Burning Fragrance Oil: Is It Safe?

Burning fragrance oils is a great way to create a pleasant-smelling environment, but it's important to do it safely. Fragrance oils are manufactured oils with pleasant scents and are often used in crafting, home scenting, and perfumes. They are different from essential oils, which are naturally occurring and have therapeutic benefits. When burning fragrance oils, it's important to use gentle heat as high temperatures can modify the chemical composition of the oil. Additionally, only a few drops of oil are needed as too much can be overwhelming and cause headaches.

There are a few different methods for burning fragrance oils. One common method is to use an oil burner, which has been used for thousands of years. Oil burners can be candle-based or electric, with the former being more traditional and atmospheric, and the latter being more modern and convenient. Another method is to use a scented stone, which can be placed in a sunny spot or near a heater to release the fragrance. Fragrance oils can also be added to unscented products like shampoo or lotion to create a scented product. However, it's important to test on a small area first to ensure there is no negative reaction.

Characteristics of Burning Fragrance Oil

How to burn fragrance oils safely

Burning fragrance oils is a great way to fill your home with a pleasant aroma. However, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure you are burning fragrance oils safely. Here are some tips on how to burn fragrance oils safely:

• Always use fragrance oils with caution. Fragrance oils are different from essential oils and are not meant to be ingested or applied directly to the skin. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Choose the right burner: There are two main types of perfume burners available – incense burners with a candle and perfume burner lamps. The former creates a cosy, warm and intimate atmosphere, while the latter is more modern and offers different shades of lighting.
• Prepare your burner: Ensure that your perfume burner is clean, especially the tank, to avoid mixing essential oils with dust. Place the burner on a fireproof surface, out of the reach of children and pets.
• Use gentle heat: Avoid using high temperatures as this can modify the chemical composition of the perfume concentrate. Instead, opt for gentle heat to slowly evaporate the oil and release its aroma.
• Add water: Water is essential when burning fragrance oils. It helps to prevent the smell from becoming too overwhelming and assaulting your olfactory senses. However, adding too much water can alter the fragrance, so be sure to use the right amount.
• Use the right amount of oil: A few drops of oil are usually enough to disperse the aroma throughout the room. Adding too much oil can lead to headaches and an overwhelming scent.
• Practice safety: Since burning oils involves an open flame, never leave it unattended and keep it away from flammable materials and surfaces that may break under the heat. Always allow the burner to cool down before touching it.
• Clean your burner regularly: Regularly clean the burner tray to remove oil residues. Use a tissue or cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe out the bowl.
• Choose your oils wisely: Select fragrance oils that are 100% pure and come in dark-tinted bottles to protect from light exposure. Avoid oils that are mixed with other substances.
• Limit usage time: Diffuse fragrance oils in intervals to avoid negative effects from constant exposure. Limit burning to 30-60 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.
• Be mindful of allergies: Read up on the potential risks of different oils. For example, cinnamon bark has been known to cause allergic reactions in people with seasonal allergies.
• Avoid ingestion and skin contact: Fragrance oils are not meant to be ingested or applied directly to the skin. If there is any contact or ingestion, seek medical advice immediately.

Using fragrance oils in an oil burner

• Place the burner on a fireproof surface, out of reach of children and pets.
• Set a jug of water next to the burner.
• Place a tea light candle in the holder at the base of the burner.
• Fill the container at the top of the burner with water, leaving a little space at the top.
• Add 3-5 drops of fragrance oil to the water.
• Light the candle.
• Wait for the water to evaporate.
• Refill the burner from the jug when it is almost dry, or blow out the candle.
• Clean the container regularly to remove oil residue.

It is important to note that a high temperature can cause an unpleasant smell by modifying the chemical composition of the oil. Therefore, it is recommended to use gentle heat when burning fragrance oils. Additionally, be careful not to put too much oil in the burner, as this can cause throat and sinus irritation.

How to make fragrance oils for burning

Burning fragrance oils is a great way to create a pleasant-smelling environment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make fragrance oils for burning:

Choosing the Right Oil:

Fragrance oils are available in various scents, such as lavender, lemon, vanilla, rose, cedar, pine, eucalyptus, and orange blossom. Select a scent that suits your preference and the ambiance you want to create.

Preparing the Oil:

Fragrance oils are typically concentrated and should be diluted before burning. The dilution ratio may vary depending on the desired strength of the fragrance. A common ratio is a mixture of 12 ounces of alcohol, 2 ounces of distilled water, and 4 ounces of fragrance.

