Troubleshooting Aroma Beads: Why Won't They Dry?

Aroma beads are small plastic pellets that can be scented and coloured to make air fresheners. They are made from virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, which is slightly rubbery but firm and ideal for melting into shapes. The process of making aroma beads is simple: add the beads, fragrance oil, and mica to a jar, then shake every few hours until the fragrance is absorbed. However, sometimes the beads don't dry as expected. This could be due to several reasons, such as not shaking the jar vigorously enough or in different directions, using a jar that is too small, or adding too much fragrance oil at once. Warmer temperatures and frequent shaking can help speed up the drying process.

You added too much fragrance oil

If your aroma beads are not drying, it could be because you added too much fragrance oil. Aroma beads can hold a maximum of 20% to 30% fragrance oil, but this depends on the fragrance used. However, it is not recommended to add the maximum amount of fragrance all at once. Adding too much oil initially will make it impossible for the beads to absorb the fragrance. Instead, you should work your way up to the maximum fragrance load gradually.

A good way to tell if you have added too much fragrance is if the oil pools at the bottom of the jar after a few minutes. If this happens, you can add more unscented beads to help soak up the excess fragrance. Transfer your beads to a larger container if necessary, and shake the container to mix the beads. The new beads will help absorb the excess oil, allowing your beads to dry.

When adding fragrance to aroma beads, it is recommended to start with no more than 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of beads. Once this initial amount has been fully absorbed, you can add another ounce of fragrance. It is important to let the fragrance absorb completely before adding more.

While aroma beads can hold up to 20% to 30% fragrance, you may find that a lower amount is sufficient to create a strong scent. In many cases, a 5% to 15% fragrance load is strong enough, and it also saves on fragrance oil.

The jar is too small

If your aroma beads are not drying, it could be because the jar is too small. If you fill a jar completely full of beads, they won't be able to move much when you shake the jar. It is important that the beads have enough room to move around within the jar so that they can absorb the fragrance.

To solve this problem, try transferring your beads to a larger container. This will give them the space they need to move around and absorb the fragrance oil. You may also need to add more unscented beads to help soak up the excess fragrance.

As a general rule, choose a jar that will give you at least 1 inch of space between the lid and the top layer of aroma beads. Having 2-3 inches of extra room in the jar is ideal. For reference, 1 pound of aroma beads fits comfortably in most 32 oz jars, but an even larger jar may work better.

In addition to the size of the jar, the shape of the jar can also affect how well the beads absorb the fragrance. Containers with unusual shapes, such as square, oblong, tapered, or oval bottles, may make it harder for the beads to circulate. If you are having trouble getting your beads to absorb the fragrance, try switching to a straight-sided jar with a round shape, such as a mason jar or a recycled pasta sauce jar.

You're not shaking the jar enough

If your aroma beads are not drying, it could be because you're not shaking the jar enough. To fix this, try the following:

Firstly, make sure you're shaking the jar in all directions. Shake the jar up and down and side to side. Try turning the jar on its side and shaking it horizontally by holding the lid and the base in both hands. You can also hold the jar by its base and shake it upside down. Just make sure the lid is secure each time! The idea is to get the beads moving around as much as possible.

Secondly, ensure you're shaking the jar thoroughly each time. Shaking the jar for 30 seconds to a full minute will give you quicker results than just giving it one or two shakes. Place the jar somewhere convenient, like your coffee table or kitchen counter, so you can easily shake it often.

Thirdly, check that your jar is large enough. The beads need room to move around within the jar to absorb the fragrance. We recommend choosing a jar that gives you at least 1 inch of space between the lid and the top layer of aroma beads. An ideal jar will give you 2-3 inches of extra room. As a reference, 1 pound of aroma beads fits comfortably in most 32 oz jars.

Finally, make sure you're shaking the jar regularly. Aroma beads need to be shaken every few hours until the fragrance is absorbed. Warmer temperatures and frequent shaking will help the beads absorb and dry faster.

The jar is an unusual shape

If your aroma beads are not drying, it could be that the jar you are using is an unusual shape. Square, oblong, tapered, and oval-shaped bottles may make it harder for the beads to circulate well. This is because bottles with edges or tapered designs may prevent the beads from moving around freely.

If you are using a jar with an unusual shape, try switching to a straight-sided jar with a round shape, such as a Mason jar or a recycled pasta sauce jar. These jars have been found to work well for making aroma beads.

Additionally, make sure that your jar is large enough. The aroma beads need enough room to move around within the jar in order to absorb the fragrance. It is recommended to choose a jar that will give you at least 1 inch of space between the lid and the top layer of aroma beads, with 2-3 inches of extra room being ideal.

By switching to a uniformly shaped jar and ensuring that it is large enough, you should be able to improve the drying time of your aroma beads.

The room is too cold

If your aroma beads are not drying, it could be because the room is too cold. Keeping your aroma beads in a room with a warmer ambient temperature may help with the absorption process. On the other hand, storing your jar in a very cold location may increase the absorption time. While a warmer ambient temperature can help beads absorb, do not place your container on a direct heat source. Fragrances can actually take longer to absorb if the jar gets too warm. If the jar is in a location where it becomes warm to the touch, consider moving it to a slightly cooler location for better results.

• Shake the jar in all directions.
• Use a jar that is large enough to allow the beads to move around.
• Shake the jar thoroughly each time you shake it.
• Choose a uniformly shaped jar or container.
• Do not add too much fragrance at one time.
• Add more beads to help soak up the fragrance.
• Try using a plastic bag instead of a jar.
• Use mica and other additives sparingly.
• Use high-quality fragrance oils.

Frequently asked questions