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Life Hacks: Do-It-Yourself Candles

 
Now that the rainy season is in full swing, sudden power outages are possible amidst raging storms. Though we all should have our supply of flashlights, candles, matches and other emergency items, there is still a chance that a power outage can catch us unprepared. If this happens, here are some hacks that will save you from the darkness.
 
Crayon candles
No candles? No problem. Try rooting around the house for some crayons.
 
crayon (1)
Courtesy: www.kidsdiscover.com
 
Light the tip of the crayon with a match or a lighter. Don’t remove the paper because this will serve as the wick.
crayon1 (2)
 
When the tip of the crayon is partially melted, slightly melt its bottom and allow it to stand in a glass jar or something that will keep it from making contact with flammable things.
crayon2 (2)
 
One crayon can last for 10 to 15 minutes. Crayons are made primarily from paraffin wax that allows it to burn slowly like a candle. If you want to make the light more luminous, bunch 2 or more crayons and tie it up with a string. A note of warning though: this emergency candle may cause an unpleasant smell and a lot of smoke because of the burning wax and paper.
 
Orange peel candle
If you don’t have a crayon, but do have an orange and some cooking oil, you can also make your own candle.
 
Cut the orange in half and gently separate the fruit from the peel, leaving the peel and the wick (the center part of the stem) intact.
 
orange
Courtesy: http://www.deliacreates.com/orange-candles/
 
Pour the cooking oil, making sure to fill the peel just below the wick because if you fully douse it, it won’t light. Use a lighter or match to light up the wick. Observe the cooking oil consumption, refill while there is a flame.
 
The cooking oil will serve as your fuel and the orange as your wick.
This orange may last up to 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the size of the wick (the longer the better) and the type of the orange (I recommend Sagada oranges because it has a longer wick)
 
If you don’t have an orange, you can also use butter. Just cut a stick of butter into half, tear a square of toilet paper and roll it until it becomes a wick. Put a hole in the butter using a toothpick or screwdriver, insert the toilet paper and light it up with match or lighter.
 
butter (1)
Courtesy: www.mnn.com
 
So the next time you find yourself in the darkness without candles, remember that you can make your own! Stay safe this rainy season!
 
 
Sources:
www.deliacreates.com/orange-candles/

How To Make An Orange Peel Candle


https://youtu.be/Ge1O9rH__5Y

 
 
— By Sean Kyle Tongko
PanahonTV Intern from Bulacan State University