuel. Lastly, a lid or cover for the container is a good idea to extinguish the flame safely and prevent spills.

How long will a survival candle typically burn?

The burn time of a survival candle varies significantly depending on several factors. The size of the container, the type of fuel used, and the wick’s thickness all play crucial roles. A small candle using vegetable oil and a thin cotton wick might burn for several hours, whereas a larger candle with a wider wick and a more flammable fuel like melted wax could burn for much longer.

As a general rule of thumb, expect a survival candle to burn for anywhere between 4 and 24 hours. It’s wise to test your specific candle setup before relying on it in an emergency to get a better understanding of its burn time. Always monitor the candle while it’s burning and ensure it’s placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface to prevent accidents.

What are the safety precautions I should take when using a survival candle?

Safety is paramount when using any type of open flame, especially a survival candle. Always place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials like curtains, paper, or furniture. Ensure there’s adequate ventilation in the room, but avoid placing the candle in a drafty area, which could cause the flame to flicker and potentially spread.

Never leave a burning survival candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Have a fire extinguisher or a readily available source of water nearby in case of emergencies. When extinguishing the candle, use a lid or a non-flammable object to smother the flame, rather than blowing it out, which can cause hot wax or oil to splatter.

Can I use different types of oil as fuel for my survival candle?

Yes, various types of oil can be used as fuel for a survival candle, but some are more suitable than others. Vegetable oil, olive oil, and canola oil are all commonly used and readily available options. These oils tend to burn relatively cleanly and produce a moderate amount of light. Mineral oil can also be used, but it may produce more soot and require better ventilation.

Avoid using highly flammable oils like gasoline, kerosene, or lamp oil in a survival candle. These fuels are extremely dangerous and can easily lead to explosions or uncontrolled fires. Always prioritize safety and choose a fuel that burns relatively slowly and produces minimal fumes.

How do I make a wick for my survival candle?

Creating a functional wick for your survival candle is a simple process. One common method involves tightly rolling several cotton balls together to form a thick, sturdy strand. Secure the strand with thread or thin wire to prevent it from unraveling. Alternatively, you can use a strip of cotton fabric, twisting it tightly to create a wick-like shape.

Another option is to use a section of shoelace, especially if it’s made of cotton. Before inserting the wick into the fuel, soak it thoroughly to ensure it readily absorbs the oil or wax. For added stability, consider attaching a small metal washer to the base of the wick to keep it submerged and prevent it from floating.

How do I extinguish a survival candle safely?

Extinguishing a survival candle safely requires a careful approach to avoid burns or spills. The best method is to smother the flame by depriving it of oxygen. This can be achieved by placing a lid or a non-flammable object, such as a metal plate or a piece of aluminum foil, over the container to completely cover the opening.

Avoid blowing out the candle, as this can cause hot wax or oil to splatter, potentially leading to burns or starting a fire. Once the flame is extinguished, allow the candle to cool completely before handling it. This will prevent any accidental burns from residual heat in the container or the remaining fuel.

What are the advantages of using a survival candle in an emergency situation?

Survival candles offer several advantages in emergency situations where power outages are common. They provide a reliable source of light, allowing you to navigate your surroundings safely and perform essential tasks. Unlike flashlights or electronic devices, survival candles don’t rely on batteries, ensuring a longer and more dependable source of illumination.

Beyond providing light, survival candles can also generate a small amount of heat, which can be beneficial in cold environments. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to make using readily available materials. Moreover, the act of creating and using a survival candle can offer a sense of control and preparedness during a stressful situation.