The Perfect Scent: Keeping Fragrance Candles Fresh

Lids on candles are used to keep dust and debris out, as well as to preserve the lifespan of scented candles by preventing the fragrance from escaping. They can also be used to put out the candle, although this is not recommended. In terms of curing, the process where candles develop their full aromatic potential, lids can be used to minimise exposure to environmental variables such as light and air, which can degrade the fragrance oils' integrity over time. However, curing with lids off is often better for promoting air circulation around the candles.

Why you should smell the lid, not the candle

The lid of a candle is important for preserving the fragrance of the candle. When scented candles are left uncovered, they lose their fragrance over time, even when they are not burning. The candle's fragrance fills the room it is in, which is called the cold throw of the candle. The cold throw, as well as the hot throw, use up the fragrance in the candle. Therefore, the candle's lid should be put on immediately after blowing it out to retain its fragrance and expand its lifespan.

Candles with lids are also useful for keeping the candle clean and preventing the fragrance from being lost while the candle is unlit. The lid can also be used to put out the candle flame, as long as the lid is not flammable.

So, when you are choosing a candle, you should smell the lid, not the candle. This is because the lid will give you a better indication of the candle's fragrance, as the candle may have lost some of its fragrance due to being left uncovered. Additionally, smelling the lid will help you avoid the unwanted smell of smoke that can come from blowing out the candle.

The practical uses of a candle lid

Candle lids are an essential tool for anyone who wants to get the most out of their scented candles. One of the most important uses of candle lids is to preserve the fragrance of the candle. When scented candles are left uncovered, they slowly lose their scent, even when they are not burning. By covering the candle with its lid, you can prevent the fragrance from escaping and extend the lifespan of the candle.

Candle lids are also useful for keeping your candle clean. They prevent dust and other particles from settling on the wax, ensuring that your candle always looks and smells its best.

Additionally, candle lids can be used to put out the candle flame safely. Simply place the lid over the candle to suffocate the flame. This method is much safer than blowing out the candle, which can cause hot wax to splatter. Just make sure that the lid itself is not flammable.

Finally, candle lids can enhance the ambiance created by your candle. The warm glow of the flame illuminating the glass lid can create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere in any room.

How to put out a candle with a lid

It is possible to put out a candle with its lid, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, don't use a lid with a rubber seal, as it can melt with the heat. Wooden or decorative lids are also prone to heat damage. Trapped smoke may darken the walls of the jar, and the wax inside the jar can become discoloured with residual soot.

To get the best sense of a candle's scent, you should smell the lid, not the candle itself. This is because fragrance molecules, when trapped in a closed container, rise to the top of the packaging and accumulate over time.

Candles without lids should have some sort of protective paper or plastic liner on their tops. Treat this as you would a lid and gently pull it up or off to get a sense of the candle's true "headspace". If the candle is in a box, try to find a sample so you can smell the lid or liner.

The safety and care of candle lids

Candle lids are used to preserve the fragrance of the candle and prevent it from being exposed to the open air. They can also be used to put out the candle flame, as long as the lid itself is not flammable. To care for your candle, it is important to remove all packaging before lighting, as this can pose a fire risk. It is also important to keep the candle away from drafts, ceiling fans, high-traffic areas, and vents, as this can cause uneven burning and produce black soot.

Candle lids should be put on the candle immediately after it is blown out to retain the fragrance. However, it is important to wait until the candle cools down fully before replacing the lid. This will help to extend the life of the candle and ensure safety.

It is also important to note that candles should not be left unattended, and they should be kept away from children and pets. Additionally, one should not lean too close or hover over a burning candle, especially if hairspray, cologne, or perfume has been used.

The effect of a candle lid on the fragrance of essential oils

When it comes to candles, the lid is an important part of the whole package. It has cosmetic uses, but it can also be practical. Candle lids act as armour, locking in the fragrance of essential oils. This is because fragrance molecules, when trapped in a closed container, rise to the top of the packaging and accumulate over time. So, if you want to get the best sense of a candle's scent, you should smell the lid, not the candle itself.

Candle lids can also be used to suffocate the flame, preserving the candle's fragrance and shelf life. However, it's important to note that not all lids are suitable for this purpose. Lids with rubber seals, for example, can melt in the heat, and wooden or decorative lids may be damaged.

For candles without lids, there is usually some sort of protective paper or plastic liner on the top. This can be treated as a lid and gently pulled up or off to get a sense of the candle's true "headspace". If the candle is in a box, try to find a sample so you can smell the liner.

Overall, candle lids play an important role in preserving and enhancing the fragrance of essential oils. By understanding how fragrance molecules behave in a closed container, we can make the most of our scented candles and enjoy their pleasant aromas for longer.

Frequently asked questions