Top 6 Ways to Boost the Fragrance in Your Candles

James Myers
Top 6 Ways to Boost the Fragrance in Your Candles

If you've ever asked, "Why can’t I smell my candle?" — you're not alone. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just getting started with DIY candles, struggling with weak scent throw can be frustrating. A beautifully crafted candle is only as good as the fragrance it delivers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 6 ways to boost the fragrance in your candles so they smell just as strong when burning as they do in the bottle.

Whether you're crafting a signature home scent or recreating luxurious vibes like Mahogany Teakwood or The One Hotel, this blog will give you the tools to get it right.

For premium fragrance oils for candles, visit VINEVIDA's Candle Fragrance Oils Collection.

1. Use High-Quality Candle Fragrance Oils

The quality of your candle fragrance oil makes a massive difference in scent throw. Low-quality or diluted oils may smell good in the bottle but fade quickly when burned. To ensure rich, lasting aroma, always choose high-performance fragrance oils specifically designed for candle making.

At VINEVIDA, our oils are crafted to deliver exceptional hot throw (scent when burning) and cold throw (scent when unlit). Whether you're recreating iconic fragrances or formulating something custom, starting with a well-formulated oil is essential.

Try these bestsellers:

Pro Tip: Avoid using essential oils that aren’t specifically formulated for candles—they often lack the strength and stability required for safe, effective burning.

For a wide variety of high-quality fragrance oils for candles, view VINEVIDA's full collection.

2. Add the Fragrance at the Right Temperature

Even the best fragrance oils for candles can underperform if added at the wrong wax temperature.

Here’s why this matters:

    • If the wax is too hot, the fragrance compounds can burn off before your candle even sets.
    • If the wax is too cool, the oil may not bind properly with the wax, leading to poor scent throw.

General Guidelines by Wax Type:

    • Soy Wax: Add fragrance at 170°F–180°F
    • Paraffin Wax: Add at 180°F–185°F
    • Coconut or Blends: Follow manufacturer instructions, usually around 175°F

Use a thermometer to get this step right every time.

3. Use the Correct Fragrance Load

The fragrance load refers to how much candle fragrance oil you add to your wax, typically measured as a percentage of the total wax weight. Using too little won’t deliver enough scent; too much can cause separation, poor burn, or even wick clogging.

Standard Fragrance Load Recommendations:

    • 6–10% for most waxes
    • Some specialty waxes allow up to 12%, but always check the wax manufacturer’s guidelines

Example: For 1 lb of wax (16 oz), a 10% load = 1.6 oz of fragrance oil

When in doubt, start with 8% and adjust based on performance.

4. Choose the Right Wick Size and Type

Wick choice plays a huge role in how well your candle burns and how much scent it throws. An undersized wick can result in poor wax pooling and a weak fragrance release, while an oversized wick can cause sooting and uneven burns.

Tips for Optimal Wick Selection:

    • Test with your wax-fragrance combo; there's no universal perfect wick.
    • Use wick guides from your wax or wick supplier as a starting point.
    • Consider switching to wood wicks for a modern aesthetic and even burn.

If you're using heavier fragrance oils (like Mahogany Teakwood), you may need to wick up slightly to account for the thicker oil composition.

5. Let Your Candles Cure Properly

Curing allows the fragrance to bind with the wax, developing both cold and hot throw over time. Many people skip or rush this step, which is a common reason why candles don’t smell strong enough.

Recommended Curing Times:

    • Soy Wax: 1–2 weeks
    • Paraffin Wax: 3–5 days
    • Blended Waxes: 5–10 days

Store candles in a cool, dark place during curing, and make sure they are covered to prevent scent loss.

6. Optimize the Environment for Burning

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the candle—it’s with the environment.

If you're still wondering, "Why can't I smell my candle?", consider where and how it's being burned.

Environmental Factors That Affect Scent Throw:

    • Room Size: Large or open-concept rooms may require multiple candles
    • Airflow: Drafts or vents can disrupt the burn and scent diffusion
    • Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings make it harder to notice lighter scents

Fixes:

    • Use multiple candles in larger rooms
    • Avoid placing candles near fans, vents, or open windows
    • Choose more potent fragrance oils for open spaces (like Tobacco Vanille or Escapade by Ritz-Carlton)

Final Thoughts

Boosting the fragrance in your candles isn’t just about using more oil—it’s about using the right ingredients, techniques, and tools to create a balanced, aromatic experience.

By following these six essential strategies:

    • Choose premium candle fragrance oils
    • Measure and mix at the correct temperatures
    • Use the right wick and wax combo
    • Let your candles cure
    • Optimize where you burn them

You’ll be well on your way to making candles that don’t just look beautiful—but smell amazing, too.

For a wide variety of high-quality fragrance oils for candles, visit VINEVIDA's full collection. Whether you're chasing a designer-inspired aroma or formulating your own signature blend, VINEVIDA has everything you need.

Want to recreate luxury hotel scents? Start here:

Explore more at www.vinevida.com and elevate your candle-making game today.