How Do You Make A Candle Smell Like Vanilla?

Making scented candles at home is a fun DIY project that allows you to create customized fragrances. The sweet scent of vanilla is one of the most popular candle fragrances. According to research, vanilla can boost happiness and relaxation[1]. Adding a vanilla fragrance to a homemade candle is simple, and the end result is a candle that will fill any space with a warm, soothing vanilla aroma.

This guide will walk through the easy process of making a vanilla-scented candle using supplies that are readily available. We’ll cover choosing the wax, vanilla fragrance oils, preparing the wick, melting and pouring the wax, letting the candle cure, and tips for best results. You’ll learn everything you need to make homemade vanilla candles to enjoy yourself or gift to others.

Benefits of Vanilla Fragrance

Vanilla is one of the most popular scents for candles and home fragrances. The sweet, warm aroma of vanilla is known for its calming and soothing properties. Vanilla can help relieve stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and even help you sleep better. Studies have shown that vanilla’s scent can lower heart rate and blood pressure. The compounds in vanilla have been found to have anti-depressant effects as well. Vanilla also simply smells delicious, making any room welcoming and cozy. A vanilla scented candle can set the mood for comfort and serenity in your home.

Supplies Needed

To make a candle that smells like vanilla, there are some basic supplies you will need:

Wax – The type of wax you choose is important. Some good options are soy wax, paraffin wax, or a blend. Make sure to choose a wax with a low melting point so the vanilla fragrance oils can properly bind to the wax. Paraffin wax melts between 130-145 °F and is affordable but not eco-friendly. Soy wax is made from soybeans, melts between 115-135 °F, and is a renewable resource (https://www.candlescience.com/equipment/).

Wicks – Selecting the proper wick is vital for geting a good scent throw. A larger wick will help the fragrance disperse when the candle is burned. Look for wick options when buying your wax (https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/candle-making-supplies/candle-making-equipment/).

Fragrance oils – Use a high quality vanilla fragrance oil meant for candle making. Avoid fragrance oils for other purposes like soap or perfumes.

Jars or containers – Choose heat safe jars, tins, or other containers suitable for candles. Make sure the wick size matches the diameter of the container.

Choosing the Right Wax

When making a vanilla candle, you’ll need to decide which type of wax to use as your base. There are a few main options to choose from:

Soy Wax – Made from soybeans, this natural wax has a low melting point and blends well with essential oils. Soy wax makes candles that burn cleanly and don’t produce much soot or smoke. It’s a good choice if you want an eco-friendly, non-toxic candle.

Paraffin Wax – A highly refined petroleum-based wax, paraffin has excellent scent throw and makes durable, long-lasting candles. However, paraffin can produce more soot than soy or beeswax when burned. It’s also not biodegradable.

Beeswax – Made by honey bees, natural beeswax has a pleasant honey aroma. Beeswax candles burn slowly and cleanly. However, beeswax is expensive and tricky to work with, as it has a high melting point. It may not hold fragrances as well as soy or paraffin wax.

For a vanilla candle, soy wax is often a good choice. It accepts and releases fragrance nicely. Just make sure to use wax with at least a 130°F melting point so your candle retains its shape and burns well. Test different waxes to see which you prefer.

Picking a Vanilla Fragrance

When making a vanilla scented candle, you’ll need to choose between using a pure vanilla fragrance oil or a synthetic vanilla fragrance oil. Pure vanilla oil comes directly from vanilla beans, giving it a true, natural scent. However, it tends to be more expensive than synthetic varieties. Synthetic vanilla oils attempt to replicate the smell of pure vanilla at a lower cost using chemicals. While synthetic vanilla oils are more affordable, the scent can come across as artificial.

When selecting your vanilla fragrance oil, pay attention to the oil strength or concentration. This measures how much of the oil is composed of fragrance vs carrier oil. A higher oil strength means the vanilla scent will come through stronger in your finished candle. But be careful not to use an oil that is too concentrated, as it may not properly bind with the wax. Look for vanilla oil with an oil strength around 6-8% for best results in candle making.

