Do scented candles actually make a room smell good when lit?

Scented candles - Do they make a room smell nice?
@pitstop (13729)
Australia
April 7, 2009 11:54am CST
I've used scented candles a few times but I find that even in a small room they never really spread that much of a good smell. When I sniff the candle itself I can get a gorgeous smell but the room smell does not seem to change. Is it just me?
2 people like this
10 responses
@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
7 Apr 09
Hi pitstop...I used to have lit candles all the time. I loved Yankee and colonial candle. But what really made the room smell was the tarts. I don't know if you've ever seen or heard of them but they're small wax tarts which actually melt over an unscented tea light. It really distributes around the room and is fabulous!
@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
7 Apr 09
Interesting. It sounds complicated though!
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@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
7 Apr 09
hi pitstop...not at all! When you have a moment please go to the Yankee candle website and they have pictures of them. They are wax potpourri warmers.
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
8 Apr 09
OK - if its simple its worth trying!
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• Canada
7 Apr 09
They are good for a while, but they only cover up whatever odour you're trying to get rid of. I have some scented tea lights that I use, they are nice, but don't last very long. But for the time that I need them, they do serve the purpose and the place smells better. But I don't have a smelly place, not yet anyways since I just moved into it. But guaranteed, weeks down the road things will be different.
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
7 Apr 09
How long do these candles keep burning?
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• Canada
7 Apr 09
I've never actually timed them, but they're liquid in about half an hour. But they can be reused again once they solidify. And they still smell good. They were cheap so that's why I bought them.
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• Ireland
8 Apr 09
I feel exactly as you do. When I light scented candles, they smell lovely for the first hour or so and then the scent seems to disappear. However, I have often gone out for a short while and when I come back into the room, I am able to smell the scent of the candle. I think I might just get immune to the smell after a while so I keep changing candles. I also like to use the incense sticks. They don't last very long but I find the scent is much stronger than the candles.
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
8 Apr 09
Actually I noticed that too. And even when I thought there was no smell people who entered the room first said they noticed the smell. I've heard that our sense of smell adapts to constant smells - maybe that is the reason!
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@laglen (19759)
• United States
7 Apr 09
The cheaper candles do not hold as much scent. That may be the problem.
@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
7 Apr 09
Most of these candles are gifts and I have no idea what brand they are.
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@celticeagle (166254)
• Boise, Idaho
8 Apr 09
Well, you must be using the wrong candles. Ofcourse they have the right good smell. I think you just get used to the scent and can't smell them anymore. Vanilla is probably the most popular scent and it does become annoying and too sweet for these ole nostrils to put up with after awhile. But, if you incorporate a sugar cookie or coffee scent into your situation I think you might see the light and smell the candles. Check it out!
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
8 Apr 09
Thats some useful suggestions you have. Will try them next time.
@Catfreeek (346)
• United States
7 Apr 09
It depends on the kind you buy. I like Yankee candle or the brand carried by Partylite, not sure who makes those.
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
8 Apr 09
Can we get Yankee candles all over the world?
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@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
20 Aug 09
pitstop, Before you spend your money stocking up these scented candles, I hope that you would read this article and be aware that there are some hazards with certain types of candles. It is found that these candles that are made from paraffin wax are known to produce toxins that can cause cancer, asthma attacks and eczema. Paraffin wax is actually as revealed in this report is a byproduct of the petroleum industry. So, just be careful when you are burning these candles, especially when you are enclosing your small room. Just be sure to ventilate your room when you burn them. Health is more important here. Ref: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1207726/Candles-release-scents-laced-cancer-chemicals-warn-scientists.html
@Reesers (1387)
• United States
7 Apr 09
It just really depends on the brand. My favorite is For Every Body Candles. I got hooked years ago and since then have gotten a few others hooked as well. A lot of people I know love them. It's funny because if I'm burning one of the candles, someone will ask if I'm baking something. LOL This is their website. http://www.foreverybody.com/ Someone already mentioned Yankee candles. I use those as well and they were my favorite until For Every Body. Those are the only two I've found so far that really live up to expectations.
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
7 Apr 09
Thanks for that link - the site has a lot of interesting products.
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• United States
7 Apr 09
It really depends on what type of candle it is. I find that Yankee candles are really the way to go. I use them for burning candles on top of a burner and they smell so good. Right now i have a sugar cookie in my bedroom and its an amazing scent. In my bathroom i have bought a candle on clearance that smells like coffee and that one smells really good to. Don't buy the cheap candles that are not going to make your house smell good. Buy a Yankee candle and you will be amazed at what they can do. I have hard that Glade is a really good smelling candle to and maybe you can try that brand as they are cheaper.
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@pitstop (13729)
• Australia
7 Apr 09
Thanks for letting me know the names of these candles - will look out for them the next time!
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• Philippines
8 Apr 09
I bought a cheap "scented" candle before and when I sniff the candle itself. But I tried some costly scented candle and it was good.
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