Scented Secrets: Enhancing Candles With Cologne

Creating a custom-scented candle is a great way to add a personal touch to your home or gift a memorable present. While it may be tempting to use your favourite cologne as a shortcut to a pleasant-smelling candle, it is not a good idea.

Perfumes and colognes are typically alcohol-based and will evaporate quickly when mixed with candle wax, resulting in a weak scent that fades fast. Additionally, the alcohol content in these fragrances poses a fire hazard, and the chemicals in the perfume may be unhealthy to breathe in.

Instead, it is recommended to use fragrance oils or essential oils, which are designed to be mixed with candle wax and provide a longer-lasting, unique scent. These oils can be purchased from craft stores or major retailers that sell candle products. When adding fragrance, ensure your wax is at the right temperature (180-190°F or 80-85°C) to help the oil bind to the wax and create a stronger scent.

Why you shouldn't use cologne to make candles

Although it may be tempting to use cologne to make a candle, especially if you want to replicate a particular scent, there are several reasons why this is not a good idea.

Firstly, colognes are typically alcohol-based, and alcohol is highly flammable, which makes cologne a fire hazard. Not only could this be dangerous, but the flame could also get out of control and become a large blaze.

Secondly, cologne is not designed to be mixed with candle wax. The two substances will not bind together properly, resulting in a chunky, inconsistent wax. This will be noticeable during the candle-making process, and will also affect the final product.

Thirdly, the scent from a cologne candle will not last. The alcohol base will cause the fragrance to burn off quickly, resulting in a faint scent that disappears fast.

In addition, burning cologne can release toxic gases, such as formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat. It can also cause sore throats, nosebleeds, itchy eyes, and coughs.

Lastly, perfumes and colognes contain several chemicals, and using them in candles will mean your product is no longer natural or chemical-free.

Instead of using cologne, it is recommended to use fragrance oils or essential oils to scent candles. These are designed to be used with candle wax, are cheaper, and will not carry the same health and safety risks.

How to make scented candles properly

Materials:

• Wax (soy wax flakes or beeswax pellets)
• Wicks (with a metal base)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils
• Jars (mason jars, glass jars, tea cups, etc.)
• A disposable stirring device
• A pencil or chopstick
• A pot
• A saucepan
• A bowl (optional)

Steps:

• Prepare your materials and workspace: Gather all your materials and create a clean, flat workspace. Cover the surface with newspaper or a towel to protect it from any spills.
• Measure the wax: Measure the amount of wax needed to fill your chosen container(s).
• Melt the wax: Place a double boiler (or a saucepan with a glass bowl on top) on medium heat and melt the wax. Use a silicone spatula to stir the wax gently.
• Add fragrance: Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and add your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil. Stir the mixture gently for a few seconds.
• Attach the wick: Dip the metal end of the wick into the melted wax and secure it to the bottom of your container. Use chopsticks or a pencil to keep the wick centred.
• Pour the wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into your container(s).
• Let the wax cool: Allow the wax to cool and solidify. This may take a few hours or overnight.
• Trim the wick: Once the wax has set completely, trim the wick to the desired length (about ¼ of an inch).
• Test your candle: Light your candle and enjoy the fragrance!

Additional Tips:

• It is important to monitor the temperature of the wax throughout the process. Use a thermometer to ensure that you are adding the fragrance and pouring the wax at the recommended temperatures.
• Preheat your containers before pouring the wax to prevent the wax from shrinking and pulling away from the container.
• Do not add too much fragrance oil. Each type of wax has a maximum fragrance load, and adding too much can cause the oil to separate from the wax and create an uneven, weak scent.
• Do not use perfume or cologne as a substitute for fragrance oils. These contain alcohol and are not suitable for burning.
• Always test your candles before mass-producing them. This will help you identify any issues and ensure they burn properly.

How to add scent to a candle

Adding scent to a candle is a great way to create a personalised fragrance for your home. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the materials you have to hand and the level of complexity you are comfortable with.

Using Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are synthetically created smells, often used in perfumes. They are a cheap and easy way to add scent to candles. You can buy them from most major retailers that sell home décor or candle products, or online.

To add fragrance oil to an existing candle, light the candle and let it burn until there is a pool of wax about 1 inch deep around the wick. Blow out the candle and add 3-4 drops of oil to the melted wax. Stir the wax gently with a toothpick, starting with small circles close to the wick and working outwards. This will distribute the oil evenly throughout the wax. Let the wax cool and harden completely so that the oil can settle into the wax and absorb further. Then, relight the candle and enjoy the scent!

Using Wax Beads

Wax beads are tiny wax balls, slightly larger than sand, available in a variety of colours. You will also need a glass jar, a wick, and an essential oil. Hold the wick in the centre of the jar and pour the wax beads around it, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Flatten and smooth the top of the beads so they are evenly distributed. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil and stir slowly with a toothpick to help the oil penetrate the entire container. Let the scent absorb for 24-48 hours, then light the wick.

Making a Scented Candle from Scratch

To make your own scented candle, you will need: a bag of soy wax flakes, one wick, a glass container, a scented oil, skewers, and a glass measuring cup. You can substitute palm or beeswax flakes for the soy wax if you prefer.

Lay the metal end of the wick flat along the bottom of the container and tape the top end to a skewer so that the wick is pulled completely straight. Measure out twice the amount of wax flakes as the size of your container and melt them in a saucepan or double boiler. Add about 10 drops of essential oil to the melted wax and stir slowly. Pour the scented wax into the container and let it cool and solidify for 3-4 hours. Then, your candle is ready to burn!

