Tyler Brooks
Candles are a popular way to decorate and elevate the ambiance of a space. They are also used to create a cozy atmosphere and can be an expression of one's personality. However, despite their popularity, there is a lot that people don't know about candles, including the fact that there is a right and wrong way to smell a candle's true scent. For candles with lids, the proper way to smell them is to actually smell the lid and not the candle itself. This is because fragrance molecules rise to the top of the packaging and accumulate, giving you a more accurate portrayal of the candle's full scent profile. Additionally, when lighting a candle, it is important to note that it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes for the scent to be released in large quantities. There are also different ways to extinguish a candle, such as using a wick dipper or a lid to avoid smoke, which can disrupt the lingering scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to smell a candle | Smell the lid, not the wax |
| Why to smell the lid | The fragrance accumulates in the top of the lid, giving you the full body of the fragrance |
| How to get a stronger fragrance | Use the recommended percentage of fragrance oil for the type of wax; weigh oils on a scale, not in a cup or spoon; add oil at 185Fº; stir with wax; cure candles for 3 days to 2 weeks |
| How to prevent soot | Keep the wick of a candle 0.25 inches from the top; use a lumo cover over the candle for airflow |
| How to extinguish a candle | Use a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax; use the lid to suffocate the flame; blow out the candle (delicately) |
| How long to burn a candle | 15-30 minutes for a good-sized wax pool and for the scent to be released in large quantities |
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Smelling the lid
When it comes to smelling a candle, there is a right and a wrong way to do it. If you've ever found yourself struggling to get a good sense of how a candle really smells, smelling the lid is the way to go.
By smelling the lid, you access the full body of the fragrance, including the top, middle, and base notes. This is because fragrance molecules, when trapped in a closed container, rise to the top and accumulate in the lid. So, when you take a whiff, you get a true sense of the candle's scent profile, rather than just the top notes that you would smell from the wax.
This technique is especially useful when shopping for candles. By smelling the lid, you can make a more informed decision about whether you truly like the scent of a candle before buying it. No more bringing a candle home only to realize you dislike its scent!
Even if a candle doesn't have a lid, you can still apply this technique. Simply treat any protective paper or plastic liner on the top as the lid, gently lifting it to get a sense of the candle's true aroma. If it's boxed, try to find a sample and smell the lid or liner, or, if necessary, smell the top of the box.
So, the next time you're candle shopping or simply curious about a candle's scent, remember to smell the lid to get the most accurate and complete fragrance experience.
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Preventing tunnelling
Preventing candle tunnelling is all about creating a good memory for the candle wax. The wax will remember the pattern of its first burn, so it's important to ensure the candle burns evenly the first time it is lit. Here are some tips to prevent candle tunnelling:
Firstly, choose the right wick. Ensure the wick is not too small or too large for the candle, as this will impact how the candle burns and can lead to tunnelling. The wick should be trimmed to around 1/4 of an inch before lighting the candle. This will promote a clean and even burn.
Secondly, the first burn of the candle is crucial. It is recommended to burn the candle for approximately one hour per inch in diameter of the candle. This will allow the wax to melt evenly and create a memory for the wax to follow in subsequent burns. Place the candle on a flat, even surface away from drafts, fans, or open windows, as these can cause uneven burning.
Additionally, you can use aluminium foil to insulate the candle and increase heat retention. Wrap the foil around the candle, leaving a small opening for the wick and flame. This will help melt the excess wax and prevent tunnelling.
By following these steps, you can effectively prevent candle tunnelling and enjoy an even and efficient burn.
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Wick choice
When it comes to choosing the right wick for your candle, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size of the wick is important. A wick that is too small may result in tunnelling, where the candle burns down the centre, leaving behind wasted wax on the sides. On the other hand, a larger wick will draw more wax, influencing the size of the flame and potentially leading to excessive wax consumption. The thickness of the wick can also impact the scent throw, with a thicker wick potentially creating a more consistent burn and stronger fragrance.
The choice of container will also influence your wick selection. Containers with thick walls, such as concrete or plaster, retain heat better, creating a more conducive environment for a full burn pool. Conversely, thin-walled containers like glass allow more heat to escape, requiring the flame to work harder to melt the wax. Therefore, a wick that works well in a thick-walled container may not perform optimally in a thin-walled one.
