Summer should is here and what better than to light up those fabulous summer evenings with these brilliantly simple Mason jar citronella torches. They are a great way to add a decorative touch to your patio while keeping bugs at bay. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Materials:
- Mason jar (any size)
- Lid with ring
- Citronella oil (or tiki torch fuel)
- Wick (thicker wicks are better for outdoor use)
- Hammer and nail (or drill)
Instructions:
- Prepare the lid: You’ll need a hole in the lid for the wick. If you’re comfortable using a drill, that’s the easiest option. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the wick to create a clean hole in the center of the lid. Otherwise, you can use a hammer and nail to poke a hole through the center.
- Attach the wick: Thread the wick through the hole in the lid from the inside of the jar. You can pinch the wick to help it fit through the hole.
- Secure the wick: On the underside of the lid, bend the excess wick into a small hook shape. This will help keep the wick in place. Tighten the lid ring onto the jar to secure the wick.
- Fill the jar: Pour citronella oil or tiki torch fuel into the jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Adjust the wick: Let the wick soak up the oil for a few minutes. Light the wick carefully. You can adjust the length of the wick to control the flame size.
Tips:
- Use a metal lid for better heat resistance.
- Look for pre-made lids with holes specifically designed for mason jar torches.
- Tiki torch fuel burns cleaner and lasts longer than citronella oil, but citronella oil might be more effective at repelling bugs.
- Be sure to extinguish the flame properly before leaving the torch unattended.
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
- A visual guide with more details [YouTube mason jar tiki torch]
- Tips for choosing a wick https://thefrugalhomemaker.com/2014/05/21/diy-mason-jar-tiki-torches-5-minute-project/
