Seamus Hammond
Creating your own scented candles is a fun and simple DIY project that can make wonderful gifts, or even become a home business. However, when making soy candles, it is important to avoid using perfume or cologne as they contain flammable ingredients like alcohol and dipropylene glycol. Instead, fragrance oils or candle-approved essential oils should be used to scent candles. The fragrance load, or percentage of fragrance, should be between 6% and 10% to ensure a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Soy wax |
| Type of fragrance | Fragrance oils, essential oils |
| Type of perfume | Not recommended |
| Fragrance load | 6-10% |
| Flashpoint | Above 175ºF |
| Pouring temperature | 175ºF-185ºF |
| Container material | Glass, ceramic, metal |
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What You'll Learn
Why you shouldn't use perfume in soy candles
Perfumes are not meant to be burned like fragrance oils and can be dangerous if used in candles. Here are several reasons why you shouldn't use perfume in soy candles:
Flammable ingredients
Perfumes contain flammable ingredients like alcohol and dipropylene glycol, which can be dangerous when burned. These ingredients have a low flashpoint, or the temperature at which they become combustible, increasing the risk of fire. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are designed for use in candles and have higher flashpoints, making them safer to burn.
Weak scent throw
Perfumes are not designed to provide a strong scent throw when burned. Fragrance oils, however, are specifically created to deliver an optimal scent release when heated. They are added to the wax at a specific temperature range (175-185°F for soy wax) to ensure the oil binds to the wax, resulting in a stronger scent throw.
Clogged wicks
Using perfume in candles can lead to clogged wicks, causing the candle to have a weak scent throw. This is because perfumes are not designed to be mixed with wax and can hinder the proper burning of the wick. Fragrance oils, when used in the correct percentage (6-10% for soy wax), do not clog wicks and provide a pleasant scent.
Difficulty in measuring
When making scented candles, it is crucial to measure the amount of fragrance added accurately. With perfumes, it can be challenging to determine the correct percentage to use, as they are not designed for candle-making. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, provide clear usage guidelines, making it easier to measure and ensure an optimal scent experience.
Environmental considerations
Soy wax is often preferred by candle makers due to its natural and environmentally friendly qualities. However, using perfume in soy candles can defeat the purpose of creating a natural product. Fragrance oils can be carefully selected to ensure they are free of harmful chemicals, maintaining the eco-friendly nature of soy candles.
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How to add fragrance to soy candles
While making soy candles, you should avoid using perfume or cologne as they contain flammable ingredients like alcohol and dipropylene glycol. Instead, you can use fragrance oils or candle-approved essential oils.
Step 1: Choose the Right Fragrance Oil
Not all fragrance oils are suitable for candle-making. Some are formulated for use in soapy products like shampoo, poured soap, and body wash. Therefore, before purchasing, check the product description to ensure it is suitable for candle-making. You can also contact the supplier or manufacturer to confirm compatibility with candle wax.
Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area
Candle-making requires a flat surface, such as a counter or tabletop, that can be used for several hours while the candles set and cool. Gather all the materials you need, including your soy wax, fragrance oil, a heat source (such as a double boiler), a thermometer, a pouring pitcher, a scale, a wick, and a wick sticker.
Step 3: Measure Your Wax and Fragrance Oil
Determine how much wax your candle vessel can hold and measure out the desired amount of wax using grams or milliliters. Stick to one unit of measurement to ensure accuracy. Place the wax in your pouring pitcher and weigh it on a digital scale. "Tare" or "zero out" the scale to subtract the weight of the pitcher.
Step 4: Melt the Wax
Create a double boiler by placing a heat-proof container (such as a saucepan) filled with water on a hot plate or stove at medium-high heat. Place the pouring pitcher with the wax in the double boiler. Allow the wax to melt completely. The ideal melting temperature for soy wax is 185°F (85°C).
Step 5: Prepare Your Container
While the wax is melting, prepare your candle container by wiping it with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. This step ensures that your container is ready for wicking.
Step 6: Add the Fragrance Oil
Once your wax has reached the desired temperature of 185°F (85°C), it's time to add the fragrance oil. Generally, a 6% fragrance load is recommended, which translates to 1 oz (28 g) of fragrance oil for 1 lb (16 oz or 454 g) of wax. However, you can adjust this percentage based on your preference and the specific fragrance oil you are using. Remember to mix the fragrance oil thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
Step 7: Stir and Cool the Mixture
Gently stir the mixture for 1-2 minutes to ensure that the fragrance oil is fully incorporated with the wax. Then, remove the pitcher from the heat source and allow the mixture to cool. The ideal pouring temperature for soy wax is around 135°F (57.2°C).
Step 8: Pour the Wax into the Container
Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared candle container, filling it to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the top.
Step 9: Centre the Wick
Place a wick sticker at the bottom of your container, and then insert the wick, centering it in the middle of the container.
Step 10: Allow the Candle to Cool
Let the candle cool completely. This may take several hours.
Step 11: Trim the Wick and Add a Warning Label
Once the candle has cooled, trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6 mm). Add a warning label to the bottom of the candle, and your scented soy candle is now ready!
Additional Tips:
- Fragrance load refers to the percentage of fragrance you add to your wax. It is recommended to use a fragrance load of 6-8% for optimal scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the oil.
