Outside of setting the mood, backup in case the lights go out, and home decor, people get candles because they smell good! The disappointment that sets in once you realize the smell has faded (even if the wax isn't close to gone) is enough to ruin the good vibes you're trying to establish.
Can you imagine running yourself a warm bubble bath, turning on some soft music, and lighting that candle that smells like gingerbread, just to sniff, and…….nothing? That's as annoying as going into the kitchen rubbing your hands together for the last slice of cake that you just KNEW was in there. And, surprise, someone already ate it. It's not what you were expecting!
Well, we're going to tell you how to avoid finding yourself in this predicament. Let's get into why candles can lose their scent after a while.
If you're a candle enthusiast, you might have questioned why your favorite candle seems to lose its punch over time. It's not that your nose is playing tricks on you; candles lose their scent due to their sneaky chemistry.
You see, the fragrance oils that infuse candles with those delightful aromas are actually volatile compounds. These tiny fragrance molecules are energetic little critters, constantly vibrating and eager to break free. Even when your candle is sitting pretty on your shelf, unlit and seemingly undisturbed, these molecules are gradually escaping into the air around it.
It's kind of like a perfume bottle without a lid. The scent gradually fills the room, which is lovely, but the perfume itself slowly diminishes as the molecules disperse. The same principle applies to candles, just at a more leisurely pace. It's a bittersweet reality that the very thing that makes a candle smell amazing is also what causes its scent to fade over time.
This gradual evaporation of fragrance is called "scent throw." While it's a natural process, understanding how it works can help you make informed choices about your candle purchases and how you care for them.
You know how the type of coffee bean and roast affect the strength of your morning brew? The same goes for how long and how strongly a candle will throw its scent.
There are multiple factors that can affect it. All candles eventually lose their fragrance, but some lose it faster than others. Here's what can speed up or slow down the process:
Different waxes have different structures, which affect how tightly they hold onto those aromatic molecules.
Paraffin wax, the most common and often most affordable option, tends to have a weaker grip on fragrance, resulting in a less intense scent throw. Natural waxes, like soy or beeswax, are known to bind more strongly to fragrance oils, giving you a more potent and lasting aroma.
All fragrance oils aren't built the same. High-quality oils are more concentrated, complex, and usually linger longer in the air. Cheaper fragrance oils are often diluted with fillers or alcohol, which can weaken the scent and make it fade faster.
When shopping for candles, it's worth investing in those made with premium fragrance oils to truly enjoy the aroma as long as you can.
This refers to the percentage of fragrance oil added to the wax during candle making. The more you add, the stronger the scent. If you're a DIY guru, be careful if you call yourself using as much as possible so the aroma can last longer.
There's a limit to how much fragrance oil a wax can hold. Overdoing it can lead to an uneven burn and even compromise the candle's performance.
Candles are delicate and need to be treated with care. Exposure to direct sunlight, heat, and humidity can speed up the fragrance oil's evaporation process.
To keep your candles smelling their best, store them in a cool, dark place, away from moisture.
Time takes its toll on all things, including candles. Even with proper storage, those volatile fragrance molecules will steadily escape, leading to a less intense scent over time.
Although there's no way to completely stop this natural process, you can extend the life of your candle's fragrance by following proper care and storage tips.
We now arrive at a hot topic in the candle world. Both natural and synthetic fragrances have their pros and cons, making the choice a personal preference.
Natural fragrances, like essential oils derived from plants, hold a certain allure. They're often associated with aromatherapy, holistic wellness, and a connection to nature. They boast a certain "clean" image, as they're free from the potentially harmful chemicals found in some synthetic fragrances.
However, their downside lies in their volatility. Essential oils generally evaporate more quickly than synthetic counterparts, meaning that candle's heavenly scent might not linger as long as you'd like.
Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, are usually made in labs, allowing for a broader spectrum of scents, from the exotic to the flat out unusual. Someone can also design them to be longer-lasting, so you can savor that delightful aroma for hours on end.
Nonetheless, there are concerns about potential health and environmental impacts of certain synthetic ingredients. Though many modern synthetic fragrances are perfectly safe, it's wise to do your research and choose brands that prioritize transparency and safety.
So, which fragrance is the right choice for you? If you prioritize natural ingredients and aromatherapy benefits, natural fragrances might be your go-to. If you're seeking a wider range of scents and a longer-lasting fragrance experience, synthetic fragrances might be more up your alley.
Here are the top ways that you can maximize how long the candle scent lasts:
It's true that you can't magically restore a scent that has already started fading. But don't give up just yet. There are a few tricks you can try to coax out those lingering aromas:
The best way to avoid losing fragrance is to choose candles that are built to last. When you're browsing the candle aisle (or scrolling through your favorite online shop), keep these tips in mind.
While all good things must come to an end, understanding the science behind candle scent can help you make the most of your fragrant investments.
So, even though some of your faves may not last that long, you should still light your candle and enjoy it as much as possible. Explore different types of waxes and figure out what works best for your needs and preferences.
