How Can I Make My Candles Smell Stronger?

Why candle fragrance is important

Candle fragrance is the key component that transforms candles from merely utilitarian light sources into sensory experiences that create ambiance. The aromas released from scented candles can make a significant impact on one’s mood, elicit memories and emotions, and make a house feel like a home.

Studies show that when inhaled, fragrance molecules send signals to the brain that can stimulate centers related to emotion, memory, and more (source). Scented candles infuse spaces with evocative fragrances that can relax, energize, or comfort. The nostalgic scent of fresh cookies can remind someone of childhood, while lavender may conjure feelings of tranquility. Scented candles introduce sensory stimulation that plain unscented candles cannot provide.

Beyond mood enhancement, scented candles can also make a space feel more inviting and cozy. The familiar, pleasant aroma of a scented candle can turn a house into a welcoming home. Whether it’s a seasonal autumnal blend, fresh laundry scent, or smell of baked goods, scented candles’ aromas add warmth, character, and welcome guests.

Candle wax and fragrance oil basics

Different waxes have different properties that affect fragrance throw. Paraffin wax tends to have excellent fragrance throw but can produce more soot. Soy wax has good fragrance throw with less soot, but is prone to frosting. Beeswax and palm wax have low fragrance throw but are natural waxes. Coconut wax has great scent throw and produces a smooth finish.

Fragrance oils are blended into melted wax during candle making. It’s important to add fragrance at the right wax temperature – too hot and some notes may burn off, too cold and the fragrance won’t bind as well. Aim for adding fragrance around 175-185°F. The fragrance load, or amount of fragrance oil, also impacts scent throw. Most candles use 5-10% fragrance load, but higher loads can cause issues like sweating or frosting.[1]

Tips for achieving a stronger scent

One of the most important tips for making your candles smell stronger is to use more fragrance oil. According to Aroma & Roses Candle, the standard amount of fragrance oil is 6-8% of the total wax weight, but you can increase it to 10-12% for a stronger scent. However, too much oil can cause issues like sweating and poor burn performance.

It’s also crucial to choose fragrance oils that are known for having a strong scent throw or hot throw. As noted by Jessica Welling Interiors, oils like eucalyptus, pine, and mint give off a stronger aroma. Floral and citrus scents also tend to fill a room more than earthier fragrances.

Additionally, the wax, wick, and vessel can impact scent throw. Harder waxes like soy and beeswax hold fragrance better than softer paraffin wax. Using a larger wick promotes more fragrance release through a stronger flame. And candle vessels that have more open surface area will allow more scent to escape.

Choosing the Right Fragrance Oil

When selecting a fragrance oil, you’ll need to decide between pure essential oils, synthetic fragrance oils, or a blend. Here’s an overview of each type:

Pure essential oils are extracted directly from plants and can provide a more natural, authentic scent. However, they are often more expensive and may not always have as strong of a scent. Synthetic fragrance oils are artificially created in a lab, which allows for more control over the strength and consistency of the scent. They also tend to be more affordable. Many candlemakers opt for a blended oil containing both essential oils and synthetic ingredients to get the best of both worlds.

Another consideration is the notes within the fragrance. Top notes provide the initial scent impression but fade quickly. Middle or heart notes emerge next and make up the main body of the scent. Finally, base notes are the deep, rich notes that linger the longest. A good balanced fragrance oil will contain a blend of top, middle and base notes. This provides a scent experience that evolves as the candle burns.

When selecting your oil, read reviews and descriptions to understand the scent profile. Testing samples is also recommended to find the right strength, quality and scent throw for your needs.

Sources:

https://www.bulkapothecary.com/candle-fragrance-oils/

Wick selection and placement

The wick is a crucial component for maximizing fragrance in candles. Selecting the proper wick diameter allows for the ideal melt pool size to fully release fragrance into the air. According to Choosing the Right Wick Size – Candle Making Guide, using a wick that is too small for the diameter of your candle can result in poor fragrance throw and tunneling issues. Generally, a larger melt pool created by a bigger wick will allow more fragrance oil to evaporate into the air.

Properly centering your wick is also important for maximizing fragrance. An off-center wick can create an uneven melt pool, preventing the full surface area of the candle from melting and releasing aroma. As recommended by The Flaming Candle Company’s Wick Guide, always use a wick bar or adhere the wick carefully to the bottom of the vessel to keep it centered within the wax for the best cold and hot throw.

