Aroma Beads: Do They Multiply Or Grow In Number?

Aroma beads, also known as kisses, are believed to multiply. A first-grader recalls their sister incubating a couple of kisses in a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. She blamed the narrator for throwing them away when they didn't multiply.

How to add fragrance to aroma beads

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, sometimes referred to as poly ethyl vinyl acetate (PEVA). They can be scented, coloured, and made into air fresheners.

• Using a clean glass jar or HDPE plastic container, add your fragrance oil and beads. The amount of fragrance oil you add will depend on your desired preference. However, it is recommended to start with 2 oz of fragrance oil for every 8 oz of premium unscented aroma beads.
• Secure the lid of the jar and shake it to distribute the fragrance evenly.
• Check the jar every 30 minutes to ensure that the fragrance is not pooling at the bottom of the jar. If pooling occurs, shake the jar again.
• Allow the fragrance to soak into the beads. The absorption time can vary depending on the fragrance used, ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks.
• Once the beads are dry and no longer stick to the sides of the jar, they are ready to be used for projects.

It is important to note that the beads can hold a maximum of 20-30% fragrance oil, and adding too much oil at once can hinder absorption. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually increase the amount of fragrance oil until you reach your desired scent level.

How to add colour to aroma beads

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets that can be coloured, scented, and made into air fresheners. They are made of virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, which has a slightly rubbery yet firm feel. This type of plastic can absorb colours and scents and melt into different shapes.

To add colour to your aroma beads, you can use mica powder or liquid candle dye. Here are the steps to achieve this:

Using Mica Powder:

• Choose your desired colour of mica powder. There are over 80 shades available, so you can pick one that suits your preference.
• Add the mica powder to your aroma beads in a sealed container or bag.
• Shake the container or bag to distribute the powder evenly among the beads.
• If you want to add fragrance to your coloured beads, simply add fragrance oil to the container and shake again. The mica powder will mix with the oil and help it adhere to the beads.
• You can now use the coloured beads in whichever mould you prefer and bake them as usual.

Using Liquid Candle Dye:

• Add the desired amount of liquid candle dye to your container of aroma beads. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired colour intensity.
• Stir the dye and fragrance oil (if using) together with the aroma beads.
• Secure the container and shake it until the colour dye and fragrance are evenly distributed throughout.
• Check the container every 30 minutes to ensure that the dye and fragrance are not pooling at the bottom. If they are, simply shake the container again.
• Allow the fragrance to absorb into the beads. This may take anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on the type of fragrance used.
• Once the beads are dry, you can add them to sachet bags or use them to create air fresheners.

Please note that the amount of mica powder or liquid candle dye you use will depend on the intensity of colour you want. Adding too much mica powder can make it difficult for the fragrance to absorb and for the beads to melt together.

How to store aroma beads

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets that can be scented, coloured, and made into air fresheners. They are made of virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, which has a slightly rubbery yet firm feel. They can be melted into different shapes and are ideal for absorbing colours and scents.

Use an airtight glass jar

Store unused scented beads in an airtight glass jar. Plastic bags are not airtight, so they are not suitable for long-term storage.

Store in a cool, dark location

Keep the airtight glass jar in a cool, dark location, away from direct sunlight or extreme heat. This will help prolong the life of the aroma beads and maintain their scent.

Use mylar bags for car freshies

If you are storing car freshies, use mylar bags to prolong their life. Mylar bags provide a protective barrier against moisture and air, helping to maintain the scent and freshness of the aroma beads.

Add fragrance oil sparingly

When adding fragrance oil to aroma beads, it is recommended to add a small amount at a time. The beads can hold a maximum of 20% to 30% fragrance oil, but adding too much at once can make it difficult for the beads to absorb the oil effectively. Start with a lower fragrance load and gradually increase until you achieve your desired scent strength.

Use a digital scale for consistency

When mixing fragrance oils with aroma beads, use a digital scale to ensure consistency in the fragrance load. This will help you create a uniform scent across your aroma beads, making them more effective and enjoyable.

Regularly check for pooling

When mixing fragrance oil and colour dye with aroma beads, check the jar every 30 minutes to ensure that the fragrance and dye are not pooling at the bottom. If pooling occurs, shake the jar to redistribute the oil and dye evenly throughout the beads.

By following these storage tips, you can effectively preserve the scent, quality, and longevity of your aroma beads.

How to revive aroma beads that have lost their scent

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, sometimes referred to as poly ethyl vinyl acetate (PEVA). They can be scented, coloured, and made into air fresheners. They have a maximum fragrance capacity of 20-30% and can be melted into various shapes.

If your aroma beads have lost their scent, here are some ways to revive them:

Spritz with Fragrance Oil

You can spritz a small amount of fragrance oil onto your aroma beads to revive the scent. Although the oil won't absorb in the same way as it would with unmelted beads, it will keep them smelling fresh.

Store Properly

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the scent of your aroma beads. Keep them in an airtight glass jar or mylar bags in a cool, dark location. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can cause the scent to fade.

Avoid Over-Scenting

While adding more fragrance oil can enhance the scent of your aroma beads, be careful not to add too much. If the beads are completely saturated or swimming in oil, they may have difficulty absorbing the fragrance. Gradually add fragrance and allow the beads to dry before adding more.

Mix and Match

If you have multiple sets of aroma beads that have lost their scent, try mixing them together in a larger container. This may help revive the scent by creating a new, stronger fragrance combination.

Apply to Pulse Points

When using your aroma beads, apply them to your pulse points, such as your neck, wrists, and behind your ears. These areas are generally warmer and will help activate the aromatic notes, making the scent more noticeable.

Safety precautions when using aroma beads

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, which can be melted and shaped into air fresheners. They are safe to use, but there are some safety precautions to be aware of:

• Aroma beads should not be heated above 350 degrees Fahrenheit, as they may burn and emit smoke.
• Do not expose the beads to direct flames.
• Do not use the beads with a potpourri burner or wax tart warmer.
• Spilled beads may pose a slipping hazard, so carefully sweep them up immediately.
• Keep beads out of reach of children and pets. Due to their small size, they pose a choking hazard.
• Once a fragrance has been added, aroma beads must not be used for any projects that will come into contact with food.
• Tools and accessories used for mixing or melting beads should not be used for food preparation or allowed to come into contact with food.
• If using aroma beads for projects that will come into contact with skin, be sure to use skin-safe fragrances. Refer to the IFRA statement for each fragrance to learn if it is skin-safe.

It is also important to note that the oven should be left to air out after use if any fragrance remains.

Frequently asked questions