DIY Incense at Home with Fragrance Oils and DPG
Posted by Brandon Germann on Oct 28th 2024
Creating your own incense using fragrance oils and Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) is a great way to bring long-lasting, personalized scents to your space. The addition of DPG ensures that the fragrance is evenly distributed and burns smoothly.
What is DPG and Why Use It?
DPG is a safe, food-grade solvent that enhances fragrance absorption and helps incense burn evenly. By blending it with fragrance oils, you can enjoy a steady, long-lasting scent release.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Fragrance Oils: Choose any scents you love. Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils work best as they release more slowly.
- DPG (Dipropylene Glycol): Essential for binding the fragrance oil to the incense for an even, extended burn.
- Unscented Incense Sticks or Cones: The base for your scented creation.
- Mixing Bowl and Measuring Tools: Small containers, measuring spoons, and a glass bowl for mixing.
DIY Instructions with Adjusted Ratio:
- Prepare the Solution: Mix 4 parts DPG to 1 part fragrance oil in a glass bowl (e.g., 4 tablespoons of DPG and 1 tablespoon of fragrance oil). Adjust the amounts proportionally for larger or smaller batches.
- Soak the Incense: Place the unscented sticks or cones in the mixture, fully submerging them. Allow them to soak for 24-48 hours to ensure the fragrance is well absorbed.
- Drying: After soaking, remove the incense from the solution and place them on a drying rack in a ventilated area. Let them dry for 24-48 hours before burning.
- Storage: To keep the scent fresh, store your incense in an airtight container away from sunlight.
Tips for Customizing Your DIY Incense:
- Blend Scents: Create your unique mix by combining compatible fragrance oils (like jasmine and cedar or vanilla and sandalwood).
- Burn Test: Try one stick or cone after drying to ensure an even burn and ideal scent release. Adjust the oil-to-DPG ratio if necessary for future batches.
With this straightforward process and a little time, you’ll have beautiful, custom-scented incense ready to enjoy!