Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it can be frustrating when they lose their fragrance or don't smell strong enough. The good news is that there are several ways to enhance the smell of a candle, from choosing the right type of wax and increasing the concentration of fragrance oils to considering the size of the candle and its placement in a room. By making a few simple adjustments, you can make your candles smell heavenly and fill any space with beautiful fragrance.
Characteristics of enhancing the smell of a candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent throw | Cold throw (scent when the candle is unlit) and hot throw (scent when the candle is lit) |
| Wax type | Paraffin wax, coconut wax, soy wax, and beeswax |
| Candle size | Larger candles have a larger throw |
| Candle surface area | A larger surface area equals a larger throw |
| Candle placement | Keep away from open windows or air vents |
| Wick type | Cotton, hemp, or wooden wicks allow better diffusion of scent |
| Wick size | A wick that is too small or too large will impact the scent |
| Wax pool | A larger wax pool enhances the scent |
| Temperature of wax | Higher temperature wax gives more energy to the oil molecules to evaporate |
| Fragrance concentration | Higher fragrance concentration increases diffusion |
| Fragrance type | Heavier fragrances sink then work their way upwards |
| Fragrance fatigue | The body becomes desensitized to the same smell over time |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right wax type
The type of wax you use can significantly impact the strength of a candle's scent. Paraffin wax, a common candle-making base, has very little natural scent, while other types of wax have light natural fragrances that can complement the candle's added fragrance. For example, coconut wax has a mild natural coconut fragrance that helps amplify the candle's scent. It also holds more oil than paraffin, keeping the scent stronger for longer. Soy wax and beeswax are other wax types that have light natural scents.
When choosing the right wax type, it's important to consider the fragrance oil concentration. The more fragrance oil added to the wax, the stronger the scent throw. However, it's essential to balance the amount to avoid irritating the user or wasting too much oil. The recommended range is between 1-4 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of wax, with 5% being a good benchmark for a quality candle.
Additionally, the size of the candle matters. A larger candle surface area results in a larger scent throw, meaning more fragrance is released in a shorter time. Therefore, opt for thick pillar candles or wide jars with multiple wicks to increase the melt pool and enhance the fragrance experience.
It's worth noting that the quality of the fragrance oil itself also plays a role in the overall scent throw. Higher-cost candles tend to use more oil and have better-quality fragrances.
Finally, the wick choice is crucial. A wick that is too small or too large will negatively impact the hot throw, affecting the strength of the candle's scent. Natural wicks made from materials like cotton, hemp, or wood tend to provide better scent diffusion than synthetic ones.
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Increase the fragrance oil
The fragrance load, or the percentage of fragrance oil mixed with candle wax, is crucial in determining the strength of a candle's scent. While increasing the amount of fragrance oil can enhance the scent, it is important to strike a balance. Excessive fragrance oil may irritate some individuals, or result in wasted oil without any noticeable improvement in fragrance. It can also cause the fragrance oil to separate from the wax, creating an unpleasant appearance and potentially impacting the candle's ability to burn properly.
When making your own candles, the recommended fragrance load varies depending on the type of wax and fragrance oil used. For example, with Parasoy blends, a fragrance load of 5% is typically recommended, with higher percentages reserved for special bespoke candles. In the case of soy candles, a fragrance load of 6% to 8% is often suggested to ensure a strong scent without compromising the candle's ability to burn effectively.
The type of wax used also plays a significant role in the strength of the candle's fragrance. Different types of wax have varying natural scents and abilities to hold fragrance oil. For instance, coconut wax has a mild natural coconut fragrance that enhances and prolongs additional scents. It also holds more oil than paraffin wax, resulting in stronger and longer-lasting scents. Similarly, soy wax and beeswax have subtle natural fragrances that can complement added fragrances.
When adding fragrance oil to your candle wax, it is essential to stir the mixture thoroughly and for several minutes. Inadequate stirring can lead to the oil settling at the bottom of the wax, resulting in a weak scent. Additionally, the temperature of the wax is crucial. If the wax is too hot when the fragrance oil is added, the fragrance may burn off, altering the aroma. On the other hand, if the wax is too cold, the fragrance oil may not incorporate properly. Therefore, it is recommended to heat the wax to a temperature of around 60 degrees Celsius or slightly higher, depending on the viscosity of the fragrance, and then allow it to cool to about 50–55 degrees Celsius before pouring.
By carefully considering the type of wax and fragrance oil, the appropriate fragrance load, and the temperature and stirring process, you can effectively increase the fragrance oil in your candles to enhance their scent.
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Understand scent throw
The term "scent throw" describes a candle's fragrance output. It is used to describe how a candle smells when the wax is solid (cold throw) and how much aroma is given off when it is lit (hot throw).
The cold throw is the fragrance you smell when the candle is unlit and the wax is solid. You usually have to smell the candle up close to perceive its cold throw. The hot throw, on the other hand, refers to the level of fragrance you perceive when the candle is lit and the wax is melting. The throw will depend on factors such as wax type, fragrance oil concentration, and candle design.
