Aroma beads are small plastic pellets that can be scented, colored and made into air fresheners. There are countless ways to use aroma beads! Below, learn everything you need to know about these little beads so you can start creating.
Please note: Our aroma bead instructions might differ from instructions you have received from other aroma bead suppliers. If you are experienced with making aroma beads be aware that our aroma bead instructions might also be different from the process that you are accustomed to using. Please follow our instructions when using our aroma beads. We have done extensive testing to determine the best process for using our aroma beads.
What are aroma beads?
Aroma beads are made of virgin ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic, sometimes referred to as poly ethyl vinyl acetate (PEVA). This type of plastic has a slightly rubbery, yet firm feel. It is ideal for melting into shapes and has the ability to absorb colors and scents.
Are aroma beads the same thing as poly pellets?
No. Poly pellets might look the same as aroma beads, but they are made from polypropylene. This type of plastic does not absorb fragrance and color in the same way that EVA plastic does.
We do not recommend using poly pellets in place of aroma beads when making scented projects. However, you can use aroma beads for various types of projects that require poly pellets if you want. For example, both types of pellets can be used to make stuffed toys or weighted blankets.
Are aroma beads safe?
EVA plastic is BPA-free and phthalate-free. EVA pellets are not the same thing as EVA foam, which has a bad rap because it contains formaldehyde. The EVA pellets we sell do not contain formaldehyde.
While aroma beads are safe to use, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind:
- EVA pellets do not emit any harmful odors when melted at appropriate temperatures (we recommend an oven temp no greater than 350 degrees Fahrenheit)
- When melted at excessively high temperatures, aroma beads may burn and emit smoke.
- Do not expose beads to direct flames.
- Beads should not be used with a potpourri burner or wax tart warmer.
- Beads may pose a slipping hazard if spilled on the floor. Please carefully sweep up the beads right away if you spill any.
- Keep beads out of reach of children & pets. Beads pose a choking hazard due to their small size.
- Once fragrance is added, aroma beads and air fresheners should not be used for any projects that will come in contact with food.
- Tools and accessories used for mixing beads or melting beads into shapes should not be used again for food prep or come into contact with food.
- If using aroma beads in a project that will come in contact with skin, please use skin-safe fragrances. Refer to the IFRA statement for each fragrance to learn if it is skin safe.
How big are aroma beads?
Each pellet is approximately 3 to 4mm in length. Beads are flat and oval shaped, which helps prevent them from rolling all over the place if they spill. Pellets are uniform in size, which helps them melt evenly. However, exact size and shape can vary slightly from one bead to the next.
What is the volume of aroma beads per pound?
One pound of aroma beads equals approximately 3½ cups. Exact measurements can vary, which is why we recommend weighing beads with a digital scale or our 16 oz scale when doing projects.
What is the melting point of EVA plastic?
Aroma beads will start melting at around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need to use oven temps between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get the beads to melt together.
What can you do with aroma beads?
There are so many ways to use aroma beads! Here are just a few fun projects to try:
- Put beads in a muslin sachet or organza bag to make an air fresher.
- Make car freshies by melting scented beads into fun shapes.
- Place beads in a clear glass jar for a fragrant centerpiece.
- Use beads as a scented filler for stuffed toys.
Check out our blog for more tutorials and project ideas!
Can I recycle aroma beads?
Unused (unscented) aroma beads may be recyclable depending on where you live. EVA is a number 7 plastic. If you have unused aroma beads, you may inquire with your local recycling agency to learn if it is accepted.
How do I dispose of aroma bead projects that have lost their scent?
Once an air freshener or car freshie has lost its scent, you might think throwing it in the trash is the only option. However, there are several things you can do with freshies that don’t smell anymore. We recommend trying some of these projects that allow you to keep using your beads while reducing plastic waste:
- Tie a shiny ribbon on old car freshies and use them as Christmas tree ornaments.
- Spritz a small amount of fragrance oil onto your car freshies to revive the scent. The oil won’t absorb in the same way it would with un-melted beads, but it will keep them smelling fresh.
- Hang old car freshies in the window and use them as a sun catcher.
You can also check our blog for more aroma bead inspiration! If an aroma bead project can’t be reused or revived, items made with aroma beads can be disposed of in the trash.
16 comments
Robin from NorthWood
Hi Kelly, no the aroma beads will stay the same size when fragrance is added.
Kelly
Do aroma beads expand in size once fragrance oil is added?
Robin from NorthWood
Hi Liv, any odor from the beads should go away once you add fragrance oil. Some batches of beads may have a mild vinegar smell but we have found that this is not noticeable once fragrance is added.
Liv
How long do I need to air out the unscented beads for? They smell like vinegar
sally
Hi, is it ok to mix the beads and oil in a plastic container or should it strictly be glass? Thank you! xx
Robin from NorthWood
Hi Kelli, You can add fragrance as soon as you receive your aroma beads. It would only be necessary to air out the aroma beads if they had an odor upon opening the box. We have not noticed that our aroma beads have an odor.
Kelli
Is it never to air out the beads before scenting??
I saw on YouTube car freshie makers wait til the elmer glue smell is gone before they add fragrance but I just saw on a Facebook group that many people don’t let them air our & add fragrance immediately after they receive the box.
Bethanne
I’ve been trying to make some freshies and having an issue.. I baked at 300 (a video I seen suggested that), the first batch I left in for 10 min. They were very melted and soft. Second batch I tried 8 min at 300.. That time they were less melted but still really soft and flexible. What could be the issue?
Julie Squires
I use aroma beads for freshies. I am trying to find a way to repurpose them. Could the old ones be melted down in a round cake pan and used for decor in flower gardens?
Robin from NorthWood
Hi Angie, thanks for your question! You could try straining the beads if there is still extra fragrance that you can’t get to soak up. You could start with this, then see if the beads can absorb the remaining oil once the extra fragrance is gone. If not, it may help to add more beads once the extra fragrance is gone. I have not tried baking wet aroma beads, so I can’t say if this will dry them or not. I hope these steps work for you!
Angie Allen
I have a question. Almost a month ago I put started my freshies I added oil to aroma beads and have added more beads twice and they still have not soaked it all up can I strain the rest of the oil and still bake the beads wet? Or add more beads to see or call it a loss and throw that batch away? I did this while I was still learning a lot.
Robin from NorthWood
Hi Laura, Making stuffies is a great way to use aroma beads! We have not tested aroma beads in the washer and dryer. I would expect that the scent may wash out in the washing machine after a few washes. Because EVA pellets have a melting point around 165 degrees F I would recommend using the lowest heat setting possible on your dryer – or letting the stuffies air dry. I hope this helps! If we test the beads in the washer and dryer we will update this blog with more information.
Laura
I use them for stuffies. Does anyone know how the beads and the scent will be effected by the washer and dryer? At this point I haven’t made them removable as using buttons isn’t safe and velcro is scratchy…
Jennifer
Personally I add my mica after they are dry. A little bit goes a long way.
NorthWood Distributing
Hi Ashley, we recommend mixing your mica and fragrance oil together before adding the beads. The fragrance will help disperse the mica, and will allow it stick to the beads better while the fragrance absorbs. Hope this helps!
Ashley
I just wanted to know how to make my mica stick better to my freshies cause I have some with designs inside of my silicone and I can’t just stick beads in there to melt .