How to Make You Candles Smell Stronger | Killer Hot & Cold Throw

Ever wondered why your candle’s scent isn’t as strong as you’d like? There are several reasons, and they can be grouped into three main categories. But first, let’s talk about something important: hot and cold throw.

**What’s Hot or Cold Throw?**

Cold throw is the scent a candle gives off when it’s not lit. It’s the aroma you smell when you first open the candle, and it’s crucial because it gives you an idea of how the candle will smell before lighting it. This is often a deciding factor in whether you’ll buy a candle.

Hot throw, on the other hand, is the scent released when the candle is burning. This is the fragrance that fills the room and is a key reason why you might choose to buy the same candle again.

Now that we know what hot and cold throw are, let’s dive into why your candle’s scent might not meet your expectations and how you can make your candles smell stronger. 

We’ll look at the factors under three main categories: Perception, Process, and Products.

Perception

Expectation Bias: Your past experiences with candles shape how you think a candle should smell. If you have high expectations based on previous candles, you might feel disappointed if a new candle doesn’t match up. To counter this, ask someone else to test the hot throw without giving them any expectations.

Nose Blindness: Over time, your nose can become less sensitive to certain scents. This phenomenon is called olfactory adaptation. If you can’t smell your candle anymore, try taking a break or smelling something different like coffee grinds to reset your senses. Alternatively, ask a friend to test the scent for you.

Stress or Anxiety: High levels of stress can dull your sense of smell. If you’re feeling stressed, it might affect how you perceive the candle’s scent. Take a break, relax, and try again later.

Medication: Some medications can affect your sense of smell. If you’re on medication, consider asking someone else to help test your candles.

Process

Overall Process: Consistency is key. The temperature at which you heat your wax, the temperature at which you add fragrance oil, and the duration of stirring are all important. Make sure you have a specific process and stick to it. Write everything down!

Fragrance Load: Adding more fragrance oil doesn’t always mean a stronger scent. Test different percentages to find the right balance. Sometimes less is more.

Cure Time: Give your candles time to cure, typically around two weeks. This allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax.

Burn Time: Burn your candle for at least four hours to allow the wax to melt evenly and release the full fragrance.

Melt Pool: The melt pool is the layer of melted wax that forms when the candle burns. A good melt pool is essential for a strong hot throw. If your candle tunnels (burns down the middle leaving wax on the sides), it won’t have a good melt pool.

Jar Size & Type: The size and material of the jar can affect the scent. Smaller candles or those in jars with high porosity (like concrete) might not have as strong a hot throw as larger candles in glass jars.

Room Size: A larger room will disperse the scent more, making it seem weaker. Test your candles in a consistent, medium-sized room for the best results.

External Odors: Other strong smells, like cooking or cleaning products, can overpower your candle’s scent. Test your candles in a neutral environment.

Products

Wax Type: Different waxes have different abilities to hold and release fragrance. Soy wax has a lower melting point, while paraffin burns hotter. Choose the wax that best suits your needs and preferences.

Wick Type & Size: The right wick is crucial for a good melt pool. Different waxes and candle sizes need different wicks. Make sure you’re using the appropriate wick for your candle.

Fragrance Oil Quality: Not all fragrance oils are created equal. High-quality oils will provide a better scent throw. Be sure to source your oils from reputable suppliers.

By understanding and addressing these factors, you can make your candles smell stronger you greatly enhance your candle’s scent. Happy candle making!

To watch a detailed version of how to make your candles smell stronger, click here.