When it comes to adding fragrance, too much of a good thing can be bad news – especially if you’re making your own candles! Over-scenting candles is all too easy since fragrances are so strong, but the results can be disastrous. Let’s take a look at what happens if you add too much fragrance to candles and how to avoid over-scenting them in the future.
Adding too much fragrance to candles can result in the candle burning unevenly, producing a weak scent or none at all, and potentially causing irritation or allergic reactions in individuals. It can also lead to the wax becoming overheated, resulting in a fire hazard.
Most manufacturers have suggested load percentages for adding fragrance to candle wax. This is the amount of fragrance you should add in relation to the wax weight – usually between 3%-7%. If you’re making your own candles, it’s important to stick within this range.
Let’s take a closer look at this issue and the possible consequences of adding too much fragrance.
Risks of Adding Too Much Fragrance to Candles
While fragrance is an essential element of a candle, adding too much fragrance can lead to several risks that can compromise safety and health.
Wax Doesn’t Harden
Wax is designed to melt at a specific temperature, and adding too much fragrance can change the wax’s chemical composition, leading to a softer and more malleable consistency. This can result in the wax not hardening correctly.
Fire Hazard
Excessive fragrance can also increase the risk of a candle fire. As the fragrance oil heats up, it can ignite and burn more easily, leading to a potentially dangerous situation.
Excessive Smoke & Soot
Too much fragrance can also lead to excessive smoke and soot production. The more fragrance oil that is added, the more soot and smoke the candle will produce, leading to discoloration of the candle and potential health risks. This can be especially problematic for those with respiratory issues or allergies.
Poor Scent Throw
Poor scent throw is another issue that can arise from adding too much fragrance to candles. While it may seem like more fragrance oil would result in a stronger scent, the opposite is often true.
Overloading a candle with fragrance oil can cause the scent to become overpowering, leading to a lack of scent throw and a potentially unpleasant aroma.
Inhalation & Health Risks
Lastly, adding too much fragrance to candles can result in inhalation and health risks. Certain fragrances can release harmful chemicals when burned, leading to potential health hazards such as headaches, dizziness, or respiratory issues.
Fragrance Oil to Wax Ratio or Fragrance Load
One of the critical components of candle making is the fragrance load or the ratio of fragrance oil to wax. The fragrance load plays a significant role in the overall quality of the candle, including its scent throw, burn time, and safety.
The fragrance load is the amount of fragrance oil that is added to the wax. The ratio of fragrance oil to wax is usually expressed as a percentage. For example, a 7% fragrance load means that 7% of the total weight of the wax is fragrance oil.
The fragrance load can vary depending on the type of wax and the fragrance used. Generally, soy wax and beeswax can hold a higher fragrance load than paraffin wax. However, the maximum fragrance load recommended for each wax type can vary, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The fragrance load is crucial in determining the scent throw of the candle. Scent throw refers to the strength and distribution of the candle’s fragrance when burned. A high fragrance load does not necessarily mean a stronger scent throw. In fact, adding too much fragrance oil can lead to poor scent throw and a clogged wick.
Getting Accurate Fragrance Oil Measurements
Most digital kitchen scales are not precise enough to measure small amounts of fragrance oil. In order to measure very small amounts of fragrance oil you may need jeweler scales.
They can be had for between $10 and $30 on Amazon and are worth every penny if you are getting serious about candle making and crafting in general.
What If You Add Too Much Fragrance to Candles
If you have added too much fragrance oil to your candles, there are a few things you can do to salvage the product and ensure it is safe to use.
The first thing to do is to check the recommended fragrance load guidelines for the specific type of wax and fragrance oil you are using. If you have exceeded the recommended load, it is essential to reduce the amount of fragrance oil.
You can do this in a few different ways.
Reheating the wax and fragrance mixture will cause the fragrance oil to begin to evaporate. This will help reduce the amount of fragrance oil but the better option may be just adding more wax.
Reheating the wax and fragrance oil mixture and adding enough new wax to create one more candle can help reduce the fragrance load of the candles. You will have to calculate what the new load will be spread across the new amount of wax (Depending on how much you add).
Candles That Can Hold The Most Fragrance
The amount of fragrance oil that can be added to a candle depends on the type of candle and the type of wax used. Some candle types and wax types can hold more fragrance oil than others, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting scent throw.
One candle type that can hold a lot of fragrance oil is a container candle. Container candles are made by pouring wax into a container, such as a jar or tin. Because the wax is contained, it can hold more fragrance oil than other candle types, such as pillar candles or votive candles.
Candle Alternative for High Fragrance Loads
Wax melts are a popular alternative to candles, especially for those who want to use a lot of fragrance oil. Wax melts are designed to be melted in a warmer, releasing a fragrance into the air. They are a flameless option that can provide a strong and long-lasting scent throw.
One of the advantages of wax melts is their ability to hold a high fragrance load. Wax melts can hold more fragrance oil than traditional candles because they are not burned. When a candle is burned, the fragrance oil is released into the air as the wax melts. In contrast, with wax melts, the fragrance oil is released into the air as the wax is heated and melts.
Wax melts come in a variety of scents and can be mixed and matched to create a personalized fragrance blend. They are also available in a variety of shapes and colors, making them a decorative option for any room.
In addition, wax melts are also an affordable option compared to traditional candles. They are available in bulk, making them an economical option for those that love fragrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
In order to measure very small amounts of fragrance oil you may need jeweler scales. They are worth every penny if you are getting serious about candle making and crafting in general.
Container candles are one of the best types of candles for holding a lot of fragrance oil. Container candles are made by pouring wax into a container, such as a jar or tin.
Yes, wax melts are an excellent alternative to candles if you want to use a lot of fragrance oil. Wax melts can hold more fragrance oil than traditional candles because they are not burned. Instead, the fragrance oil is released into the air as the wax is heated and melts.
Fragrance oil is usually measured in grams or ounces. It is important to use the correct measuring device for the amount you are using in order to accurately follow your candle-making recipe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to accurately measure the amount of fragrance oil you are adding to your candles and make sure not to exceed the manufacturer-suggested fragrance loads. Adding too much fragrance oil to candles can affect the scent throw, making it too strong and overwhelming.
Reheating the wax and adding more wax can help reduce the amount of fragrance oil in the candles. Additionally, wax melts are a great alternative to traditional candles as they can hold a lot of fragrance oil. With careful measuring and calculation, you can create beautiful candles with just the right amount of fragrance oil!
