How to Make Candles Smell Stronger + 3 DIY Candle Recipes
Making DIY candles and want to learn how to make candles smell stronger? Learn how to make strong smelling candles with essential oils in this guide!
I have tried to make candles a few times and no matter what I do, it seemed like the candle doesn’t smell when lit.
I’ve tried with essential oils and the strongest fragrance oils for candles before learning about the toxic chemicals inside.
Plus, the candle smells too strong with those fragrances anyway.
So, I was so happy that Simply Earth’s August Box is all about candles so I could learn how to make a candle smell stronger!
In this guide, we will reveal the most effective tips and techniques on how to make your candles smell stronger allowing you to create a delightful and inviting ambiance in your living space.
Whether you are a candle enthusiast, a DIY hobbyist, or a business owner in the candle-making industry, these methods will help you learn how to make homemade candles smell stronger.
Plus, you will get 3 DIY candle recipe in the Simply Earth August Box so you can have fun making strong scented candles!
What is Scent Throw?
First off, what is scent throw?
This term is used with candles and basically just means how strong your candle smells.
A cold scent throw is how strong your candles smell when they are hard and a hot scent throw is the fragrance your candle gives when you are burning it.
Your candle can smell really good when it is hard but when you burn it, the smell disappears.
Why Your Homemade Candles Don’t Smell Strong
Several factors influence the strength of your candles, such as the quality of fragrance oils, wax type, wick size, and candle composition.
Wax Type
Paraffin wax does hold in the smell better, but it is pretty toxic, as it contains some chemicals you don’t want to be exposed to [source].
Soy wax and beeswax do not hold the smell as well as paraffin, but they are great natural option.
Not Enough Fragrance Oils
Sometimes you don’t add enough of your essential oils into your candles. Or you are not using the right type of fragrance oils.
Many fragrance oils you will find at the store can be quite toxic. They have chemicals that can hurt you. While they do smell stronger, it is not the safest option.
You can get a good strong scent without chemicals!
Wick Size
The size of the wick plays a crucial role in how well your candles burn and emit fragrance. A wick that is too small might lead to incomplete burning, resulting in an underwhelming scent throw.
Or it can be too big and burn off your fragrance too fast.
How to Make Candles Smell Stronger
Now that you know more about why your candle is not smelling so good, here are a few tips on how to make strong scented candles!
Choose High-Quality Essential Oils
When learning how to make strong scented soy candles, you might think you need fragrance oils.
But since those can be pretty toxic, it is best to just stick with essential oils.
You can definitely make strong scented candles with essential oils that are safe and better for your family.
Plus there are plenty of ways to go about making candle scents with different oils to make a great strong smell.
My favorite companies to get essential oils from:
Master the Art of Candle Blending
One of the most exciting aspects of candle making is the ability to create unique scents by blending different fragrance oils.
Experiment with various combinations to find captivating and harmonious blends that you love. Keep detailed records of your blends and their proportions to reproduce successful scents consistently.
This is one of the keys on how to make good smelling candles!
Correct Wick Placement
Proper wick placement is essential to ensure an even burn and maximize scent throw. The wick should be centered in the candle and positioned slightly away from the container’s edges.
This allows for an optimal and consistent melt pool, where the fragrance can evaporate and disperse effectively.
Allow for Sufficient Cure Time
This is especially important when it comes to leaning how to make highly scented candles.
After completing your candle-making process, it’s vital to exercise patience and allow sufficient cure time before burning the candles.
Curing allows the fragrance oil to fully integrate with the wax, resulting in a more robust and long-lasting scent throw.
Depending on the type of wax and fragrance used, curing times may vary, so always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Soy wax does take longer to cure, about a few weeks.
Packaging and Storage
Proper packaging and storage can preserve the potency of your candles’ fragrance. Store finished candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Use airtight containers to prevent fragrance evaporation and protect the candles from external odors.
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Simply Earth 3 DIY Candle Recipes
I learned all these ways on how to make great smelling candles so that I would be prepared for my August Box from Simply Earth since it was all about candles.
While I got the August 2023 Simply Earth subscription box, it is not out anymore, so here are the Simply Earth candle ingredients and the 3 candle recipes down below.
Simply Earth Candle Ingredients
- Bug Fighter Essential Oil Blend
- Grapefruit (Pink) Essential Oil
- Camphor Essential Oil
- Wick Centering Tool
- 2 DIY Candle Kits
- Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Floating Wicks
- 2 1oz Glass Jars
Citrus Candle Recipe
This is my favorite candle I’ve made. Grapefruit is powerful essential oil that smells great and lasts a long time.
Ingredients
- 1 candle making kit
- Wick centering tool
- 1 oz jar
- 15 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
Directions
- Add your wick to the candle jar.
- Open candle making bag and microwave for about two minutes or until fully melted.
- Add in essential oils and stir.
- Pour into jar and let it harden. Cut wick before using.
Camp Out Candle Recipe
This one is great for camp outs and uses camphor, which is a good bug repellent.
Ingredients
- 1 candle making kit
- Wick centering tool
- 1 oz jar
- 7 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
- 8 drops Camphor essential oil
Directions
- Add your wick to the candle jar.
- Open candle making bag and microwave for about two minutes or until fully melted.
- Add in essential oils and stir.
- Pour into jar and let it harden. Cut wick before using.
Peaceful Patio Candle
When you are out sitting on your patio, this is the candle you’ll want to have. This is a unique candle to make since you get to decorate and add your own things inside! I’ve neve seen a candle like this but it is amazing.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons factionated coconut oil
- 10 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
- 5 drops of Bug Fighter essential oil blend
- Jar or bowl
Directions
- Mix the coconut oil and essential oils together.
- Fill your jar with water. Pour oil mixture on top.
- Add your wick to the top. Light and enjoy!
Simply Earth Coupon Code
I have an amazing Simply Earth coupon for you! Use KATEFREE to give you a free $45 gift card with your first box to use on future purchases.
This is the first time I have seen this and not sure how long it’ll last, so if you are interested in trying out Simply Earth, now is the time!
Simply Earth is incredible. I hope you try out their monthly subscription box to see for yourself!
How to Make Candles that Smell Good Wrap-Up
Crafting candles with a captivating and strong fragrance requires a thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the science behind candle making.
Remember to document your successful techniques, stay consistent in your processes, and continuously explore new fragrances and innovations to stay ahead in the competitive world of candle making.
Now, let your creativity and passion for crafting scented candles shine, as you grab Simply Earth’s August box today!
Hopefully this has helped you learn how to make candles smell stronger!
See more Simply Earth Boxes:
Here are some awesome non-toxic wax melt subscription boxes to check out too!