How to Make Your Candles Smell Stronger and Last Longer

Candles bring warmth, ambience, and fragrance to any space, but sometimes, they don’t burn as efficiently or smell as strong as expected. To enhance the scent throw and longevity of your candles, follow these expert tips.

1. Choose the Right Wax

• Soy wax holds fragrance well and burns longer but has a more subtle scent throw.

• Paraffin wax delivers a more potent scent but burns faster and can release soot.

• Coconut and beeswax blend to offer a clean, slow burn with excellent scent retention.

• Opt for high-quality, natural waxes for better performance.

2. Use the Right Fragrance Oils

• Select high-quality fragrance oils formulated explicitly for candle-making.

• Use essential oils sparingly, as they don’t always blend well with wax and can evaporate quickly.

• Ensure the fragrance oil is compatible with your wax type for the best scent diffusion.

3. Measure the Correct Fragrance Load

• The ideal fragrance-to-wax ratio is typically 6–10% (1 ounce of fragrance per 1 pound of wax).

• Adding too little fragrance results in a weak scent, while too much can cause separation or burning issues.

• Stir fragrance thoroughly at the correct temperature for better binding.

4. Pour at the Right Temperature

• Add fragrance oil when the wax reaches 185°F (85°C) and stir well to ensure proper mixing.

• Pour the wax into containers at 130–150°F (54–65°C) for an even, smooth finish.

• Avoid pouring too hot wax, as it can burn off the fragrance before setting.

5. Pick the Right Wick Size and Type

• A wick that’s too small won’t create an entire melt pool, reducing scent throw.

• A wick that is too large burns too fast and can cause excess soot.

• Use wooden wicks for a clean burn and added ambience or cotton wicks for a steady, even flame.

• Test different wick sizes to find the best match for your wax and container.

6. Let Candles Cure Properly

• Allow candles to cure for 24 to 48 hours before burning, but wait 1–2 weeks for best results.

• This curing period helps fragrance bind to the wax, improving scent.

• Store candles in a cool, dry place to prevent fragrance loss.

7. Burn Your Candle Correctly

• Always trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting to prevent excessive soot and flickering.

• Let the candle burn until the entire surface melts to avoid tunnelling.

• Avoid burning for more than 4 hours to extend its lifespan.

8. Enhance Hot and Cold Throw

• Cold throw (scent before lighting) improves with a well-balanced wax and fragrance blend.

• Hot throw (scent while burning) increases with proper wick selection and full melt pools.

• Using lids or airtight storage helps retain fragrance when the candle is unused.

9. Avoid Common Candle-Making Mistakes

• Don’t add fragrance at extremely high temperatures, as it can evaporate.

• Don’t use too much dye or additives, as they can affect scent performance.

• Avoid using cheap wicks or containers that don’t allow proper burning.

10. Store Candles Properly

• Keep candles in a cool, dark place to prevent fragrance loss and discolouration.

• Store in airtight containers, if possible, to maintain scent potency.

• Avoid exposing candles to direct sunlight or extreme heat.

Final Thoughts

Making candles that smell stronger and last longer requires careful attention to wax choice, fragrance concentration, wick selection, and burning techniques. Following these tips, you can create high-quality candles that fill your space with long-lasting, beautiful scents.