What Is The Bead To Scent Ratio For Freshie?
What is Freshie?
Freshie wax melts, also known as “car freshies”, are a type of scented wax melt made from a soy wax base, scented oils, and decorative items like beads or glitters. According to https://heavenscentbyjoanne.bigcartel.com/the-history-of-wax-melts, they were originally created as a way for candle makers to use up leftover wax. The melt is heated to a liquid state, scented oils and decorations are added, and then the wax is poured into silicone molds to harden.
Freshies have become extremely popular, especially for use in cars. The soy wax holds scent very well and melts gradually as it warms up in a hot car, releasing the fragrance over time. Decorative beads or glitters make each freshie unique. Popular scents are fruity, floral, or sweet bakery aromas like vanilla, coconut, citrus, rose, and more. Freshies are a creative way to keep a car or room smelling nice.
Beads Used in Freshies
Freshies use wax beads as a base to absorb and release fragrance oils. The most common types of beads used are paraffin wax beads and soy wax beads. Each bead type has different properties that affect fragrance throw and longevity.
Paraffin Wax Beads
Paraffin wax beads are derived from petroleum. They have excellent fragrance throw and retention due to their high oil capacity. Paraffin beads allow fragrance oils to fully permeate the wax. This gives paraffin bead freshies strong hot and cold scent throw. The drawback is that paraffin beads can get sticky in high heat.
Soy Wax Beads
Soy wax beads are made from hydrogenated soybean oil. They are a natural, renewable resource. Soy beads have lower oil capacity than paraffin but still absorb and release fragrance oils well. The scent throw may not be as strong. Soy beads also have a lower melt point than paraffin so they can get soft at room temperature. The benefits are that soy beads are not derived from petroleum and are biodegradable.
Scents and Fragrance Oils
When making freshies, the scent is arguably the most important element. Selecting the right fragrance oils is crucial for achieving the desired aromatic effect. Here are some of the most popular scents used in freshie recipes:
Fruity Scents: Strawberry, peach, mango, pineapple, cherry, and other fresh fruit scents are frequently used. The sweet, juicy scents are appealing and remind users of summers and tropical places.
Floral Scents: Fresh florals like jasmine, rose, lavender, violet, and honeysuckle are common in freshies. These gentle, pretty scents are universally enjoyed.
Sweet Scents: Sugary fragrances like vanilla, caramel, maple, and cake or cookie scents are beloved for their mouthwatering appeal. They evoke cozy feelings of comfort.
Minty Scents: Peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen are popular for their cooling, refreshing effect. They can be energizing and uplifting.
When selecting fragrance oils, be sure to source high quality, skin-safe oils from reputable suppliers. Poor quality oils may irritate skin or fade quickly. Quality fragrance oils will provide strong, long-lasting aroma for optimal freshies.
Measuring Bead to Scent Ratios
When making freshies, it’s important to use the right bead to scent ratio to achieve the desired fragrance strength. The bead to scent ratio refers to the proportion of fragrance oil to the weight of aroma beads. Using the optimal ratio helps the beads fully absorb and hold the fragrance oil to give consistent, long-lasting fragrance.
Typical bead to scent ratios range from 1 part fragrance oil to 2 parts beads, up to 1 part oil to 4 parts beads. The most commonly used ratio is 1:3, or 1 ounce of fragrance oil to 3 ounces of beads. This allows the beads to absorb a maximum amount of oil while preventing waste from excessive oil. The optimal ratio depends on the strength of the fragrance oil and personal preference for scent strength.
Higher ratios with more beads allow the fragrance to diffuse slowly over time for a subtle, delicate scent. Lower ratios with more fragrance oil result in a stronger initial fragrance. Testing different ratios is recommended when using a new fragrance oil in freshies.
Achieving scent strength
There are several factors that impact how strong the scent will be in freshies:
Fragrance load – This refers to the percentage of fragrance oil used in the wax. A higher fragrance load like 10% will make a stronger scent.
Wax type – Some waxes hold fragrance better than others. Paraffin wax often gives a stronger scent throw than soy wax.
Fragrance oil – The actual fragrance oil used makes a difference. Some oils are naturally stronger than others. Oils with a high concentration of essential oils tend to be more potent.
Additives – Adding ingredients like Vybar or polymers to the wax can help boost scent throw.
Cure time – Allowing the freshies to cure for 1-2 weeks helps the fragrance oil fully permeate the wax and emerge stronger.
There are a few tips for achieving a nice strong scent:
– Use the maximum recommended fragrance load for the wax type, usually 6-12%.
– Select high quality fragrance oils known for being strong.
– Mix different fragrance oils together to create a more complex blend.
– Allow freshies to cure before using so the scent has time to fully develop.
– Avoid adding dyes or other additives that could diminish scent.
– Test small batches first to find the right bead to scent ratio.