Testing out small batches with different vanilla oil options can help you find the right fragrance at the right concentration for your ideal vanilla candle scent.

Adding the Fragrance

The amount of fragrance oil you use will depend on the type of wax you are using. Here are some general guidelines:

For soy wax, use 6-8% fragrance oil. So if you are making a 1 pound candle, use 1.5 to 2 ounces of fragrance oil (Vanilla Select Fragrance Oil).

For paraffin wax, use 10-15% fragrance oil. For a 1 pound candle, use 2 to 3 ounces of fragrance (Vanilla Fragrance Oil).

For palm wax, use 6-12% fragrance oil. For a 1 pound candle, use 1.5 to 3 ounces (Creamy Vanilla Fragrance Oil).

Make sure to always double check the usage rate recommended by the fragrance oil manufacturer. Some fragrances may require more or less oil.

Preparing the Wick

Choosing the proper wick size is crucial for jar candles to burn correctly. The width of the wick must match the diameter of the candle jar so that the melt pool spreads evenly across the top as the candle burns. Using too small of a wick can lead to tunneling, while too large of a wick causes sooting from a flame that is too big.

For jar candles, braided cotton wicks typically between CD 5 wick sizes to CD 12 sizes work best. The right thickness helps maintain a low but steady flame. As a general rule, use smaller wick sizes like CD 5 for candles with a diameter of 2” or less. Move up incrementally in wick size as the jar diameter increases. For example, a 3” diameter jar would need a CD 7 wick. Consult a candle wick chart to determine the proper wick for your specific jar size.

It’s also important to center the wick in the jar and ensure it stands straight up before pouring in wax. This promotes an even burn. Wick stickum can help hold it in place.

Melting and Pouring

Properly melting the wax and pouring it into containers is one of the most important steps when making candles. The wax needs to be completely melted and at the right temperature before pouring. Most candle wax melts between 150-170°F, but refer to your specific wax’s instructions. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid overheating. Once the wax is fully liquid, remove it from the heat source.

Make sure your candle jars or other containers are ready before pouring. Containers should be clean and dry. Pre-warming the containers helps prevent the hot wax from cracking or distorting them. Pour the wax slowly and evenly into each container, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. This allows room for the melting pool once the candle is lit. Let candles sit undisturbed as they cool and set up.

According to this guide, pouring at the right temperature is key for avoiding bubbles and other issues with the finished candles.

Curing and Testing

Once you’ve made and cooled your vanilla scented candle, you’ll need to let it cure properly before burning. Curing allows the candle wax to reach complete molecular stability and can take 1-2 weeks for soy wax candles (source). During the curing process, any bubbles or imperfections in your candle will have time to rise to the surface and minimize.

After about 1 week, do a test burn on your candle to make sure it burns evenly and the wick is sized properly. Trim the wick to 1⁄4” before lighting and make sure it doesn’t produce excess smoke or get drowned in melted wax (source). Adjust the wick if needed and allow to cure 1 more week before burning the entire candle.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help make perfect vanilla-scented candles:

• Stir the wax occasionally as it melts to prevent burning and ensure thorough melting. Go slowly to avoid creating bubbles.
• Consider using a double wick, which helps release more fragrance. Make sure to test different wick sizes to find the best fit for your wax and vessel.
• Allow candles to cure for at least 48 hours before lighting to allow the fragrance to fully set. This will maximize hot and cold scent throw.
• Use wooden or silicone wick stickers to help center your wicks every time. This prevents tunneling issues.
• Pour wax at the correct temperature – around 150-165°F is ideal for soy wax. Double check your wax’s specifications.
• Clean vessels thoroughly before each use with soap and water. Any residue can impact scent throw or create bubbles.
• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excess smoke and uneven burning. Trim as needed after each burn.

Following basic best practices like these will help you end up with great-smelling, long-lasting vanilla candles every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment as you learn!