To ensure you've chosen the right wick, it's recommended to perform a burn test with at least three different wicks to determine which one provides the best results in terms of scent throw and burn quality. Centering and trimming the wick before each burn can also help extend the life of your candle and improve its performance.
Additionally, the type of wick you choose should be naturally absorbent and free from metals to ensure a clean burn. Organic cotton wicks are a popular choice for an all-natural option.
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Scent throw
The strength of a candle's scent throw can be affected by various factors, such as the percentage of fragrance used, the type of candle wax, the candle size, and the wick choice. For example, using too little fragrance oil will result in a weak scent throw, while exceeding the maximum amount your wax can hold will lead to unbonded fragrance oil beading on your wax and may increase the fire hazard. Different fragrance oils will also give different results, with some requiring a higher percentage of oil to achieve a strong scent throw.
To maximize the scent throw of your candles, it is recommended to use the right combination of fragrance oil and wax, adding fragrance oil at the optimal temperature, and allowing proper curing time. For example, fragrance oil should be added to melted wax at around 180°-185°F, and the recommended curing time for soy wax is 1-2 weeks, while for paraffin wax it is 24-48 hours.
Additionally, to get the most out of your candle's hot throw, it is recommended to let the candle burn for longer periods, allowing the wax pool to reach the edge of the vessel. Burning the candle for around 4 hours at a time will also prevent tunneling and extend the life of your candle.
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Preventing soot
To properly smell a candle, you should smell its lid, rather than the wax itself. This is because the fragrance molecules accumulate in the lid when the candle is stored in a closed container. By smelling the lid, you'll get a more accurate portrayal of the candle's full scent profile, including its top, middle, and base notes. If the candle doesn't have a lid, you can gently pull off any protective paper or plastic liner on the top and smell that instead.
- Opt for cleaner candles: Choose candles made with high-quality wax, such as beeswax or soy, and wicks made from cotton or wood. Candles made with paraffin wax tend to produce more soot.
- Ventilate your space: Always ensure the area is well-ventilated when burning candles to prevent soot from accumulating.
- Trim the wick: Keep candle wicks trimmed to about a quarter of an inch to prevent flickering, which produces more soot. A steady, even burn is much cleaner.
- Burn for shorter periods: Candles should only be burned for a few hours at a time. The longer a candle burns, the more likely it is to produce soot.
- Use a candle warmer: Candle warmers slowly release fragrance without producing soot, but over time, they may drive out all the fragrance from the candle, leaving you with only unscented wax.
- Choose the right wick: Ensure your candle is not under- or over-wicked, as this will affect the strength of the scent and may impact the amount of soot produced.
- Use the right amount of fragrance oil: Maximize the "scent throw" of your candles by using the recommended percentage of fragrance oil for the type of wax you're using. Weigh your fragrance oils on a scale and add them at 185°F, stirring gently and thoroughly with the melted wax.
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Frequently asked questions
Smelling the lid of a candle will give you a more accurate portrayal of its full scent profile. The fragrance molecules rise to the top of the packaging and accumulate over time, so smelling the lid will allow you to detect the middle and base notes, not just the top notes.
It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes for a good-sized wax pool to build and for the scent to be released in large quantities.
Some candle enthusiasts recommend using a wick dipper to bend the wick into the wax, as this method extinguishes the flame without any smoke. Alternatively, you can use the lid to suffocate the flame, or simply blow it out—but be delicate and wait until the entire surface of the candle has melted to avoid tunneling.
There are a few things you can do to maximise the scent throw of your candle. Firstly, ensure you are using the recommended percentage of fragrance oil for the type of wax you are using. Secondly, weigh your fragrance oils on a scale and add them at 185°F, stirring gently and thoroughly with the melted wax. Finally, evaluate your wick choice to ensure it is not too small or too large, as this will directly impact how strong your candle smells.
Keeping the wick of a candle 0.25 inches from the top will prevent soot from forming. Good quality candles from reputable companies also tend to produce less soot.
