Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome SFWP receives a daily high demand of FAQ for car freshies. I list of complied FAQ will begin here and start to be added to help you with your journey. Feel free to fill out the form if there is anything not covered.Base Material: Aroma beads (also called EVA beads) are made of a type of plastic (ethylene-vinyl acetate). The vinyl acetate part of the material can give off a faint vinegar-like odor, especially when freshly manufactured.
Fragrance Oil Reaction: When fragrance oil soaks into the beads, it can sometimes bring out or amplify that vinegar scent. Some fragrance oils make it more noticeable than others.
Normal Process: The vinegar smell is not mold or spoilage — it’s a natural off-gassing of the plastic material. Most crafters notice it when beads are unscented or still curing.
- Let the beads air out in an open space for a few days.
- Place them in a warmer spot (but not in direct sunlight) to help the fragrance release.
- Shake the bag or container daily if they’re still curing.
✅ Extra Note: At Stay Fresh With Peanut, all our fragrance oils are specially formulated to work with our aroma beads. We create multiple batches of scented beads daily, and our customers keep coming back for more! We use the same fragrance-to-bead ratio that we’re sharing with you, so you can try it yourself at home.
If you’re using our oils and still notice a vinegar-like smell, don’t worry—it usually fades within a few days with proper rotation and resting.
4. Mask with Complementary Scents
- If the vinegar smell is mild but still present, you can gently layer a compatible fragrance (like sweet, floral, or citrus) that blends with the original scent.
- Tip: Add in small amounts—let the beads absorb fully.
👉 The vinegar smell is temporary — once cured and in use, the true fragrance shines through.
Cure Longer: Allow the beads to cure for at least 7–14 days. The vinegar-like odor usually fades as the fragrance oil fully bonds with the beads.
Air Out Beads Before Use: Spread the plain beads out on a tray for a couple of days before adding fragrance. This helps them off-gas.
Use Stronger Fragrance Oils: Some fragrance oils cover the vinegar note better than others. Bakery, spice, and wood scents tend to overpower it; light florals or citrus sometimes make it more noticeable.
Shake Daily During Curing: This helps distribute fragrance evenly and prevents trapped pockets of that initial odor.
Test Small Batches: If one oil seems to clash and emphasize the vinegar smell, test a smaller batch with it before making a large batch.
Seal Once Finished: Once fully cured, store beads in airtight bags or jars to lock in the fragrance and minimize the base odor coming back.
- 8 oz. aroma beads + 2 oz. fragrance oil = ✅ Optimal Performance
- This is the maximum recommended amount of fragrance oil.
- Using more than 2 oz. per 8 oz. of beads may prevent the beads from curing properly (they may stay oily or sticky). Check the ratio under our fragrance product description. Ex: Blueberry Cheesecake and Watermelon Hard Candy has an 8:1 RATIO.
Step-by-Step Guide: Soaking Aroma Beads with Fragrance Oil
Supplies Needed:
- Glass mason jar with lid
- Scale (set to ounces/lb)
- 8 oz. of unscented aroma beads
- Up to 2 oz. (by weight) of SFWP fragrance oil
- Stirring stick or spoon (optional)
1️⃣ Weigh the Beads
- Place your glass mason jar on a scale.
- Set the scale to ounces/lbs and press tare to subtract the jar’s weight.
- Pour in 8 oz. of aroma beads.
2️⃣ Add Fragrance Oil
- Add up to 2 oz. (by weight) of your favorite SFWP fragrance oil.
- This is the maximum recommended amount to ensure proper curing.
3️⃣ Seal & Shake
- Close the jar tightly.
- Shake well until all beads are evenly coated with fragrance.
4️⃣ Cure (Soak) the Beads
- Let the beads rest for 3–14 days.
- Shake the jar 3 times a day, rotating the jar with each shake.
- Beads are fully cured when they are dry to the touch (no visible oil remains).
5️⃣ Ready to Use
- Once cured, beads can be used in:
Air fresheners
Sachets
Crafts or décor
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Keep the jar in a room-temperature, dark area while curing.
- Avoid direct sunlight — it can affect fragrance absorption.
- Patience is key; some fragrances may take longer to fully soak in.
⚠️ Final Note on Fragrance Oils
Not all fragrance oils are formulated to be absorbed into aroma beads. Some oils may only be compatible with other bases such as wax, soap, or candles. This does not mean there is anything wrong with the fragrance — it’s simply not compatible with aroma beads.
At Stay Fresh With Peanut, all of our fragrances are carefully tested for use in multiple applications. You can be confident that each of our fragrance oils is safe and effective for:
- Aroma beads
- Wax
- Bath & body products
This means you don’t have to worry about compatibility — our fragrances are versatile and guaranteed to perform beautifully across all these bases, not just in aroma beads.
1. Check Your Fragrance Oil
- Compatibility: Not all fragrance oils are suitable for aroma beads. Some contain ingredients that beads can’t absorb well.
- Solution: Make sure you’re using oils specifically labeled for aroma beads. At Stay Fresh With Peanut, all our fragrances are tested for aroma beads, wax, and bath & body.
2. Quantity of Oil
- Too little oil: The beads may not hold enough scent to notice.
- Too much oil: Can saturate the beads, making them sticky.
- Recommendation: For standard 16 oz. of beads, use around 2–4 oz. of fragrance oil. Adjust slightly depending on the intensity you want.
3. Mixing Method
- Even distribution: Slowly pour the oil over the beads.
- Rotate or shake the jar 3 times daily.
Seal & rest: Place the beads in an airtight container for 1-14 days to allow the fragrance to fully absorb.
4. Storage & Environment
- Keep beads in cool, dry places while they’re absorbing oil. Heat, humidity, or extreme cold can interfere.
5. Type of Beads
- SFWP beads: Absorbs oil well.
- Some novelty beads or cheaper versions may resist absorption.
Tip: The longer the beads rest, the stronger and more evenly distributed the scent will be.
1. Know Your Starting Ratio
- Check how many ounces of fragrance oil you added per ounces of beads.
- Example: 16 oz. beads + 5 oz. oil = 31% oil load (too high for most beads).
2. Assess the Severity
- Slightly oily: beads sticky but smell balanced → may just need resting.
Very oily: beads sticky, overpowering scent → dilution is needed.
Option A: Dilute with Unscented Beads
- Calculate how many extra beads you need to reach a safe oil ratio (usually 10–25%).
- Add beads slowly, mixing gently, and check scent strength.
Option B: Let Them Rest
- Keep in airtight container, rotate 3× daily, at room temp (~70°F) for 3–7 days.
- Sometimes time alone will help the beads fully absorb the oil.
3. Key Reminders
- Always track your oil-to-bead ratio for future batches.
It is important to be aware that the maximum usage percentage level listed on an IFRA certificate only indicates the highest allowed percentage for your finished product to be safe.
This should not be taken as a recommendation for usage. We highly recommend conducting individual tests for each fragrance in your product to determine the optimal outcome.
The most efficient and straightforward method for blending fragrances without wasting oil involves using a Q-tip or fragrance strip. Start by dipping each oil separately onto its own Q-tip or strip, then combine them in a sealed container. Allow the aromas to meld for a moment before opening the container in a clean, scent-free room to take a sniff. While you will still need to assess the appropriate proportions for blending the oils, this approach is beneficial as it conserves both time and product, enabling you to determine if you enjoy the resulting combinations. If you have any scent blend suggestions, please feel free to share them your ideas could inspire others and create new aromatic experiences.