To optimise a candle's scent throw, you can consider the following factors:
- Distance: The distance from your nose to the candle affects how long it takes for the fragrance molecules to reach you. The closer you are to the candle, the sooner you will pick up its scent, and the stronger it will be.
- Temperature: Increasing the temperature of the wax gives more energy to the oil molecules, allowing them to collide and evaporate into the air more easily.
- Viscosity: This refers to how hard it is to move something through the wax. Warmer wax has more friction than hot wax.
- Molecular weight: Smaller, lighter molecules travel faster than larger, heavier ones. This is why you may smell some notes early on and others later during the burn.
- Concentration of oils: Increasing the concentration of oils in a candle will increase the rate of diffusion, resulting in a stronger scent throw.
- Airflow: In a room with still air, it will take longer for the fragrance molecules to diffuse throughout the space. Using a ceiling fan or placing the candle near a window or air vent can help enhance the scent throw by improving airflow. However, be cautious as placing a candle near an open window or air vent can also cause the scent to be drawn outside rather than into the room.
- Wick choice: Evaluating your wick choice is important as it can affect the hot throw. A wick that is too small or too large will directly impact the strength of the scent throw. A strong flame and a large melt pool are desirable, as fragrance comes out through the melt pool, not the wick.
- Wax type: Different types of wax can amplify how well a candle throws scent. For example, coconut wax has a mild natural coconut fragrance that helps lift and carry additional scents, resulting in a stronger aromatherapy experience.
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Prevent tunnelling
To prevent tunnelling, ensure that during the first burn, you light all the wicks and allow the wax pool to reach the container's edge. This will not only prevent tunnelling but also allow the candle scent to diffuse from the melted wax and spread throughout the room.
The size of the candle surface area also affects tunnelling. A larger candle surface area equals a larger throw, which means more fragrance in a shorter time. A container candle usually has a smaller surface area than pillars, as its sides are constrained by the jar. Therefore, to scent a room quickly, opt for thick pillar candles or wide jars with multiple wicks to increase the melt pool (surface area).
The type of wax used can also prevent tunnelling. Coconut wax, for example, holds more oil than paraffin, keeping scents stronger for longer. Soy wax and beeswax also have light natural scents that can complement other fragrances.
Additionally, ensure that you keep the wick trimmed to approximately 1/4 inch for the best burn. Avoid burning one candle for too long, as this will overheat the wax and vaporise the fragrance oils faster, weakening the scent throw over time.
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Avoid fragrance fatigue
Fragrance fatigue is a real phenomenon, also known as olfactory fatigue. It occurs when your body becomes desensitized to a particular smell over time. Our olfactory memory is responsible for discarding recently experienced smells. This is why you may not notice the smell of your home when you return from work, but it may smell strange when you return from a holiday.
To avoid fragrance fatigue, it is important to regularly rotate your candle scents. You can do this by switching up the scent family entirely, or by choosing candles with different notes that complement each other. For example, you could opt for a candle with heady floral notes for one week, and then switch to a candle with uplifting citrus notes the following week.
Another way to prevent fragrance fatigue is to pay attention to the size of your space and the ventilation in the room. If you have a large room, you may need to use multiple or larger candles to ensure the fragrance is evenly dispersed. Proper ventilation is also key to allowing the scent to flow and reach every corner of the room. Avoid placing your candle near an open window or air vent, as the scent will be drawn to the breeze and lost.
Additionally, the type of wax and fragrance oil used in candles can impact their scent throw. Paraffin wax, a common candle-making base, has very little natural scent, while coconut wax has a mild natural fragrance that can enhance and carry additional scents. Soy wax has a lower melting point than beeswax, so it can melt at an accelerated pace, resulting in a heightened scent throw. Fragrance oils also tend to have a stronger scent throw than natural essential oils.
By understanding and addressing these factors, you can enhance your scented candle experience and avoid fragrance fatigue.
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Frequently asked questions
The distance from your nose to the candle matters. The further away you are, the longer it takes for the fragrance molecules to reach you. So, if you want a stronger smell, move the candle closer.
Make sure the candle is away from open windows or air vents. The scent is drawn to the breeze, so keeping the candle away from these areas will ensure the fragrance stays in the room.
Ensure the wick is not too small or too large, as this will impact the strength of the smell. A natural wick made from cotton, hemp, or wood will allow better diffusion of the scent than a polyester one.
Coconut wax has a mild natural coconut fragrance that helps lift and carry additional scents. It also holds more oil than paraffin wax, keeping scents stronger for longer. Soy wax and beeswax also have light natural scents that can complement other fragrances.
Collect wax remnants from old scented candles and add them to an unscented room spray. Melt the wax in a double boiler, then stir it into the spray. Spritz this around the room for a bonus fragrance.
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