Recommended Bead to Scent Ratios
The standard bead to scent ratio for freshies is 8:1. This means 8 parts beads to 1 part fragrance oil. An 8:1 ratio typically provides a nice medium strength scent.
For lighter scents, you may want to increase the ratio to 10:1 or 12:1. For very strong scents, some people use a 6:1 ratio. According to this source, 8:2 is okay but the beads may take longer to fully absorb the fragrance oil.
You’ll need to experiment to find the ideal ratio for each fragrance oil and scent strength you desire. Start with the standard 8:1 ratio. Adjust up or down based on your preferences after testing the initial scent strength and longevity.
Some factors that determine ideal ratios are the potency of the fragrance oil, your personal scent preferences, the size of the space you want to scent, and airflow in that space.
Be sure to document your ratios so you can replicate your favorites. Consider keeping a recipe book noting which ratios you used for each fragrance blend.
Testing and Adjusting Ratios
There are a few methods you can use to test scent strength when making freshies:
One simple method is to add a few beads and several drops of fragrance oil to a small sealable container. Let it sit for 1-2 days, then open the container and sniff to gauge scent strength. This allows you to get a sense of how the fragrance oil interacts with the beads before fully making a batch of freshie beads.
You can also make a small test batch, using the same bead to scent ratio you plan to use for the full batch. Let the test batch cure for 1-2 weeks, then check how strongly it scents the surrounding area. That will give you a good idea if your ratio needs adjusting up or down for the final product. As per this video, you generally want freshies to scent a room within 10-15 minutes of opening the container.
When fine tuning ratios, small adjustments of 0.5-1% fragrance oil at a time work well. If the scent is too weak, incrementally increase the fragrance oil amount until you reach the desired strength. If it’s too overpowering, reduce the fragrance oil percentage. Allow the adjusted test batches to cure for 1-2 weeks before scent testing again.
Keep notes on what bead to fragrance ratios work best for each oil. Some lighter scents may need a higher percentage of fragrance oil than stronger scents. Finding the optimal ratio for each fragrance oil will ensure your final products have consistent, long-lasting scents.
Storing Freshies
Proper storage of freshies is important to help preserve the scent and maximize the product’s shelf life. Freshies should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like stoves or heat vents. An ideal storage spot is a cupboard or drawer around room temperature.
Exposure to heat, light, and humidity can all cause the scent oils in freshies to fade or lose potency more quickly. Storing them in an airtight container like a glass jar with a tight lid or even a ziplock plastic bag helps protect freshies by keeping out moisture, dust, and other contaminants.
With proper storage methods, the typical shelf life for freshies is around 1-2 years before the scent noticeably weakens. Always use your senses as a guide – if the fragrance seems faint or the product appears dried out, it may be time to replace it. Date your freshies when making them to keep tabs on age. Rotate stock and use older ones first before newer batches.
Some crafters recommend storing freshies in the refrigerator or freezer to extend shelf life even longer. However this runs the risk of moisture building up in the packaging. As long as you follow best practices for dark, cool, and dry storage, your homemade freshies should retain their signature scents for many months of enjoyment.
Source: https://suppliesforcandles.co.uk/candle-college/how-to-store-your-candles-and-wax-melts
Safety Considerations
When working with wax, oils, and fragrances to make freshies, it’s important to follow safe practices to avoid potential hazards.
When measuring and mixing ingredients, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources. Wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid touching fragrances directly as they can irritate skin. Measure carefully, as adding too much fragrance oil can make freshies unsafe to burn by altering the wax’s flashpoint.
During burning, keep freshies away from flammable materials on a heat-safe surface. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent overly large flames. Allow melted wax to fully pool and extinguish wicks before moving freshies. Never leave burning freshies unattended. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
According to sources like https://www.serathena.co.uk/blogs/home-fragrance-lifestyle-blog-uk/are-wax-melts-toxic-to-breathe, wax melts made from paraffin or soy wax and natural fragrances are generally considered safe to breathe when used properly with adequate ventilation.
Following all usage and safety instructions from the manufacturer can help minimize potential risks when enjoying freshies.
Recipes and Inspiration
Freshies allow for endless creativity when making custom scented wax melts at home. Here are some inspiring and popular recipe ideas:
Pumpkin Spice: A perfect scent blend for autumn. Use cinnamon, clove, and pumpkin pie spice essential oils (source: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/diy-wax-melt-recipes).
Citrus Burst: An energizing fruity mix of lemon, grapefruit, and sweet orange essential oils.
Floral Bouquet: For a fresh floral scent, try mixing lavender, rose, and jasmine fragrance oils.
Herbal Retreat: Relaxing chamomile, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils evoke a spa-like experience.
Holiday Cheer: Cedarwood, pine, and peppermint essential oils will remind you of a Christmas tree.
Beach Vacation: Combine coconut, mango, and ocean breeze fragrance oils.
The options are endless when making homemade wax melts! Experiment with different scent profiles and infuse your unique personality into custom freshies.
