8 Mistakes You Are Making with Your Scented Candles

Scented candles are like magic potions — they can fix just about anything.

They can make your home warm and welcoming with their golden glow and mesmerising aroma, help elevate your mood, make you feel relaxed, or trigger a set of emotions.

Once you find the brand of scented candles that actually work for you, even if these are affordable scented candles, it’s like a gift from the heavens! Oh, the possibilities with scented candles are just endless!

 

Finding Scented Candles that Actually Work

If you love scented candles as much as we do, then we’re sure that just like us, you would have some of them stocked up in your home all the time. With the kind of fragrances, styles, and containers available, it would be kinda hard to stop yourself at just one, right?

But what we tend to forget is that these amazing little things need care and are super easy to go wrong with.

In our excitement about buying new scented candles and burning them, we do tend to forget the basics.

So, here is a guide to making sure that you always get scented candles that actually work — by avoiding the 8 mistakes when using them.

 

1. Blowing It Out Too Soon (and Causing Tunnelling)

Ever noticed your candle burning straight down the middle, leaving thick walls of unmelted wax around the edges? That’s called tunnelling — and it’s one of the most common candle mistakes.

It usually happens when you blow out your candle too soon on the first burn.

The wax remembers that narrow path and will keep melting in that tunnel every time you light it again — wasting wax and shortening your candle’s life.

Fix it: On your first burn, give your candle enough time for the entire top layer of wax to melt evenly across the surface before blowing it out. This helps your candle burn evenly and last longer — giving you every bit of glow and scent you paid for.

2. Choosing Candles Made with Synthetic Fragrance Oils

 

Not all scented candles are created equal — and the type of scent matters more than most people realise.

Many candles on the market use synthetic fragrance oils. While they can smell strong and come in endless varieties, they’re often made with artificial ingredients that can irritate sensitive noses or cause headaches, especially in enclosed spaces.

Candles made with 100% pure essential oils, on the other hand, don’t just smell good — they do good. Essential oils offer natural aromatherapy health benefits that can lift your mood, calm your mind, or help you unwind at the end of a long day.

Fix it: When shopping for candles, check the label. Look for ones scented with pure essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Your home (and your lungs) will thank you.

3. Ignoring the Mood of the Room

Every room in your home has its own rhythm — a purpose, a feeling.

The same should go for your candles. Choosing the right scent for the right space can completely change how it feels.

Your living room is where conversations and laughter happen, so go for warm, welcoming scents like vanilla, cedarwood, or cinnamon.

In the bedroom, it’s all about winding down — soft, relaxing aromas like lavender, chamomile, or rose help set the tone for rest or romance.

And for bathrooms or workspaces, clean, refreshing scents like eucalyptus, citrus, or mint keep the space bright and clear.

Fix it: Before lighting your candle, think about how you want to feel in that space — then choose the scent that helps create that mood.

4. Using the Wrong Candle for Your Space

A small candle in a big room might barely make a difference — while an oversized one in a tiny space can feel overwhelming.

The trick is to match the candle to the size and purpose of the room.

For smaller spaces like bathrooms or cosy corners, go for tea lights or single-wick candles — they add just the right amount of scent without overpowering the room.

For larger spaces like living or dining areas, pick bigger jars or multi-wick candles so the fragrance can fill the room evenly.

Fix it: Think of candles like sound — the larger the space, the louder (or in this case, stronger) it needs to be. The right size means the right scent balance.

Bonus Tip: Scents can follow the seasons too — even in sunny Singapore! Go for bright and zesty notes during warm months, and cosy, woodsy aromas when the rain sets in.

5. Skipping the Wick Trim

It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference. When the wick is too long, your candle burns too hot — creating soot, uneven flames, and wasted wax.

Trimming it before each light helps your candle burn cleaner and last longer. Plus, it keeps that beautiful glass jar free from black marks.

Fix it: Before lighting, trim the wick to about ¼ inch using a wick trimmer, small scissors, or even nail clippers. A little care before every light keeps your candle burning beautifully.

6. Using Scented Candles to Mask Odours

We’ve all done this before — lighting a candle right after cooking to cover up the smell of garlic or fried food. But instead of fixing the problem, it usually just mixes scents and makes the air feel heavier.

Scented candles are meant to enhance your space, not fight with lingering odours. When they have to compete, even the best ones can’t shine.

Fix it: Open your windows first and let the air clear. Once the space feels fresh again, then light your candle — and enjoy its scent the way it was meant to be.

7. Forgetting Candle Safety

Candles are meant to bring calm — not chaos.

But it’s easy to forget simple safety habits when you’re relaxed and enjoying the glow.

Leaving a candle burning unattended or letting it burn all the way down to the bottom can be risky. When only a thin layer of wax is left, the glass can overheat or even crack.

Fix it: Always keep candles in sight, away from fabrics, kids, and pets. And once there’s about ½ inch of wax left, it’s time to say goodbye — or upcycle the jar for something new.

8. Forgetting to Put the Lid Back On

You know, it’s the tiny things that always make a difference in the long run, and what contribute to scented candles that actually work.

Like putting the lid back on your scented jar candles once it has cooled down.

This will prevent dust from accumulating on the jar and wax as well as save your scented candles from losing their aroma. If you want to know more about how to make scented candles last longer, make sure to read the other articles, brought to you by Innerfyre Co.

Fix it: Once the wax has cooled, put the lid back on or cover it loosely to keep your candle clean and fragrant for longer. Your next burn will smell just as beautiful as the first.

Scented Candles Singapore

We hope our suggestions and tips help you from making mistakes when you are buying or burning your favourite scented candle next time.

Remember that it’s not all about buying affordable scented candles (though you have to set a good price point too!), but that there are various elements to scented candles that actually work.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for some scented candles with some beautiful fragrances and are 100% natural, then do check out our collection at the Innerfyre Co shop.

Shop for Scented Candles today.