There are many methods for scenting a home or office that are alternatives to candles. These are growing in popularity because many people either cant have a flame in the area or dont want a flame for various reasons. They are excellent also for use in offices and classrooms and the like where a flame is not allowed.

One method is called no flame candles or some variation of that title. Basically they are a candle with no wick. Many come in travel tins or other shallow type jars for easy melting. You use a coffee mug warmer the electric type small hot plate put the flameless candle on the hotplate, turn it on and as the wax melts, it throws a scent as if you're burning a candle, yet with no flame.

Another way are tart melters of some type. There are many on the market and called many things, but they come in one of two types. One has a small bowl on top that is heated by burning a small tea light candle underneath it not truly a flameless way to go, the other is a small bowl of some type that is powered by electricity. Whichever melter you get, you place a small amount of scented wax in the small bowl portion, and as it melts, it throws off a scent. The small pieces of scented wax are called tarts, melts and a host of other things and can be purchased through stores and various candle makers.

A variation of the above method is instead of using tarts or melts, put a small amount of pure olive oil in the small bowl area, with a few drops of either candle fragrance oil, or essential oils. These oils can also be used as potpourri refresher oils when potpourri begins to lose its scent.

Reed diffusers are also a newer idea and lots of fun. The basic concept is a jar filled with a scented base, with long porous reeds coming out of the top. The scented oil wicks up the reeds, creating a scent. The reeds should be flipped end over end ever couple of weeks or so. The product is finished when the oil is used up. These are very long lasting. The scent throw is usually lighter in a reed diffuser than say a candle, but an especially nice in a bathroom or bedroom setting.

There are also products like ornies or scented beads of some type. Some are in organza bags, or are baked to form car freshener type scents.

Light bulb rings are another method to scent without a flame. These are small rings made of various materials that you put on a light bulb, and add a few drops of scented oil. The heat off the light bulb activates the scent.

Experiment with various forms to find your favorite method. Or you might be a tried and true candle lover, with flame and all, but it's fun to try new ways.

By Valerie Garner - Exploring work life balance issues http://www.thecomfortablelife.com Visit her other site for handpoured soy candles http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

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