The Candle Vessel

The type of vessel used for a candle can significantly impact its fragrance throw. Candles poured into glass jars often have the strongest scent projection, as glass has minimal impact on fragrance diffusion compared to metals or porcelain. According to research from Makesy, glass jars allow fragrance to permeate through the walls uninhibited.

Tin and aluminum vessels frequently limit fragrance throw, as the metals absorb some of the scent molecules rather than letting them dissipate into the air. The opacity of metal also blocks light transmission, reducing melt pool size and wax volatility. Opening size is another factor; vessels with wide mouths and short sides provide the least resistance. Makesy recommends glass jars with at least a 3″ opening for optimal fragrance diffusion.

Vessels made from natural materials like wood, stone, or concrete generally have moderate performance. Their porous surfaces can trap some scent, yet still permit adequate throw. Unique or custom vessels may seem appealing, but performance should be evaluated. Opting for proven glass jar vessels offers reliably strong scent projection.

Wax Selection

The type of wax you use will have a big impact on your candle’s scent throw. Some key factors to consider are:

Paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle wax. It is inexpensive and can hold high amounts of fragrance oil (source: https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide). However, paraffin is made from petroleum so some prefer more natural waxes.

Soy wax is made from soybeans. It has a lower melting point than paraffin so soy candles tend to burn cooler with less soot. Soy wax holds scent well when properly formulated (source: https://www.candlescience.com/learning/wax-guide/).

Beeswax has a lovely natural honey aroma. However, beeswax is expensive and has a low fragrance load so it may not be the best choice for strongly scented candles.

In general, look for waxes with a higher maximum fragrance load percentage to achieve a stronger scent throw. Proper wick selection and curing time also impact scent diffusion.

Curing and resting

Allowing candles to cure properly is one of the most important factors for achieving a stronger scent. Curing refers to the process where the wax continues to harden over time after the candle is poured and cooled. This allows the fragrance oil to fully bind with the wax.

Curing can take 1-2 weeks, though longer cure times generally lead to better scent retention and an overall stronger aroma. According to Candlescience [1], a full 4 week cure produces candles with the strongest possible scent throw. During curing, candle waxes become denser as crystal structures form, helping to trap fragrance molecules within the wax matrix.

Proper curing also prevents issues like weeping and frosting. It’s best to let candles cure with lids off in a dry, room temperature area away from light. Some makers will cure candles for 1 week with lids on, then 1 week with lids removed. While the wait can be difficult, resist burning candles until they’ve fully cured for the best results.

Safety precautions

Making candles can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Ensure there is proper ventilation when melting wax and pouring candles. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent buildup of potentially harmful fumes. Avoid breathing in wax vapors by wearing a respirator mask. Keep windows open and use fans if needed.

Do not exceed the recommended usage for your candle wax and fragrance oils. Carefully follow all instructions for proper mixing ratios, pour temperatures, cure times, etc. Overheating wax or adding too much fragrance can make candles unsafe.

Never leave melting wax or burning candles unattended. Remain vigilant and be prepared to extinguish any flames. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of accidental ignition.

Store candle making ingredients and finished candles away from heat sources, out of reach of children and pets. Follow all flammability warnings.

Make sure to clean up properly after every candle making session. Properly dispose of used materials and wash away spilled wax to prevent slips or falls.

Following basic safety guidelines will allow you to enjoy candle making while avoiding burns, respiratory irritation, or accidental fires.

Summary and conclusion

In summary, there are several key factors that contribute to a strong candle scent. First, choosing the right fragrance oil is critical – select an oil with a high concentration and look for scents known for their strength and throw. Second, wick selection and placement can impact how well the fragrance disperses; a properly-sized wick placed off-center helps maximize fragrance. The candle vessel is also important, as containers that hold heat allow more wax to melt and release fragrance. Additionally, soy or vegetable wax tends to have better scent throw than paraffin. Finally, be sure to allow candles to cure and rest before burning to help strengthen scent.

With the right choices in fragrance, wick, wax, vessel, and curing time, it’s possible to create powerfully scented candles that fill a room with fragrance. The joy of a great scented candle is how it engages the sense of smell to evoke memories, emotions, and experiences. A strong candle scent transports and delights.