Maddie James
There are several reasons why a candle might smell chemically. Firstly, some candles are made with synthetic petrochemical fragrances, which can have a chemical scent. These candles may contain harmful chemicals such as carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins. Additionally, the type of wax used can impact the scent of a candle. Soy wax, for example, is unlikely to produce a strong fragrance, while paraffin wax blends are known for their heavy fragrance throw. The fragrance load, or the ratio of wax to scented oil, is another important factor, as too much or too little fragrance oil can affect the scent. Furthermore, the curing time and wick size can also play a role in how a candle smells. If a candle is not cured for long enough or has an incorrect wick size, it may not burn properly, resulting in an uneven scent throw. Finally, fragrance molecules trapped in closed containers can impact the scent perception, as the top notes burn off first, leaving a different scent profile than expected. Understanding these factors can help identify why a candle may smell chemically and guide consumers in choosing and using candles with more pleasant fragrances.
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What You'll Learn
The type of wax and fragrance
Paraffin wax is the most common and inexpensive option, derived from the oil industry's byproducts. It holds onto fragrance and colour well, making it a popular choice for candle makers. However, it is not the most eco-friendly option due to its high soot production. Soy wax, on the other hand, is a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. It offers a slow, steady burn and is made from soybeans. While soy wax doesn't hold fragrance as strongly as paraffin wax, it is a good choice for those who prefer a lighter scent.
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax, produced by bees during honey-making. It has a subtly sweet natural scent and a harder, more solid nature, making it ideal for crafting unscented pillar candles. Coconut wax is another sustainable option that is becoming increasingly popular. It burns cleanly with minimal soot and is excellent at holding both fragrance and colour.
The type of fragrance used in a candle is also crucial. Fragrance oils, also known as aroma or aromatic oils, are typically a blend of synthetic aroma compounds and/or essential oils diluted with a carrier like vegetable oil, propylene glycol, or mineral oil. When added to molten wax, they create a homogenous mixture. However, it is important to add fragrance oils at the right temperature to prevent evaporation or improper mixing.
The fragrance load, or the amount of fragrance added to the wax, is another factor that affects the scent. Adding too much fragrance can result in syneresis, where the excess oil separates from the wax, forming liquid drops on top of the candle. Additionally, the size of the candle and the size of the room it is burned in can impact the scent throw, or the strength of the fragrance.
Finally, personal factors such as nose blindness and individual preferences for certain scents can also influence how chemically a candle smells.
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Wick size and type
The wick is one of the most important aspects of candle making. It determines the duration of your candle, the strength of the scent throw, and how cleanly your candle will burn.
There are hundreds of different styles and sizes of wicks, and selecting the correct one is critical to making a candle that burns properly. The type of wax used, the candle's size, shape, colour, and fragrance materials all impact the choice of wick. Different wick sizes allow for different amounts of fuel to be drawn into the flame. A thicker wick will draw more fuel and create more heat, making it ideal for wider candles or harder waxes. Conversely, thinner wicks won't burn as hot and are better suited for narrower candles or softer waxes.
The height of your candle usually doesn't impact your wick selection, except when the candle is taller than the length of a pre-tabbed wick. In that case, you will need to purchase spooled wicks and create custom wick lengths. The diameter of your candle container is a more important factor in determining the appropriate wick size.
To test if you have the right wick size, look for a nearly full to full melt pool measuring no deeper than 1/4 inch deep. If you notice a lot of carbon buildup on the wick after burning, this indicates an oversized wick. An oversized wick will cause your candle to burn too quickly and may lead to safety issues.
Different types of wicks include square wicks, cored wicks, and wooden wicks. Square wicks are more robust than flat wicks and are preferred for beeswax. Cored wicks use a core material to keep the wick straight or upright while burning, with cotton, paper, zinc, or tin being common core materials. Wooden wicks have become popular for the visual aesthetic and soft crackling sound they create.
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Burn time and space
The size of the candle and the space it is in will impact the fragrance's throw, or how far the scent extends. For an 8 oz candle, you can expect the fragrance to fill 8-10 square feet. For a 2-4 oz candle, the fragrance will be noticeable within 2-3 feet. If you are burning a candle in a large open area and cannot smell it, try moving it to a smaller room.
Additionally, the type of wax and wick can impact the burn time and fragrance throw. Soy wax, for example, may not be strong enough to fill a large room with fragrance, and certain fragrances may not perform well with waxes that have a high melting point. The wick size should be appropriate for the container and wax type, as an oversized wick can lead to safety issues.
To test the burn time and fragrance throw of a candle, it is recommended to use consistent containers and wicks, and to test different fragrances with the same wax type for comparison. Allow your candles to cure for at least two weeks and up to three to five days before testing. If you are testing multiple scents, spread them out in different spaces to avoid becoming nose-blind to a particular fragrance.
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Fragrance load
The percentage of fragrance load varies depending on the type of wax used to produce the candle. Paraffin wax, for example, has a high fragrance load capacity and can hold up to 12% fragrance oil due to its molecular structure. On the other hand, soy wax typically has a lower capacity, with a fragrance load ranging from 6% to 10%. The type of fragrance also affects the wax differently; each fragrance varies in physical properties like colour, density, and flashpoint. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the oil will ignite when exposed to an open flame. Oils with higher flashpoints are generally safer and perform better in candles.
To calculate the fragrance load, first determine how much liquid wax your jar can hold, measured in ounces or grams. Then, decide on your desired fragrance load percentage. For example, if you have 320 grams of wax and want a 5% fragrance load, you will need 16 grams of fragrance oil. This can be calculated using the formula: Fragrance Oil Weight = (Wax Weight x Desired Fragrance Load %) divided by 100.
It is important to note that using too much fragrance can lead to issues such as oil seepage, poor burning, and even fire hazards. It can also cause problems with the wax, such as dryness, lumpiness, or an inability to hold a flame. On the other hand, using too little fragrance will result in candles with a weak scent throw. Therefore, it is crucial to experiment and find the right balance between scent intensity and burn quality. Conducting test burns is essential to assess the scent throw and burn characteristics, and adjustments can be made as necessary.
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Curing time
Curing is an essential part of the candle-making process. It allows the fragrance and colour to fully develop, resulting in a stronger, more vibrant candle. The curing process works by allowing the fragrance and colour in the candle to fully develop over time. As the candle sits, the fragrance oils and wax will blend and create a more potent scent. The colour will also deepen and become more vibrant as the candle cures.
The amount of time a candle needs to cure before it is ready to burn varies depending on several factors, including the type of wax and fragrance used, the size and shape of the candle, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Soy wax, for example, typically requires a longer curing time than paraffin wax. Some fragrances also require more time to fully develop than others. Larger candles may take more time to cure than smaller ones, and irregularly shaped candles may need more time for the scent and colour to fully develop.
There is much debate in the candle-making community about the optimal curing time, with suggestions ranging from 24 hours to 14 days or more. Some sources suggest that the curing time depends on measurable criteria, such as the time it takes for the wax to fully set and the molecules to settle, which is typically around 48 hours. Others argue that curing time is based on criteria that are harder to quantify, such as the strength of the scent, which can vary from person to person.
To determine if a candle is fully cured, it is recommended to test it by burning it and observing the scent and colour. If the scent is strong and true to the fragrance, and the colour is vibrant, the candle is likely fully cured. If the scent is weak or the colour is muted, the candle may need more time to cure. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for curing times to ensure the best results.
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