- Some fragrances may cause your wax to set lumpy or "curdle." If this happens, reduce the scent percentage and experiment with different pour temperatures until you find the right balance.
- Avoid adding too much fragrance oil as it can cause "sweating," where excess oil beads up on the surface of the candle.
- Soy candles should cure for at least one week before burning to achieve a strong hot throw.
- Always use a fragrance oil specifically formulated for candle-making, as essential oils may not mix properly with the wax and can even be flammable.
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Recommended fragrance load for soy candles
The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil mixed into the candle wax, expressed as a percentage. The recommended fragrance load varies depending on the type of wax and fragrance used. For example, the recommended fragrance load for All Seasons Wax is 6-8%, while Luxury Candle Supplies fragrance oils suggest a usage of 6-8% due to the high quality and concentration of their oils.
When determining the fragrance load, it is important to consider the density of the oil. Oils with a stronger scent, such as those containing vanilla, can be used at a lower percentage, while oils with a lighter density, such as citrus or herbal oils, may require a higher percentage to achieve the desired scent throw. It is also important to ensure that the fragrance oil is specifically designed for candle making, as perfumes and colognes contain flammable ingredients.
The ratio of fragrance oil used can significantly impact the success of a soy candle. A common rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of fragrance oil per 1 lb of wax, which equates to a 6.25% fragrance load. However, some sources recommend a higher fragrance load of 7% or even 10% to achieve a stronger scent. It is worth noting that going over 7% fragrance load may result in more wicking issues.
Additionally, the pour temperature and cure time can affect the fragrance load. Soy wax has a higher melting point than other waxes, and allowing the candle to cure for several days before burning can help the fragrance molecules fully bind with the wax. Experimenting with different percentages and temperatures is crucial to finding the optimal fragrance load for a particular fragrance.
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How to choose the right wick for soy candles
When making soy candles, it's important to choose the right wick to ensure optimal burning. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a wick for your soy candles:
Type of Wick
There are various types of wicks available, and some are more suitable for soy candles than others. Coreless cotton wicks braided with paper filaments, such as the ECO series, are a popular choice for soy candles. These wicks provide increased rigidity, improved combustion, and reduced mushrooming, soot, and smoke. HTP wicks, which are also coreless cotton flat braids with paper filaments, can be used with soy wax as well. They offer similar benefits, including reduced carbon buildup. CD wicks, which are cotton flat braids with paper filaments, are another versatile option that works well with soy wax.
Wood wicks are also an option for soy candles, providing a unique crackling sound. However, they require pairing with a traditional cotton wick for stability. Tube wicks are a newer type of wooden wick that combines the steady burn of a cotton wick with the crackling sound of a wooden wick.
Wick Size
The size of the wick is crucial for achieving a proper melt pool and optimal burning. In general, soy waxes require larger wicks compared to "single pour" paraffin waxes. It is recommended to refer to wick sizing charts or guides to determine the appropriate wick size for your specific container and wax type. Upsizing your wick by one or two sizes may be necessary to achieve the desired melt pool.
Fragrance Load
The amount of fragrance oil added to your soy candle will impact the performance of the wick. A higher fragrance load can affect the burn and may require adjustments to the wick size. Therefore, it's important to consider the fragrance load when choosing a wick to ensure compatibility and optimal burning.
Testing
Testing different wicks is crucial to finding the right one for your soy candles. Experiment with different wick types and sizes to see which ones burn well with your specific soy wax and fragrance load. By testing, you can ensure that your candles have a proper melt pool and burn efficiently without excessive soot or smoke.
In summary, choosing the right wick for soy candles involves selecting the appropriate type, size, and compatibility with your fragrance load. By considering these factors and conducting thorough testing, you can create soy candles that burn cleanly and efficiently, providing a pleasant experience for your customers.
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How to prevent your soy candles from sweating
While making soy candles, it is important to remember that fragrance load, or the percentage of fragrance you mix into your jar with candle wax, can make or break your candle. The general rule of thumb is to use a fragrance load of 6-8% with a maximum of 10-12%. However, some candle makers suggest that a fragrance load of 10% or more is considered high for soy wax candles.
Soy wax is sensitive to extreme temperature changes, which can cause sweating. Sweating is when you see little beads of oily residue on the top surface of a candle. This happens when natural oils separate from the wax due to temperature changes, or when candles get too warm. To avoid this, keep your candles away from drafts, direct sunlight, and rooms with varying temperatures.
If your candle is sweating due to temperature changes, you can simply wipe the excess oil off with a tissue or paper towel. If you suspect your candle is sweating due to incorrectly added fragrance oil, do not burn the candle as this can be a serious fire risk. Instead, you can try to lower the fragrance load, especially in the summer, and test burn to see if there is a difference.
When adding fragrance oils, it is important to use oils specifically made for candle-making, as perfume or cologne contain flammable ingredients. You can also use candle-approved essential oils, but be sure to check the recommended usage percentage and start with low percentages. Additionally, some fragrances may cause your wax to set lumpy or curdle, so it is important to experiment with different pour temperatures and fragrance percentages to find the right balance.
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Frequently asked questions
No, perfume is not meant to be burned like fragrance oils. Perfume contains flammable ingredients like alcohol and dipropylene glycol.
You can use fragrance oils or candle-approved essential oils.
The recommended fragrance load for soy candles is between 6% and 10%. However, this may vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance used, so testing is key.
