Why Your Candle Isn’t Smelling Strong Enough (and How to Fix It)

If your soy candle isn’t giving off much scent, here’s why—and how to fix it. Deliciously Wickt explains how wick size, room airflow, and candle care impact scent throw.

You light a brand-new candle, settle in with your favourite blanket, and… nothing. Barely a whiff of the scent you fell in love with. Where’s the aroma magic? Don’t worry—it’s not you, it’s the candle (or rather, how it’s being used).

Here’s the inside scoop from the candle makers at Deliciously Wickt on why your candle might not be throwing scent the way it should—and how to fix it.

1. It’s all about the melt pool. A candle needs to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt evenly to the edges. That’s called a “full melt pool.” Without it, the scent has nowhere to go. So, give it time—usually one hour per inch of candle diameter. We have had customer's saying they only light for one hour at a time and can't smell anything, well yeah, you haven't given the candle time to put the scent in the air.

2. Size (of the room) matters. A single candle can’t scent a whole open-concept living room. Try burning your candle in a smaller space first (like a bedroom or bathroom). Once the scent fills that space, move it to larger areas.

3. Trim your wick—always. A wick that’s too long burns too hot and fast, which can make scent evaporate before it has a chance to linger. Keep it around ¼ inch before each burn.

4. Airflow can steal your scent. If your candle is near a fan, vent, or open window, the scent will disperse too quickly. You’ll smell it less because it’s literally being blown away. Move it to a still spot and you’ll notice the difference instantly.

5. Know your wax. Soy wax gives a softer, more natural scent throw than paraffin. It’s not overpowering—and that’s a good thing. So many candles give off a harsh perfume smell that people complain about, that is because those companies use low-grade fragrant oils to keep costs low (big brand problems). Our goal at Deliciously Wickt isn’t to choke you with fragrance, but to make your space smell beautifully balanced.

6. Don't hover! Customer's have said "I just lit the candle, I'm right over it, but all I smell is the flame". Oh em gee, give your candle some room! Light your candle, go read a book, and come back into the room a few hours later to smell the aroma. We also love taking a step outside and coming back in, then your nose will be able to reset, and you can tell what guests would smell when they walk in your home. Our nose gets blind too, give it some fresh air and try again. 

The fix? A little patience, a little wick trimming, and a lot of soy wax love. You’ve got this (and your home’s about to smell amazing)!