Do Votive Candles Smell?
Votive candles are small, short candles that are typically used for prayer, decoration, or ceremonial purposes (Encyclopedia). They are made of paraffin or soy wax and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and scents. Votive candles get their name from the Latin word “votum” meaning “vow” or “wish”, since they were originally used as offerings or to represent prayers (Good). Unlike taper candles, votives are not designed to provide ambient light. Rather, the flickering flame of a votive candle symbolizes hopes, intentions, remembrances or sacrifices (Encyclopedia).
The key features that define votive candles are their short, compact shape and small size – they are usually around 1-3 inches tall with a diameter around 1-2 inches. Their small stature allows them to fit into holders to catch dripping wax. Votives are intended to burn for 5-8 hours before extinguishing (Good).
Do All Votive Candles Have Scent?
Most votive candles are actually unscented. Votive candles are typically small candles meant to be burned for ambiance, ritual, or during prayer. Their small size makes them ideal for use in candle holders, but limits the amount of fragrance they can contain (“What is a Votive Candle?”, https://goodlightcandles.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-votive-candle).
While votives can be purchased in many alluring scents, the majority are made without any added fragrance. Unscented votives allow the candle’s light to be the focus, rather than a smell. They can also be used by people sensitive to scents (“Unscented Votive Candles – White Votives”, https://molehollowcandles.com/products/unscented-votive-candles-box-of-18).
In summary, most votive candles are unscented, but scented varieties are available for those wanting to add an aroma to their candle experience.
How Votive Candles Are Made
Votive candles are made from wax, wicks, and fragrance oils. The most common types of wax used are paraffin, soy, and beeswax.1 Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is the most widely used candle wax due to its low cost and ability to hold fragrance oils. Soy wax is made from soybeans and is a natural, renewable resource. Beeswax is collected from beehives and has a pleasant natural honey aroma.
Votive candles require a specific type of wick to properly channel the melted wax and provide an even, steady flame. Common wicks used are zinc-cored cotton wicks which have a stiff zinc strand wrapped in cotton threads. This allows the wick to stand upright in the melted wax pool. Wicks are sized by diameter to match the width of the candle. Votive candles typically use #1 or #2 size wicks.
Adding fragrance oils is optional but commonly done to provide votive candles with pleasing scents. Popular fragrance oils used are floral, fruit, spice, and seasonal scents. The oils are blended into the melted wax before pouring into the candle molds. Fragrance load is measured by weight percentage, with most votives using 5-8% fragrance oils.
Popular Votive Candle Scents
Some of the most popular scented votive candles include fragrances like lavender, vanilla, citrus, and seasonal blends (Scented Votive Candles). Lavender is a top choice thanks to its soothing, floral aroma that can promote relaxation. Many people enjoy lighting lavender votives in the bedroom for a calming scent before sleep. Vanilla is another highly preferred votive fragrance for its warm, sweet, and comforting smell. The nostalgic scent of vanilla reminds many people of home baking or childhood treats. Fresh citrus scents like lemon, orange, grapefruit, and lime are energizing options perfect for morning votive use. Finally, seasonal blends like pine, peppermint, apple, and pumpkin cater to those who like switching up their votive fragrances throughout the year.
Do Unscented Votive Candles Have An Odor?
While unscented votive candles do not contain any added fragrances, they can still emit a faint odor when burning due to the natural smell of the wax. Most unscented votive candles are made from paraffin wax, which has a mild, waxy smell when melted by a flame1. The cotton wick can also produce a faint burnt smell as it burns. These smells are usually very subtle and not overpowering.
Some people specifically seek out unscented votive candles because they either don’t like strong artificial fragrances or are sensitive to them. The natural scent of an unscented votive candle burning is much fainter than scented varieties. Those looking for a completely odorless experience may want to look into fragrance-free votive candles, which are made of purified wax that doesn’t have any scent at all 2.
In summary, while unscented votive candles do not contain any added fragrances, most do emit a very faint wax smell when burning due to the natural odor of paraffin wax. For those who want zero scent, fragrance-free votive candles made from purified wax are the way to go.
