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Why I Can’t Smell My Scented Candle? Avoid These Five Common Pitfalls!

Why You Can't Smell the Candle

Imagine lighting a scented candle in your home, eagerly awaiting the delightful aroma, and captivated by its enchanting scent. It's an experience we all crave. But what if you can't seem to smell it at all? If this sounds familiar, don't worry; you're not alone. In this article, we will explore five critical reasons why you can't smell scented candle. By understanding and addressing these factors, you can transform your living space into a perfectly scented haven.

Fragrance Fatigue: the Hidden Reason You Can't Smell Scented Candle

Your sense of smell possesses an incredible ability to detect a wide range of scents. However, it can become desensitized over time when constantly exposed to the same aroma. This phenomenon, scientifically called olfactory fatigue, can pose a challenge when perceiving the scent of your beloved scented candles. Fear not, for there are some simple yet effective solution! 

The Ingredient of the Scented Candle Matters

soy wax and beeswax

Soy wax and beeswax have a very distinctive characteristic. Generally, soy wax has a lower melting point at 45-54°C (113-127°F), which is lower than beeswax at 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F). Scented candles crafted exclusively with pure soy wax can melt at an accelerated pace, resulting in a significantly heightened scent throw compared to those crafted with beeswax. Therefore, for DIY candle makers who prefer to smell scented candles strongly, make sure you use a high proportion of soy wax.

soy wax and beeswax

Fragrance oil or essential oil

Let's cut to the chase here. It's undeniable that you can't have your cake and eat it too. We all understand that essential oils, being natural and all, are technically "harmless" compared to fragrance oils manufactured in a laboratory setting. Nevertheless, fragrance oil has a much better scent despite being artificial. British brand Neom is a typical example. With natural organic essential oils in their scented candles, Neom's scented candle has a weaker scent throw than other brands.

Room Size and Ventilation

When it comes to burning candles, the size of the room can significantly affect the scent distribution. If you have a large room, you may need to use multiple or larger candles to ensure the fragrance is evenly dispersed throughout the space. It's also essential to ensure proper ventilation in the room to allow the scent to flow and reach every corner. Without adequate airflow, the scent may be confined to a small area and retain its intended impact on your senses.

The Importance of Wick Size

The size of the candle's wick has a significant impact on the way it burns, and this is something that should be noticed. It is crucial to ensure that the wick is of the right size to achieve an even burn throughout. Using a wick that is too small will undoubtedly hinder the candle's ability to create a wide wax pool, which is necessary for releasing its delightful fragrance. On the other hand, using a wick that's too large can lead to unwanted consequences such as excessive smoke and tunneling, which can significantly diminish the overall experience of enjoying a candle. Therefore, it is essential to trim the wick to the appropriate size to attain optimal burning conditions and fully relish all the benefits that candles have to offer.

You Didn't Remove the Candle Wax Periodically

Those who use candle warmer lamps should take extra care to remove excess wax regularly. This is because fragrance molecules are smaller than wax molecules, and excess wax can trap these molecules, reducing the scent throw. By removing any excess wax on the surface, you can ensure that the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the room.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the inability to smell scented candles can be due to various reasons such as fragrance fatigue, room size and ventilation, wick size, and the remaining burned wax. By understanding these factors, you can take the necessary steps to enhance your scented candle experience, regularly rotating scents, trimming wicks to the appropriate size, and checking the ventilation of your space. For candle warmer lamp users, remember to periodically clean up wax on the surface. If you want to ensure that your scented candles emit a pleasant fragrance, it's essential to follow the steps mentioned above. Despite your best efforts, if you still find that the candle has little to no scent, it's likely due to low-quality wax or fragrance oil. In such cases, it's advisable to try out a different brand that offers high-quality candles.

💡 Aerix partnered with the well-known Taiwanese candle manufacturer EYECANDLE, to create two premium scented candles. These candles are crafted with high-quality imported materials, from the wax to the essential oils, striking the perfect balance between burn time, fragrance longevity, and price. They represent a true Taiwanese-made luxury scented candle.

Comments

Bath&body candles no longer have that great smell. Why?

Joanie Cameron

What’s the appropriate wick size?

Sam Seccurra

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