Creating Fragrant Aroma Crystals: A Simple Diy Guide

Aroma crystals are a great way to fill your home with your favourite scent. They are easy and inexpensive to make, and can be created using supplies from your local dollar store. Scented crystals can be made using rock salt crystals or Epsom salt crystals, and essential oils or fragrance oils. The crystals are rinsed and dried, before being coated with colouring and fragrance. The coated crystals are then dried again before being placed in a glass dish or candle holder, from which the scent will fill your home.

Prepare your work area

Preparing your work area is an important step in the process of making aroma crystals. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a smooth and safe experience:

Cover your work surface with wax paper or any other protective material. This will create a clean and mess-free workspace, making it easier to manage the crystals and any spills. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from any chemicals and dyes.

Gather all the necessary ingredients and materials within reach. This includes the crystals or salt, fragrance oils or essential oils, food colouring or liquid colourant, measuring tools, mixing containers, and any decorative elements you plan to use. Having everything organised will streamline the process and reduce potential clutter.

Ensure proper ventilation in the work area. Some of the chemicals and fragrances can have strong odours, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated space to avoid any discomfort or health risks. Open windows or set up a fan to maintain a constant flow of fresh air.

If you are using heat sources or open flames during the process, take extra precautions. For example, if you need to melt wax or heat certain ingredients, use heat-resistant containers and keep flammable materials away from the heat source. Always monitor heated elements and never leave them unattended to prevent accidents and fires.

Before beginning, familiarise yourself with the entire process. Read through the instructions for making aroma crystals and prepare any specific tools or ingredients that may be required. This will help you work efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of errors or mishaps.

By following these steps, you will create a safe, organised, and efficient workspace for making aroma crystals. Remember to always prioritise your safety and be cautious when working with chemicals, fragrances, and heat sources.

Rinse the crystals

Rinsing the crystals is an important step in the process of making aroma crystals. This step ensures that any grit or residue is removed from the crystals, resulting in a high-quality final product. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively rinse and prepare your crystals for the next steps in the process:

Preparing the Crystals for Rinsing:

Before you begin rinsing, it is important to have the right tools and setup. You will need a colander, preferably one with a fine mesh or small holes to ensure the crystals don't fall through. Cover your work surface with wax paper or a similar material to protect it and make cleanup easier.

Rinsing the Crystals:

Hold the colander under running cool water and gently pour the crystals into it. Use your hand or a utensil to gently agitate the crystals in the colander, ensuring that all surfaces are rinsed. If there is a significant amount of residue, you may need to change the water and rinse them a second time. The goal is to have clear, grit-free crystals that resemble ice or glass.

Drying the Crystals:

After rinsing, pour the crystals out of the colander onto a clean towel or paper towels. Spread them out to form a thin layer, allowing them to air-dry completely. You may also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process, but be cautious not to melt any plastic components in the crystals. Ensure the crystals are completely dry before proceeding to the next step, as moisture can affect the adhesion of colourants and fragrances.

Additional Tips:

• If you prefer clear crystals without any added colour, skip the step of adding liquid colourant.
• If you intend to add essential oils or fragrance oils, ensure the crystals are completely dry to ensure optimal absorption of the oils.
• Always wear gloves when handling the crystals to avoid transferring natural oils from your skin onto the crystal surfaces.

By following these steps, you will have clean and clear aroma crystals that are ready for the next steps in the process, whether that be adding colour, fragrance, or displaying them as decorative and fragrant elements in your home.

Add colouring

Adding colour to your aroma crystals is an optional step, but it can make your creation more visually appealing. There are several ways to add colour to your crystals, and the method you choose will depend on the materials you have available and the desired colour intensity. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding colour to your aroma crystals:

Choosing a Colourant

The first step is to select a suitable colourant. You can use various substances to add colour to your crystals, such as food colouring, liquid food dye, gel food dye, or even acrylic paint. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, food colouring is easily accessible and affordable, but it may not produce a deep colour without using a significant amount. On the other hand, gel food dye can be more expensive and challenging to dissolve, but it may give your crystals an ombre effect. Acrylic paint is colourfast and cost-effective but may make your crystals appear cloudy or opaque.

