How To Make Candles Smell Stronger?

I Love the Smell of Burning Candles in the Morning

Do you love the smell of candles but wish they smelled stronger? Like many of us, you were probably disappointed when you lit up your candle after a long day only to realize the smell wasn’t as strong as you had hoped.

If so, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves wanting a more potent smell from their favorite candles.

Alas, all is not lost.

There are a couple of things you can do to make your candles smell stronger, and it doesn’t involve buying new candles!

Note, that most of these tips apply to homemade candles since they allow you more control over the scent. However; we’ve included a section that applies specifically to increasing the scent of store-bought candles.

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Why Don’t Candles Smell Strong?

The scent throw of a candle is a term we use to describe the fragrance strength of a candle. There are a couple of factors that influence the scent throw of a candle.

Insufficient Fragrance Oil

One reason might be that there isn’t enough fragrance oil in the wax. When fragrance oil is added to wax, it should be added at 1 ounce per pound of wax. When not enough fragrance is used, a candle may smell weak or off.

In order to get the most bang for your buck or, rather, the most fragrance for your money, make sure to purchase candles with a high fragrance load. A higher fragrance load means a higher percentage of fragrance compared to the volume of wax.

If you’re looking for candles that pack a punch, look for ones with a fragrance load of at least 8%. Most candles on the market have a 6-10% fragrance load. Anything above an 8% fragrance load is considered to be very strong.

Similarly, if you are making your own candles, you can simply add more fragrance load to the wax.

The Candle Is Too Cold

Another reason that candles may not smell as strong as we would like is that they are too cold.

See, when a candle is burning, the wax melts and releases the fragrance. However, if the candle isn’t burned long enough or isn’t exposed to enough heat, it might not melt all of the way through. This means that not all of the fragrance oil is released, and the candle doesn’t smell as strong.

Wrong Wax Temperature

Wax temperature is one of the critical factors that affect candle scent during the creation of the candle.

When the wax is too hot, it will vaporize the fragrance oil quickly and produce a strong scent in that moment. However, this fragrance tends to be more chemically based and may not always smell pleasant. It’ll also reduce the fragrance load in the final candle.

On the other hand, when the wax is too cool, the fragrance oil will be less volatile and produce a faint, chemical-like scent. This type of fragrance can also cause the candle wax to crystallize and affect the overall quality of the candle.

Choosing a wax temperature that allows the fragrance oil to volatilize evenly is essential to achieving an optimal fragrance level. This will ensure that the candle’s scent is pleasant and long-lasting.

The ideal temperature to add fragrance oil depends on the wax, but generally falls between 180°F and 185°F.

The Wicks Are Too Short

If the wicks are too short, it can also cause candles to smell weak.

A short wick can result in an uneven candle burn resulting in the fragrance oil not being released in a uniform fashion. Ensure that the wick is large enough for the candle. Generally, wicks should be 1/4″ long as well to ensure an optimal distance for the flame to do its candle-burning magic.

Wax Type

The type of wax used can also impact how strong a candle smells.

For example, soy wax and beeswax candles typically smell stronger than paraffin wax candles. The fragrance oil can bind to the soy or beeswax better than the paraffin wax.

How Does Wax Affect Your Candles Smell?

One of the most significant decisions you’ll have to make when making candles is what type of wax to use. There are a few different options, with paraffin and soy being two of the most popular choices. While both types can create amazing-smelling candles, they each have pros and cons that affect how your finished candles look and smell.

Pros of paraffin wax

• Paraffin wax is typically easier to work with than soy because it has a higher melting point, meaning you can easily melt it in the microwave. Soy requires more time to heat up and may need a double boiler or special candle-making equipment.
• Paraffin wax candles can hold more fragrance oil than soy, which may be better if you want a strong-smelling candle.
• Paraffin candles typically burn for a longer period than soy, so you’ll get more use.

Cons of paraffin wax

• Paraffin is derived from petroleum, so it’s not as environmentally friendly as soy.
• Your candles can produce soot if you use low-quality paraffin wax or don’t trim your wick correctly. This can be a health hazard, as well as a fire risk.

Pros of soy wax

• Soy is derived from plants, so it’s a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than paraffin.
• Soy candles produce far less soot than paraffin candles, making them a safer choice.
• Buying soy wax helps support farmers, as soybeans are a renewable resource.

Cons of soy wax

• Soy wax can be more expensive than paraffin, especially if you buy it in small quantities.
• Because soy wax has a lower melting point, your candles may not last as long.
• Soy wax can contract as it cools, which can cause your candles to crack or develop holes.

In conclusion, both paraffin and soy wax have their pros and cons. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that burns cleaner, soy may be better.

However, if you want a longer-lasting candle with a stronger scent, paraffin may be the way to go.

Ultimately, the type of wax you choose will depend on your preferences and needs. So weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully, and select the one that best suits your candle-making needs. Who knows, you may decide that other waxes like beeswax or coconut wax are the way to go.

How to Make Candles Smell Stronger?

Candles with a powerful scent can be very relaxing, but sometimes an ordinary candle isn’t enough to fill a room with the desired aroma. One of the best ways to make homemade candles smell stronger is to use more fragrant essential oils when you are making them.

