If you've brought a scented candle from your favourite candle company, only to find you can't smell it anymore after a few weeks, you might be wondering if your candle has happened to lose all its scent?
Candles do indeed lose their fragrance over time, this could be due to using uncovered candles, the fact you are getting used to the scent or the blend of fragrances inside of the candle.
To help you stop your candle from losing scent over time we've made a short guide below which will take you into further detail as to why your candle is losing scent if candles can expire, how to keep a lasting scent in your candle and a few other care tips.
Let's get into it!
Why Is My Candle Losing Scent?
When we first buy a candle it often has a strong nice scent, however, over time the notes of fragrance can weaken and disappear which can leave you feeling frustrated.
We've listed the main reasons as to why your candle could be losing its scent down below.
It's in direct sunlight - To keep scent alive in your candle you should keep the candle out of direct sunlight, this will help to preserve the wax and strong scent.
There is no lid - The best-scented candles from candle manufacturers such as Yankee candle often come with a lid on top, this is needed to keep the scent strong inside of the jar candles and keep the scent over time.
The candle wax distribution of fragrance - Some candles are made with the cheapest fragrances which smell strong at first but do not last throughout the burning of the candle, once the top notes of fragrance disappear, the middle and base notes of the candle are often weaker if the drops of fragrance oil inside were not mixed properly.
Can a Candle Expire?
When scented candles lose their smell many people also think the candle has expired or is too old, while it is true your candle can become old, it will never expire unless it is made of plant-based products which should be burned within the first year of purchasing.
If an old candle has lost its scent and colour then it could be due to how you are storing your entire candle.
How To Keep Your Candle Scented
For people who want to keep the fragrance strong from their scented candles, you must know how to look after your scented candle properly.
We've put together a list of the best ways to keep your candle smelling good below.
Have the right burn time - When you first buy your Yankee candle or another scented candle, it's important to burn it for at least 3-4 hours to begin with. This is so as it reduces the chance of the candle tunnelling and helps to burn off the top layer of scent which is often the cheapest fragrance.
Keep it covered when not in use - It is important to keep the lid on container candles as this will help to keep the scent of the candle fresh and stop it from fading.
Add your oils - Burn your candle until a small wax pool forms around the wick, blow the flame out and add a few drops of your fragrance or essential oil to give the scent a boost!
Try a smaller room - If you have a small scented candle and can't smell it, it might be worth burning it in a small space to see if it helps the smell spread, also keep windows and doors closed to help build up the scent in your space.
Check the scent throw - Depending on the candle wax inside of your candle, it will have different hot and cold throws, this refers to the strength of the scent when the candle is cold and the strength when the candle is hot. Plant-based candles often have a poor hot throw and good cold throw while paraffin candles both have a strong hot and cold throw.
Store it well - Keep the candles from sunlight and burn them in a shaded area.
Other Care Tips For Scented Candles
Apart from keeping your candle covered and storing it well, there are plenty of other care tips to keep your scented candle in good condition and help its scent last.
We've listed the essential care tips for your new scented candle down below.
Do not overburn the candle - Never burn your candle for longer than 3-2 hours as this can ruin the floral fragrances and produce soot which is not pleasant!
Trim the candle wick - Always trim your candle wick to make sure your scented candle is burning properly, this can be done with scissors and it should be 1/4 to 1/8 over the wax in the candle.
Keep the candle clean - Candles can collect soot and debris over time when being burnt which can affect the quality of its burn and smell, to prolong its life wipe it out when cooled.
Don't burn down - When you have a little wax left in your candle it's best to say goodbye to your candle, if not it could heat the glass which is a safety issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candles Losing Scent
Are expensive scented candles better than cheap for keeping smell?
Although expensive candles might be made with higher quality smells, it is not to say that their scent will last any longer, this is down to how the candle is cared for, stored and how the fragrance is combined inside.
How do I store candles without a jar?
If your scented candle does not have a jar it could be worth storing it in cling film or an airtight container.
Are scented candles fragrances bad to breathe in?
No, there are no proven negative health effects of burning scented candles, you should be cautious however if you have asthma.
Last Words
Overall, candles can lose their scent over time, but some ways to preserve the scent are by keeping its lid on when not in use, storing it well out of sunlight and burning it for the right amount of time.
Some candles lose fragrance according to how they were combined between base, middle and top notes, so sometimes it's down to the type of candle you buy rather than how you take care of it.
Smell is one of the human senses which can flow through the whole body. I am the Founder of NeoCandle.com where we talk all about scented candles. Known as Candace the Candle Girl, I know pretty much all there is to know about scented candles. I make and sell them on Etsy and Ebay - so be sure to ask if you have any burning questions :) (pun intended ;) )
