How to Use Scented Candles

Candle Ingredients

Candle Wax Types

The type of wax really matters. Shop for candles made from soy or coconut, rather than cheaper paraffin or petroleum by-products.

Why not beeswax?

Beeswax is often suggested; however, it does not hold scent well. My personal preference is to use beeswax candles unscented. The aroma alone from a beeswax candle is so relaxing.

Why not paraffin?

Studies have found that candles made from paraffin can release cancer-causing chemicals. And it may be harmful for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Candle Wicks

Make sure the wick doesn’t contain lead, which could be harmful to us. Sometimes candle wicks had a metal core to keep them upright. Candlemakers are moving to alternatives such as pure cotton wicks.

Wick length

Before lighting the candle, cut the wick to six or eight millimeters in height to keep the flame from going too high and darkening the inside of the candleholder.

You want a clean flame to light up your room. Trimming the wick can be beneficial in creating a peaceful calming ritual…an offering of gratitude.

Candle Scent

Candles made with essential oils are normally 100% produced from natural ingredients.

But be aware of what is meant by “natural”.

Candles made with fragrance oils are from mostly man-made (synthetic) sources and may include fragrance from natural sources.

Since essential oils are derived directly from plants, they are natural.

Candles made exclusively with essential oils are aromatherapeutic. Aromatherapy does have a positive psychological effect on overall wellbeing.

But as much as we like essential oils, certain beautiful scents—like wood-fire smell or even rose-scented aroma—cannot be added economically to candles.

Essential oils are more expensive than fragrance oil. It takes 60 roses to produce a single drop of rose essential oil, and as a result, this would be extremely expensive to use in candle making.

This is why many candlemakers use fragrance oils or a mixture of both essential and fragrance oils.

If a brand uses only essential oils, it will be featured in their marketing as a mark of quality—just as some brands might talk about only using natural wax.

Other tips about scent:

• Make sure the candles are dye- and allergen-free versions made without phthalates. Bargain-bin scented candles smell rank—it’s suggested that you avoid buying them.
• Too much fragrance can literally make people feel sick. Be aware of how potent the candle has been made. Also, don’t leave the candle burning too long. A good measure is about an hour at a time. Set a timer as a reminder to blow it out.
• Do not leave the house or go to bed with candles still lit.

How to burn a scented candle

This rule of thumb applies all candles: The first burn is the most important. The first time you light the candle, let it burn one hour per 1 inch of the candle’s diameter. This will allow the top layer of wax to melt.

Also, the scent is released from hot liquid wax—so if you ever find that a candle does not smell very strong, give it more burning time to allow the wax to melt completely.

Burn candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.

When you want to extinguish the candle, use a snuffer to prevent the smell of the smoking wick from filling the room.

The gradual darkening of the room will become the perfect way to say good night.

IMPORTANT: Only extinguish the candle once the wax has melted all the way to the edges of the container; otherwise trenches will end up around the wick.

As soon as the candle cools down, you can place the lid on top. Covering the candle will prevent dust and odors from being absorbed, which may alter its aroma.

More scented candle tips

Storage

Scented candles are always best stored in a cool dry place and away from direct sunlight.

Alternatives to candles

Products like reed diffusers are risky because they continually emit the aroma. This could create reactions like headaches, sensitivities and/or overwhelm.

Best scented candles

Here are some of the best scented candles that I have found. Again, when you choose your candle, always find out as much as you can about what the candle is made of. Note: All naturally scented candles are expensive.

• Thymes Fragrance Studio
• Ruby Brown Minuit Marrakech candles
• Atelier Cologne – cotton wick; no synthetic fragrance; a mix of oils
• Esser- Fig and Cedar candles- Canadian source
• Byredo Bibliothèque Candle

Have you found a great scented candle? Tell us about it!