If you want your candles to smell stronger and fill your home with a lovely fragrance, there are several ways you can go about doing this. Read on for tips and tricks for making your candles smell stronger and for longer.

1. Add Essential Oils To Your Wax

One of the easiest ways to make your candles smell stronger is by adding a few drops of essential oils to your candle wax before you pour it into the container or mold.

Choose an oil that matches the type of fragrance you want, such as lavender, jasmine, or rose. You can also experiment with different oils to create your unique scent. Just be sure to add the oil when the wax is liquid so you can mix it in evenly.

A general guide is 2 teaspoons for every 4 ounces of melted wax.

2. Use A High – Quality Fragrance Oil With A High Fragrance Load

If you want your candles to have a powerful smell, you need to use high-quality fragrance oils. These are typically more concentrated than essential oils, so a little goes a long way.

Add a few drops to your melted wax and stir well before pouring it into the mold. If you’re using a low-quality fragrance oil you can add more drops than usual to compensate.

As mentioned before, ensure your fragrance load falls in the normal ranges of 6% – 8%.

3. Add Scented Wax Chips To Your Candle

Another way to make your candles smell stronger is by adding a few scented wax chips to the melted wax before it’s poured into the mold or container.

These are small, pellet-like pieces of wax that come in different fragrances, so you can choose one that matches the type of scent you want. You can find these wax chips at craft stores and candle-making supply shops.

4. Use Wick Oil To Make Your Candles Burn Better

When your wick burns down with your candle, it will also help to release more fragrance into the air. To make your candles smell stronger, you can use wick oil, an oil designed explicitly for candles.

Add a few drops to your wick before lighting it, and the oil will help make the flame burn brighter and release more fragrance.

5. Choose The Right Candle Holder

The type of candle holder you use can also make a difference in how strong your candle’s scent is. If you want a more pungent smell, choose a holder made of glass or metal instead of one made of wood. These materials will help to diffuse the fragrance better.

6. Keep Your Candles Clean

Another way to make sure your candles smell their best is by keeping them clean and free of dust, debris, and other particles. This will prevent the wax from becoming clogged or dirty, affecting how it burns.

Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, as this can cause them to lose their fragrance over time.

7. Wait For Your Candles To Cure

You may not be familiar with this term if you are new to candle-making. Candle curing is the process by which the candle hardens which enables the dispersion of the fragrance oils throughout the wax.

Ensure you let the candle cure for a minimal amount of time to maximize the fragrance dispersion in the wax.

Some guides specify a couple of days, whilst others recommend a week. We recommend that you allow the maximum cure time for the best results. Don’t rush the process!

How To Control The Wax Temperature?

The wax temperature is an essential factor in achieving the optimal fragrance load in your homemade candles.

At higher temperatures, the wax will be able to absorb more fragrance oil into its pores, which will increase the intensity of the scent when burned. Additionally, hotter wax tends to burn more evenly and smoothly, resulting in a more even distribution of the fragrance throughout your candle.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can control the wax temperature to achieve optimal fragrance.

One option is to use a double boiler method when melting your wax. A double boiler is a method of melting wax without direct contact with a heat source. This ensures that the wax melts evenly and slowly, preventing it from scorching.

The hot water in the bottom part of the double boiler will help maintain an even temperature throughout the entire process, ensuring that your wax doesn’t get too hot or too cool.

Another option is to use a crockpot on the low setting to melt your wax. This method is beneficial if you are making large batches of candles, as it will keep the wax at a consistent temperature.

No matter what method you choose, stir the wax regularly to prevent it from overheating or cooling down too much. This will help ensure that your candle fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.

How To Make Store Bought Candles Smell Stronger

Store-bought candles provide great convenience and accessibility but since they are already made, you have less control to increase their scent.

If you are disappointed with your store-bought candles, there are still a couple of things you can do to increase their fragrance.

• You can place them in a freezer for 24 hours before burning them. This will cause the melting wax to contract. Once you light the candle it will expand which will help forcefully release more fragrance.
• Another method is to add pieces of fresh fruit or essential oils directly into your store-bought candles. Avoid using citrus fruits, however, as they can damage the exterior of your candles.
• Lastly, ensure that the candle is large enough for the room you are in. A larger room such as a kitchen will require a larger candle with a bigger wick in order for the scent to properly move into all areas of the room. A small candle would be more suitable for a bedroom.

Can You Make Wax Melts Smell Stronger?

Yes, there are several techniques you can use to make wax melts smell stronger. One of the most common methods is to add high-quality fragrance oils to the melted wax before pouring it into the mold. This will help give the melt a more concentrated and powerful aroma.

Another option is to use wick oil when you light your wax melts, which will enable the flame to burn brighter and release more fragrance.

To get even more robust results, choose a wax melt holder made of glass or metal rather than wood, which will help diffuse the scent more effectively. Finally, keep your melts clean, so they don’t become clogged or dirty.

Final Remarks

Maybe your favorite candle doesn’t have as much of a scent throw as you would like, or perhaps the scent just isn’t very strong.

Fear not!

Candle lovers everywhere will be happy to know that making their candles smell stronger is easier than they thought possible.

You can use some of the tricks here to make candles smell stronger and fill your home with an amazing fragrance.