How to make a candle that will spread its scent far and wide - the complete guide 🕯️

As someone who has been making candles for years, the main question that keeps bothering me over and over again is not whether paraffin wax is as healthy as soy wax, or which is more polluting to the environment, but how to make a candle that will spread its scent far and wide. We all know that anyone can make a candle, but the real question is how to create a candle that fills the room with a powerful, pleasant scent that lasts for a long time. In this guide, I will list the key ingredients that affect the spread of scent in a candle and how you can maximize the potential of each of them.

The first ingredient: the wax

The basis of every candle is, of course, wax. There are many types of wax, and each type affects the diffusion of the scent in a different way. Here is a brief overview of the different types:

• Paraffin wax : This wax is made from petroleum and is considered lightweight. When it melts and becomes liquid, it releases the scent effectively and spreads it over long distances. Its great advantage is its ability to diffuse scent maximally, but it is important to remember that it is less environmentally friendly and some say it is less healthy to use.
• Soy and coconut wax : These natural waxes are heavier than paraffin, which makes them less effective at diffusing the scent. On the other hand, they are natural and more environmentally and health-friendly. One solution I recommend is to combine coconut oil with a soy and coconut wax blend, which helps improve the diffusion of the scent.
• Heating and melting temperature : Each wax has a different melting temperature, and the most important thing is to make sure to heat the wax to the correct temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions. This temperature is critical because at the correct temperature, the wax opens up and allows the scent to absorb optimally. If the wax is not heated to the correct temperature, the scent may concentrate in one spot and not be evenly distributed throughout the candle.

The second ingredient: the wick

Although the wick seems like a small and simple part of a candle, it greatly affects the diffusion of the scent :

• Wick size : A small or weak wick will not heat the wax enough, and the scent will not diffuse properly. On the other hand, a wick that is too strong will cause the wax to burn too quickly and the scent may burn and dissipate too quickly.
• Wick type : There are many types of wicks, and each type works differently with a particular wax. For example, a wick that works well with soy wax may not work as effectively with coconut wax. My recommendation is to try several types of wicks and see what works best for the candle you are making.
• Wick count : Sometimes it’s better to use several small wicks than one large one, especially with wide candles or candles whose wax hardens unevenly. With soy and coconut wax, for example, I like to make sure the top layer of the candle melts evenly when it’s lit, so I prefer to use several wicks with a small burn.

The third component: the tool

The vessel in which the candle is poured affects the diffusion of the scent in many ways:

• Shape and height of the container : A wide, low container will spread the scent differently than a tall, narrow container. I personally prefer wide containers that allow the heat of the wax to spread evenly.
• Material of the container : Metal containers, for example, heat up better and diffuse the scent better than glass containers. Metal containers are also less fragile and are therefore ideal for large candles or candles intended to diffuse a lot of scent.

The fourth ingredient: the smell

The choice of scent and the temperature of addition are critical:

• Type of scent : Essential oils are a popular choice, especially when it comes to natural candles, but keep in mind that essential oils don’t always evaporate well in candles, as they have a relatively high boiling point. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right wax and essential oil.
• Addition temperature : It is important to add the scent at a certain temperature to ensure that it is properly absorbed into the wax molecules and does not concentrate in one place or sink to the bottom of the candle.
• Combining scents : Sometimes, to achieve better diffusion, it is recommended to combine several oils together. Typically, oils are divided into scent notes (high, mid, and low), and the right combination of these notes can significantly improve the diffusion of the scent.

The fifth component: the waiting time before using the candle

The drying time of the candle after preparation greatly affects the longevity of the candle and the dispersion of its scent:

• Paraffin wax dries within two days and is ready to use.
• Soy and coconut waxes require about two weeks of drying time for the candle to fully harden. Lighting the candle too early may result in it burning too quickly and not dispersing the scent sufficiently.

In conclusion

Candles are not just decorative objects, but also products that require understanding and attention to detail. Every ingredient in a candle affects the final result, and if you want to make a candle that spreads its scent far and wide, it's worth investing in learning the basics. For your first time, I recommend learning from the experience of someone who has already done all the research and experimentation, and going to a professional workshop.

Want to learn more?

For details about my candle making workshop for beginners , click here .