Why Doesn't Your Scented Candle Smell Anymore? (And What You Can Do About It)
You know that moment? You're eagerly lighting your favorite scented candle—maybe one with vanilla and caramel or a juicy Pornstar Martini— and then…
Nothing.
No scent. No atmosphere. Just a flame that stares at you.
Frustrating, isn't it? Trust me: you're not alone. Lots of people think their candle is "broken." But it's often due to something else.
Let's fix this.👇
🕯️ Why does a scented candle sometimes no longer smell?
There are a few reasons why you no longer smell that nice scent (well):
1. Your nose is just too smart
Oddly enough, your nose acts as a kind of odor filter. After 15–20 minutes, you no longer notice the scent as strongly, simply because you've gotten used to it.
(Recognize this? Leave the room for a moment, come back, and bam , there it is again.)
2. The space is too large or too open
A small candle in a large living room with open windows? Then your scent will literally waft throughout the room. Place your candle in a smaller, draft-free space. Think: bedroom, bathroom, home office.
3. You roasted it too short
This is such a common mistake. Always burn your candle for at least 1.5 to 2 hours the first time you use it. If you don't, you'll get "tunneling": a hole in the center where the scent barely diffuses.
4. The candle itself is... meh
Some candles (especially cheap ones) contain little scent or use fragrances that don't disperse well when burning. That's why at ToHotToCandle® we use extra fragrance so you can really smell something .
✅ View our most popular cocktail scented candles
🔥 Personal moment…
When I first lit our Clover Club candle (a blend of raspberry and a touch of citrus), I was instantly hooked. Seriously, I could smell it all the way down the hall.
But the second time I thought: huh… where is that smell?
It turned out I had the windows open, the extractor hood on, and a pile of laundry was drying. Not the best setting for a scent experience.
Next day: bedroom, door closed, chill music on, and YES! Instant fragrance party.
💡 Tips for maximum fragrance enjoyment
Want to really get the most out of your scented candles ? Then do this:
- Let it burn for at least 2 hours the first time
- Trim the wick to 5mm before each use
- Place your candle in a draft-free space
- Close the candle with the lid after use (to prevent scent loss)
- Do not burn for more than 3–4 hours at a time
✅ Find all luxury scented candles here
🛍️ Pay attention to this when buying a scented candle
🔎 Always check:
- Do you already feel the scent when you open the cold candle?
- What kind of wax was used? Soy wax = slower, more sustainable, and less odorous.
- Is there a lid on the jar? (It preserves the scent better.)
- How much fragrance is in it? Our candles contain 8-12% fragrance, which is a lot.
✨ In summary (and honestly…)
When you buy a candle, you don't just want coziness. You want scent. Warmth. Something that lingers as a memory.
So if your candle no longer smells, think back to this blog post. Maybe it just needs some love. Or a better home. Or, if we're being completely honest, maybe it's time for a better candle. 💁♀️
👉 Choose character. Choose your luxurious fragrance.
