How to Remove Scent From Scented Candles

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Things You'll Need

  • Plastic bag

  • Baking soda

  • Charcoal-based deodorizer

A candle's scent can be reduced, but not fully removed.

When shopping for candles, there are three main factors to consider: the candle's color, shape and smell. If you find a candle that aligns with your expectations for these three criteria, you're in luck. But sometimes, buying a candle that is exactly what you're looking for can be challenging. If the color and shape are to your liking, but the scent is slightly off, there are steps you can take to weaken the smell. You'll never fully remove the scent, but it's easy to reduce the candle's potency.

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Step 1

Place the candles outdoors where the fresh air will blow on them for an extender period of time. The scent won't be completely removed, but it will weaken.

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Step 2

Place the candles in a semi-airtight area with an open box of baking soda. Just as baking soda can be used to neutralize the smells in your refrigerator, it will also work to reduce the candle's scent.

Step 3

Put the candles and a charcoal- or ash-based deodorizer in an airtight plastic bag, ensuring it is sealed. Leave the bag for several days, and then open it and remove the candles. Charcoal-based deodorizers are effective at weakening many kinds of odor.

Tip

Unscented or beeswax candles are less powerful smelling while burning.

Warning

Do not try to mask the candle’s scent with perfume or any type of scented cleanser. When the candle is lit, you’ll be able to smell both its smell and the smell of whatever you treated it with, and the smells together may be worse than the candle on its own.

Do not leave the candles outside during rain or overnight. It is important they remain dry.

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