Lance Carson
A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or catalytic lamp, is a lamp that disperses scented alcohol using a catalytic combustion wick. The catalytic combustion wick was developed and patented by Maurice Berger, a French pharmaceutical dispenser, in 1898 as a means of purifying the air in hospitals and mortuaries. The fragrance lamp's process is initiated by igniting the stone burner at the mouth of the lamp. After two minutes, the flame is blown out, and the heated burner remains active as the flameless catalytic combustion process diffuses the combusted alcohol and aromatics throughout the room. The fragrance lamp fuel can be made at home with any desired fragrance.
How to make fragrance lamp fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Alcohol, fragrance oil, distilled water |
| Type of Alcohol | Isopropyl alcohol, 90% strength or higher |
| Type of Fragrance Oil | Synthetic candle fragrance oil, essential oils, perfume oils |
| Tools | 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, small metal funnel, plastic bowl with a lid |
| Process | Mix alcohol and fragrance oil, test burn using a wick and stone assembly, adjust fragrance oil as needed, fill lamp half full with mixture, light wick for 4-6 minutes, blow out wick and place effusion cap |
| Safety | Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid open flames or other ignition sources, keep away from children and animals, do not place on wood or finished surfaces, avoid flammable materials |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right alcohol
The type of alcohol you use for your fragrance lamp fuel is important. Firstly, it is essential to use a high-percentage isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, as lower-percentage alcohol will not burn. Aim for 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol, which can be found in drugstores. If you are using 99.9% alcohol wick cleaner, you can skip the testing phase as this is almost entirely alcohol.
It is also important to note that the alcohol you use will be flammable. Therefore, you should work in a well-ventilated area and keep away from open flames, cigarettes, or any other ignition sources. Additionally, do not place your lamp on a wood or finished surface, as the alcohol will damage the finish if spilled. Instead, use a glass or stoneware plate to place your lamp on.
When making your fuel, you can use a plastic bowl with a lid to measure and mix your liquid ingredients. If you are using a 16 oz bottle of 91% alcohol, add 1/4 teaspoon of synthetic candle fragrance oil. If you are using a lower percentage of alcohol, you may need to add more oil. Label your bottle with the fragrance name and the amount of oil added.
Once you have made your fuel, test it using a new wick and stone or wick and burner assembly. Do not use an oil lamp or lantern. If you are happy with the scent, you are done. If not, you can add more fragrance oil, up to a maximum of 3/4 teaspoon of oil per 16 oz of alcohol.
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Selecting the fragrance
When selecting a fragrance oil, it is recommended to use synthetic candle fragrance oils rather than soy-based fragrances, as these tend to smoke more and clog the wick and stone of the lamp. You can find fragrance oils in various sizes, with 2 oz bottles being a convenient option for those new to making their own fragrance lamp fuel.
The amount of fragrance oil added to the alcohol will depend on the desired strength of the scent. A good starting point is to add 1/4 teaspoon of fragrance oil to 16 oz of alcohol. If a stronger scent is preferred, more fragrance oil can be added in small increments, up to a maximum of 3/4 teaspoon per 16 oz of alcohol. However, it is important to note that not all scents will be strong, no matter how much oil is added.
It is also possible to create fragrance lamp fuel using scented alcohol. In this case, the alcohol itself is fragranced, and additional aromatics or essential oils may be added to enhance the scent. This method may be suitable for those who prefer a milder fragrance or want to create a custom scent by mixing different types of alcohol.
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Mixing the fuel
Mixing your own fragrance lamp fuel is a great way to save money and experiment with different scents. However, it is important to remember that fragrance lamp fuels are flammable, so always take the necessary precautions when making your own fuel. Work in a well-ventilated area, and keep the alcohol away from any sources of ignition, such as open flames, lit candles, or cigarettes.
To get started, you will need to gather your supplies: a small amount of synthetic candle fragrance oil (in the scent of your choice), strong rubbing alcohol (90% isopropyl alcohol or higher), a 16 oz bottle, a measuring spoon (preferably metal), and a small metal funnel (optional).
Once you have your supplies, you can begin mixing your fuel. Start by adding 1/4 teaspoon of synthetic candle fragrance oil to your 16 oz bottle of alcohol. If you want a stronger scent, you can add up to 3/4 teaspoon of oil per 16 oz of alcohol, but it's important not to add too much oil as this can clog your wick over time.
After adding the fragrance oil, be sure to label the bottle with the fragrance name and the amount of oil added. This will help you keep track of your favourite scent combinations and avoid making the same mistakes twice.
Now, you're ready to test your fuel. Using a new wick and stone or wick and burner assembly, assemble your lamp following the instructions provided with your lamp. Do not use an oil lamp or lantern. Light the wick and let it burn for 4-6 minutes, then blow it out and place the effusion cap over the wick. Your lamp will continue to diffuse the fragrance for up to 16 hours.
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Testing the fuel
Testing your fragrance lamp fuel is a process that requires time and patience. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the testing process:
Prepare the Testing Environment
Before you begin, ensure your testing environment is well-ventilated and free from any flammable materials. Fragrance lamp fuels and the alcohol used to make them are flammable, so take the necessary precautions. Place the lamp on a stable, flat, and level surface, preferably made of glass or stoneware. Avoid placing it directly on wood or finished surfaces as the alcohol can damage the finish if spilled.
Testing the Scent Strength
Start by adding 1/4 teaspoon of synthetic candle fragrance oil to 16 ounces of 91% alcohol in a labelled bottle. You can experiment with different fragrance oils, but synthetic fragrances are recommended to avoid excessive smoking and wick clogging.
Test Burn
Using a new wick and stone or wick and burner assembly, fill your lamp halfway with the alcohol mixture. Do not fill it more than halfway to allow for proper air circulation and to maintain a safe distance between the fuel and the hot wick. Light the wick and let it burn for 4-6 minutes before blowing it out.
Evaluate the Results
If the lamp stays lit but the scent is not strong enough for your preference, adjust the fragrance oil concentration. You can increase the amount of fragrance oil incrementally by adding another 1/4 teaspoon, up to a maximum of 3/4 teaspoon per 16 ounces of alcohol.
Repeat the Test Burn
After adjusting the fragrance oil concentration, repeat the test burn with the new fuel mixture. This iterative process will help you find the right balance of fragrance oil to alcohol ratio that suits your desired scent strength.
Remember to keep good notes on your testing process, including the type and amount of fragrance oil used, and the corresponding scent strength. This will help you replicate successful mixtures and avoid past mistakes.
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Using the lamp safely
Always place your fragrance lamp on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials and objects that may be damaged by heat or hot oil. Ensure the lamp is not placed near curtains, books, or other combustible items. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Only use the lamp on a stable, level surface to prevent accidental spills. Avoid using it in areas with strong drafts or high foot traffic to reduce the risk of knocking it over.
When filling the lamp, use extreme caution and avoid overfilling. Always allow the lamp to cool completely before refilling. Never add fuel to a hot or warm lamp as this may cause flare-ups and potential burns.
Always use a snuffer to extinguish the flame. Avoid blowing on the flame as it may cause the oil to splatter, which could result in burns or fire hazards. Never leave the lamp unattended while burning. Ensure the flame is extinguished when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Dispose of used lamp fuel properly. Allow the lamp to cool, then carefully pour the used oil into a container suitable for disposal. Contact your local waste management authority for guidance on safely disposing of the waste oil.
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