Aroma Beads: Using Candle Fragrance For A Soothing Scent

Aroma beads are small, translucent plastic beads that can absorb fragrance oils and be used as an alternative to candles. They can be used in potpourri, sachets, jars, or as dry potpourri. The amount of fragrance oil that can be added to the beads depends on the density of the oil, with denser oils like leather working best at 1oz per pound of beads, and less dense oils like fruit slices allowing for up to 2oz per pound. The fragrance load can be built up over time, and the beads should be shaken regularly to ensure even distribution. The beads can also be coloured with candle dye or mica powder, and baked into shapes using cookie cutters and an oven.

How much fragrance oil can aroma beads absorb?

Aroma beads can absorb a lot of fragrance oil—up to 40% of their weight in fragrance oil, according to some sources. However, the amount of fragrance oil that aroma beads can absorb depends on the fragrance used. Beads can hold a maximum of 20 to 30% fragrance oil, but this may vary depending on the fragrance.

The amount of fragrance oil needed to create a strong scent may also vary. A 4 to 12% fragrance load is ideal, as it smells strong while also allowing you to get the most out of every bottle of fragrance. For reference, a 4% fragrance load is about 0.5 oz of fragrance per pound of beads, while a 12% load is about 2 oz of fragrance per pound of beads.

It's important to note that you shouldn't add the maximum fragrance load all at once. Adding too much oil at once will make it impossible for the beads to absorb the fragrance. It is necessary to work your way up to the max fragrance load gradually. From testing, it has been found that beads have a hard time absorbing fragrances if they are completely saturated or swimming in fragrance oil. For best results, the beads should simply be coated with fragrance and appear wet when you add the fragrance and shake it up.

If you add too much fragrance oil, you can fix this by adding more unscented beads to soak up the excess. This may require transferring the beads to a larger container so there's enough room to shake them.

When adding fragrance oil to aroma beads, it's recommended to add no more than 1 oz of fragrance per pound of aroma beads at one time. Any fragrance you add needs to be fully absorbed into the beads before you attempt to add more. For reference, adding 1 oz of fragrance to 1 lb of beads is approximately a 6.25% fragrance load.

The time it takes for aroma beads to absorb fragrance oil can vary depending on the fragrance used. Some fragrances can absorb within 1 day, while others can take up to 2 weeks or slightly longer. Most fragrances take an average of 2-7 days to absorb. Heavier oils tend to take longer.

How to add fragrance oil to aroma beads

To add fragrance oil to aroma beads, you'll need to gather the following items:

• Metal cookie cutters
• Parchment paper or a silicone sheet
• A large nail with a flat head (optional)
• A large container with a lid (HDPE plastic containers or a glass jar work best)
• A digital scale
• Fragrance oil
• Liquid candle dye

First, measure out 16 oz of aroma beads using your digital scale. Then, measure out your desired amount of fragrance oil. A good starting point is 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of aroma beads, but you can add more as needed—aroma beads can hold up to 2 oz of fragrance oil per pound.

Next, add the desired amount of liquid candle dye to your fragrance oil and stir them together. A little goes a long way with these dyes, so start with 2-3 drops. Pour this mixture into the container with the aroma beads and secure the lid.

Shake the container vigorously for a couple of minutes to ensure the colour and fragrance oil are fully dispersed. The beads will look very wet, but it can take a few days for the oil to be fully absorbed. Keep shaking the container every hour or so.

Once the beads have fully absorbed the fragrance oil, you can pour them into a sachet bag or use metal cookie cutters to melt them into shapes.

If you want to melt your aroma beads, preheat your oven to 325°F-350°F. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your cookie sheet and lay out your cookie cutters. Try to use similarly-sized cookie cutters so they melt evenly. Place the nail where you want the hole to be (optional) and pour the aroma beads around it, filling the cookie cutters about 3/4 full.

Bake the aroma beads for 6-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cookie cutters. Every oven is different, so be sure to test!

Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, loosen the aroma beads from the cookie sheet by gently moving them around. After about 10 minutes, while the aroma beads are still warm, pop them out of the cookie cutters and set them aside to cool completely.

How long does it take for aroma beads to absorb fragrance oil?

The amount of time it takes for aroma beads to absorb fragrance oil depends on the type of fragrance used. Some fragrances can be absorbed within a day, while others can take up to two weeks or slightly longer. On average, the absorption process takes between two and seven days. Heavier oils tend to take longer to absorb.