Important Things to Note

It is important to only use fragrance oils that are specifically designed for candle-making. Essential oils are not suitable for this purpose as they are highly flammable and can add a serious fire hazard. They also will not mix well with candle wax and may leave a greasy residue.

When making candles, always monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer to prevent scorching. Adding your fragrance oil at the right temperature will help it bind to the wax and give you a stronger scent. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is 180-185°F for soy and paraffin wax, and 200-205°F for palm wax.

Finally, remember not to add too much fragrance oil to your wax. Each wax has a maximum fragrance oil load, and going beyond this limit can cause the oil to separate from the wax, creating an unsafe, 'gooey' appearance and a weak scent.

How to make a scented candle from scratch

Choosing a Container

First, you'll need to choose a container for your candle. This could be a jar, glass, tin, bowl, or mug—anything heat-proof will work! You can reuse old candle containers, or get creative with vintage or thrifted glassware.

Preparing the Wick

Next, you'll need to prepare your wick. Place a dab of superglue or hot glue on the metal bottom of the wick and press it to the bottom center of your container. If your container has a wide diameter, you may want to use two or three wicks to ensure the candle can burn evenly. You can stabilize the wick by snipping a hole in a piece of masking tape, threading the wick through, and attaching the tape to the rim of the container.

Melting the Wax

Now it's time to melt your wax. You can use a melting pot, bowl, or saucepan, placed inside a larger pot of simmering water (the double-boiler method). Weigh out your wax first, using a ratio of 1 ounce of wax per 1 fluid ounce of your container's volume. Soy wax flakes are a good option, and will take a few minutes to melt.

Adding the Fragrance

Allow the wax to cool to around 140ºF, then stir in your fragrance. You can use essential oils or fragrance oils, adding at a ratio of 1 ounce of oil per 1 pound of wax. Be sure to check the flashpoint of your fragrance oil, and add it below this temperature to prevent it from evaporating. Fragrance oils are cheaper and easier to source, but if you want to avoid toxins, opt for essential oils or natural fragrance oils.

Pouring the Candle

Once your fragrance is mixed in, carefully pour the wax into your container, avoiding the tape and wick. Pour slowly to avoid creating air bubbles, which can make the surface of the candle uneven. Allow the candle to cool at room temperature for at least 24 hours before lighting.

Curing the Candle

After pouring, your candle will need to cure for a minimum of three days to ensure a good scent throw. For natural waxes, a cure time of 1-2 weeks is recommended.

Troubleshooting

If your candle develops sinkholes as it cools, reheat some wax and top it up, being careful not to exceed the original wax level. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle, and continue to trim it before each burn to prevent the wick from "mushrooming" and smoking.

Tips

• Avoid using cologne or perfume to scent your candle, as the alcohol content can cause problems.
• You can buy fragrance oils that mimic the scent of specific perfumes or colognes.
• If you want to add colour to your candle, stir in some candle dye after the wax has melted.
• You can calculate the amount of wax you need by filling your container with water, then pouring it into a measuring cup.
• You can find wick size charts online, but you may need to experiment with different sizes to find the best fit for your candle.
• Clean up any spills with paper towels while the wax is still liquid.
• Always follow candle safety guidelines: keep candles away from children, pets, and anything combustible, ensure the candle is on a stable surface, and never leave it unattended.

How to avoid mistakes when making scented candles

While it is not recommended to use cologne to make scented candles, you can still create your own scented candles by following some simple steps and avoiding common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you make scented candles successfully:

Choose the Right Wax

The type of wax you use will impact the strength of the scent throw. Soy wax, coconut wax, or a blend of the two are known for their excellent cold and hot throws. They cost more than paraffin wax but offer better quality and eco-friendly standards.

Accurate Fragrance Load

The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance used in candle-making and will determine the candle's scent throw (cold and hot throw). The standard fragrance load is 6%, but some candle wax types can hold up to 12%. Adding too much fragrance can cause the candle to self-extinguish or not burn properly, and the fragrance may settle at the bottom of the candle.

Stirring Fragrance at the Right Temperature

Adding fragrance at the right temperature is crucial. Heat the wax to its flash point and maintain it for five minutes to ensure it's fully melted before adding the fragrance. Standard fragrance oils are typically added at 185°F, while natural options should be added at a cooler temperature. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature throughout the process.

Stirring the Fragrance

Stir the fragrance slowly for about two minutes after adding it to the melted wax. This ensures that the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the candle, improving the scent.

Curing Time

Allow the candles to cure or rest for at least three days, or preferably one to two weeks, before the first burn. This gives the fragrance time to fully bond with the wax, resulting in a stronger scent throw.

Storing Candles Properly

Keep a lid on your candles when they are not in use to prevent dust and debris from settling on the wax or wick. Storing candles properly helps maintain the quality of the scent throw over time.

Using the Right Wick Size

Using the wrong wick size will impact the melt pool, affecting the release of fragrance and potentially causing candle tunnelling. Choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of your candle and the type of wax you are using.

Test, Test, Test!

Always test your candles before mass production. There are many variables that can affect how your candle burns, so it's important to test everything together to ensure it burns properly and gives you the desired results.

Avoid Using Perfume or Cologne

Do not use perfume or cologne in place of fragrance oils. They are not meant to be burned and can clog your wick, affecting the scent throw and possibly creating a fire hazard. Always use fragrance oils specifically designed for candle-making.

Frequently asked questions