Preparing the Colourant

Once you have chosen your colourant, you need to prepare it for mixing with the crystals. If using food colouring or liquid food dye, simply add a few drops to a zipper bag or a container. For gel food dye, you may need to mix it with a small amount of water to help it dissolve before adding it to the crystals. If using acrylic paint, ensure you select a colour that is highly concentrated to achieve a more vibrant hue.

Mixing the Colourant with the Crystals

Now, it's time to combine the colourant with the crystals. If using a zipper bag, add the dry crystals to the bag and mix them gently until they are evenly coated with the colour. If you are using a container, add the crystals and gently stir them with a spoon or spatula until the colour is evenly distributed. It is important to wear gloves during this step to avoid staining your skin.

Drying the Coloured Crystals

After the crystals have been coloured, they need to be dried. Spread them out on a paper bag, foil, paper towel, or parchment paper. Allow the crystals to air dry for at least an hour or until they are completely dry. Ensure that the crystals are fully dried before placing them in a glass dish or candle holder, as moisture can affect the fragrance and durability of the crystals.

Tips for Achieving Desired Colours

If you are aiming for a specific colour, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of salt crystals used can impact the final colour. For example, rock salt crystals tend to result in clearer, more transparent crystals, while sea salt crystals may have a cloudier appearance. Additionally, when using essential oils or fragrance oils, consider the colour of the oil, as it can influence the final hue of the crystals. Finally, when mixing colours, always start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve the desired shade.

Add fragrance

Adding fragrance to your aroma crystals is a simple process. Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of fragrance you wish to use. Essential oils are a popular choice, with options such as citrus, lavender, peppermint, frankincense, or myrrh. You can also use fragrance oils, which are often more affordable and suitable for those not seeking therapeutic benefits.

The amount of fragrance you add will depend on the desired strength of the scent. A good starting point is to use two droppers of fragrance oil for every cup of dry crystals. If making scent-boost crystals for laundry, a higher ratio of oil to crystals is recommended, such as two tablespoons of essential oil to three cups of Epsom salt.

To add the fragrance, begin by pouring your chosen oil over the dry crystals. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed. You can do this by hand in a zipper bag or a glass jar, or with a spoon in a bowl.

Once the crystals are coated, you can drain any excess liquid and lay the crystals out to dry. Paper bags, foil, paper towels, or parchment paper are all suitable options for this step. Allow the crystals to air dry completely before placing them in a glass dish, candle holder, or decorative bowl, and enjoy your chosen fragrance.

Allow to dry

Allowing your aroma crystals to dry is a crucial step in the crystal-making process. This stage ensures that the fragrance and colouring adhere to the crystals and that they are ready for use or gifting. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly dry your aroma crystals:

Firstly, spread out your crystals on a suitable surface to dry. You can use wax paper, a paper bag, foil, paper towels, parchment paper, or even a towel. Thick cardboard or newspaper is also a good option, as any excess oil or dye will be absorbed, preventing potential stains on other surfaces.

If you have used a colander to rinse your crystals, you can simply pour them out onto your chosen drying surface. It is important to ensure that the crystals are spread out evenly and in a single layer to facilitate even drying.

The drying time will vary depending on the method you have used to create your crystals and the ingredients you have used. For instance, if you have used a spray bottle to apply the fragrance and colouring, your crystals may need less time to dry compared to if you had submerged them in a mixture. Typically, crystals will need at least 30 minutes to an hour to dry. However, it is recommended that you allow them to dry for at least 24 hours to ensure that they are completely dry and that the fragrance and colour are fully absorbed.

During the drying process, it is important to keep the crystals away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this could affect the integrity of the fragrance and colouring. Additionally, ensure that they are kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Once the crystals are completely dry to the touch, you can transfer them to a decorative bowl or glass jar for display or storage. If you plan to gift them, you can also use fancy glassware or add a personalised gift tag.

Frequently asked questions