Using a Burner:

Place your burner on a fireproof surface, out of reach of children and pets. You can use a traditional incense burner with a candle or a modern lamp burner that offers different lighting options. Ensure the burner is clean, especially the tank, to avoid mixing the oil with dust.

Adding the Oil:

Fill the container of the burner with water, leaving some space at the top. Add 3-5 drops of your chosen fragrance oil. The amount of oil can be adjusted based on the size of the room and your desired scent strength.

Lighting the Burner:

If using a candle burner, light the candle at the base of the burner. For a lamp burner, turn on the lamp. The heat from the candle or lamp will warm the water and oil mixture, causing the fragrance to evaporate and spread throughout the room.

Refilling and Maintenance:

Keep an eye on the water level and refill it from a jug when it gets too low. Extinguish the candle or turn off the lamp before refilling. Regularly clean the burner tray to remove any oil residue.

Remember to use gentle heat to avoid altering the chemical composition of the fragrance oil. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling burners and hot liquids to prevent accidents.

Electric diffusers as an alternative to burning

Electric diffusers are a popular and easy alternative to burning fragrance oils. They are one of the most common types of diffusers, alongside reed, nebulising, and humidifying diffusers.

Electric diffusers use heating elements to warm a blend of oil and water, which then evaporates into the room. They are a great way to fill your home with fragrance without the need for an open flame. This makes them a safer option than burning oils, especially if you have children or pets.

There are many different types of electric diffusers to choose from, with different features to suit your needs. Some have colour-changing lights, which can be useful for creating ambience or as a night light. Others have different timer settings, so you can control how long the diffuser runs for. You can even get cordless electric diffusers that can be used anywhere in your home, or taken with you on the go.

When using an electric diffuser, it's important to follow the instructions provided. You will usually need to dilute the fragrance oil with water before adding it to the diffuser. This is because fragrance oils are very potent and can be overpowering if emitted in their pure form. Always read the instructions that come with your diffuser and the fragrance oil to ensure you are using them safely and effectively.

Electric diffusers are a great way to enjoy your favourite fragrance oils without the need for burning. With so many different types and features to choose from, you can easily find one that suits your needs and preferences.

Using fragrance oils in candles

Fragrance oils are a great way to make your home smell pleasant and create a cosy, warm, and intimate atmosphere. They are manufactured oils developed for their pleasant scents and are not to be confused with essential oils.

When using fragrance oils in candles, it is important to understand the concept of fragrance load. The amount of fragrance oil you add to your wax is the fragrance load, which is the ratio of wax to fragrance oil. The amount of fragrance oil wax can hold depends on the type of wax you are using. Generally, most wax blends can hold between 8 to 12% fragrance. However, you don't need to add this much fragrance oil to make your candles smell strong. In fact, adding too much fragrance oil can be dangerous as it can pose a fire hazard.

When adding fragrance oil to your candles, it is important to measure accurately. Different fragrance oils have different densities, so the most accurate way to measure is by weight rather than volume. For example, if you are using 16 ounces (1 pound) of wax and want to achieve a 10% fragrance load, you would use 1.6 ounces of fragrance oil (by weight). Using a sensitive digital scale is a great way to measure weights accurately.

Another important factor to consider when adding fragrance oil to candles is the temperature at which the oil is blended with the melted wax. If you add the fragrance oil at too high a temperature, it will burn off, but if the temperature is too low, the fragrance will not bond properly. Soy wax, for example, bonds better with fragrance oils, so you will smell the fragrance from the first burn to the last. On the other hand, the strong molecules in paraffin wax can make it difficult for the fragrance oil to distribute throughout the wax, leading to a weaker scent.

When purchasing fragrance oils for your candles, it is important to be mindful of the terminology used. Perfume oils, where the fragrance concentrate is diluted into a skin-safe carrier, are often not suitable for candle-making as they are too diluted and may not bind with candle wax. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are formulated to be an ingredient in something else and are often candle-friendly. However, some fragrance oils are meant for bath and body products and may be water-soluble, so be sure to look out for this when purchasing.

There are many suppliers that sell fragrance oils specifically for candle-making, such as Lone Star Candle Supply and Brambleberry. These suppliers offer a wide variety of fragrance oils and provide educational information and product specifications to help you make the best choice for your candles.

Frequently asked questions