To speed up the absorption process, it is recommended to shake the jar containing the aroma beads and fragrance oil in different directions and to choose a jar that is large enough for the beads to move around freely. Storing the jar in a warm location can also help reduce the absorption time.

It is important to add the fragrance oil slowly to the aroma beads and to avoid adding too much at once, as this can hinder the absorption process. The recommended amount of fragrance oil to add initially is 1 ounce per pound of beads, and it is important to let this absorb completely before adding more.

What to do if you add too much fragrance oil to aroma beads

Yes, you can use candle fragrance in aroma beads. Aroma beads are a great way to fragrance your home, office, or car. They are easy to use, long-lasting, and customisable.

Now, if you've added too much fragrance oil to your aroma beads, don't panic! Here's what you can do to fix it:

• Add More Unscented Beads: The easiest solution is to simply add more unscented aroma beads to your mixture. This will help balance out the excess fragrance oil and allow it to be absorbed. You may need to transfer your beads to a larger container to give them enough room to shake and mix.
• Don't Add All the Fragrance Oil at Once: It's important to gradually add your fragrance oil to the aroma beads. Adding too much at once can make it difficult for the beads to absorb the oil. Instead, add a small amount, let it absorb, and then add more as needed until you reach your desired scent level.
• Avoid Excess Oil: Aroma beads should be coated with fragrance oil and appear wet, but they shouldn't be swimming in oil. If there is too much oil, it will pool at the bottom of the jar after sitting for a few minutes. If this happens, simply add more unscented beads to soak up the excess.
• Use the Right Ratio: The recommended ratio of fragrance oil to aroma beads is typically 1:4. For example, use 1 teaspoon of fragrance oil per cup of aroma beads. You can adjust this ratio slightly based on your personal fragrance preferences.
• Choose a Suitable Container: Use a jar or container that is large enough for the beads to move around freely. A jar with extra space will allow the beads to absorb the fragrance more effectively. A straight-sided jar with a round shape, such as a mason jar, works well.
• Shake Thoroughly: Be sure to shake your container thoroughly and in different directions for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute each time you add fragrance oil. This helps distribute the oil evenly and speeds up the absorption process.
• Warm Location: Try storing your container in a warm location, such as near a heat vent or in a sunny window. A slightly warmer ambient temperature can aid in the fragrance oil absorption process. However, avoid placing the container directly on a heat source, as this may slow down absorption.
• Add Fragrance Gradually: It's best to start with a smaller amount of fragrance oil and gradually add more as needed. For example, begin with no more than 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of aroma beads. Allow the initial amount to absorb completely before adding additional oil.
• Adjust for Scent Strength: Remember that you don't necessarily need to use the maximum amount of fragrance oil. A 5% to 15% fragrance load can often be strong enough, and it will save you fragrance oil.
• Avoid Sticky Beads: Adding too much fragrance oil can cause the aroma beads to become sticky over time. This can eventually clog the porous material of the beads, affecting their performance.

By following these tips, you can easily fix your aroma beads if you've added too much fragrance oil. Remember to work gradually, add more unscented beads if needed, and always store your beads properly to ensure their longevity.

How to add colour to aroma beads

To add colour to your aroma beads, you can use mica powder, liquid candle dye, or Peak's Concentrated Liquid Dyes.

If you're using mica powder, start with 4-6 micro scoops per pound and increase the amount for a more intense colour. The mica powder will mix with the fragrance oil, helping it adhere to the beads. You can also add glitter for an extra shiny effect.

If you're using liquid candle dye, add 2-3 drops to your fragrance oil and stir them together. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired colour.

• Gather your supplies: aroma beads, fragrance oil, liquid candle dye or mica powder, a glass jar or HDPE plastic container, and a mixing utensil.
• If using mica powder, add it to the fragrance oil and stir until well combined.
• If using liquid candle dye, add 2-3 drops to your fragrance oil and stir them together.
• Add the desired amount of coloured fragrance oil to your aroma beads in the jar or container.
• Secure the lid on the jar or container and shake vigorously for a full minute or two.
• Check the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure that the colour and fragrance are evenly distributed. If there is pooling at the bottom, shake again.
• Allow the beads to dry. The drying time will vary depending on the colour and fragrance used.
• Once the beads are dry, they are ready to be used in sachet bags or air fresheners.

Frequently asked questions