Scent Throw of Votive Candles
Votive candles tend to have a smaller scent throw than pillar candles or jars. This is due to their small size and shape. According to Craft Server, “A tall, narrow candle such as a prayer votive has less surface area compared to a candle with a 3” diameter.”
The amount of fragrance oil in a votive is much less than a larger candle. With less fragrance oil being released into the air, votives produce a lighter scent. As Reddit users discuss in the r/Candles subreddit, large candles equal better scent throw because of their size and how the fragrance disperses in a room.
To maximize scent throw in votives, it’s recommended to use them in small, enclosed spaces. Group several votives together for a stronger aroma. Place them at table height rather than across a large open room. While they have a lighter scent, votives can still provide pleasing ambiance when used properly.
Tips for Maximizing Votive Scent
There are a few simple tips that can help maximize the scent throw of votive candles:
Allow a full wax pool to form before extinguishing the flame. The wax pool is the melted wax that forms around the wick as the candle burns. Allowing this to fully form before blowing out the candle will allow more fragrance to be released into the air. According to CandleScience.com, “The wider the diameter, the stronger the fragrance will be.”
Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. This will allow for proper melt pool formation and scent dispersion without producing excess soot. SuffolkCandles.co.uk recommends trimming wicks regularly to maximize fragrance.
Use multiple votive candles together. Grouping several votives together multiplies the fragrance. Place votives throughout an area to allow the fragrance to permeate.
Safety Considerations
Although votive candles can add ambiance and fragrance to a space, it’s important to be mindful of safety when using them. Some key things to consider:
Ensure proper wick length. The wick should be trimmed to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent overly large flames. Long wicks can create smoking, sooting, and increased risk of fire (Source: https://www.candles.org/votive-candles-faqs/).
Allow for adequate ventilation. Votive candles should be used in open, well-ventilated areas. Insufficient airflow can lead to incomplete combustion and release of unpleasant or potentially harmful substances (Source: https://rcabrisk.org/knowledgebase/votive-candles-fire-prevention/).
Be aware of fire risk. Never leave burning votives unattended. Place votive holders on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces away from flammable materials. Extinguish candles before going to sleep or leaving a room (Source: https://www.candles.org/votive-candle-safety-tips/).
Taking proper precautions allows you to safely enjoy the scents and ambiance of votive candles.
Uses for Scented Votives
Scented votive candles can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your home and lifestyle.
Aromatherapy
Certain scented votives like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can provide aromatherapy benefits. The scent from the candle can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, aid sleep, and more. Light some calming scented votives in your bedroom at night for a peaceful aroma. You can also burn energizing scents like citrus or mint votives in the morning to help you wake up and feel refreshed. According to one source, candles made from natural essential oils offer true aromatherapy effects (https://goodlightcandles.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-votive-candle).
Set the Mood
Scented votives can help create a mood or ambience for any occasion. Light some warm, cozy scents like vanilla or cinnamon for a welcoming atmosphere. Fruity or floral scents can make a room feel bright and uplifting. Burn some woody, earthy scents like pine or cedar for a relaxing, grounded vibe. Use scented votives to enhance the mood for holidays, parties, romantic dinners, spa nights, and more.
Mask Odors
The fragrance from scented votive candles can help mask unpleasant odors in your home. If there’s a funky smell you just can’t seem to get rid of, try burning a strongly scented votive to overpower it. Florals, fruits, and spices tend to be stronger scents that can conquer stinky smells. You can also burn scented votives in rooms like bathrooms or kitchens where odors commonly occur.
Conclusion
In summary, most votive candles are scented, but unscented options are available too. Votive candles get their fragrance from essential oils, fragrance oils, or synthetic aromas that are added during the manufacturing process. Popular scents include floral, fruity, spicy, earthy and woodsy aromas. Even unscented votives emit some mild odor from the wax, wick and vessel. Scent throw can vary greatly based on wax type, room size and airflow. To maximize scent from a votive, let it burn in a small enclosed area. Always take safety precautions like keeping away from flammable materials. Beyond ambiance, scented votives have uses such as aromatherapy, scent branding, and more. In the end, votives can provide lovely scented experiences, if chosen and used properly.
