HOUSTON – We have all heard this line before – “It smells like it’s about to rain.”
That scent has a name, Petrichor.
Before rain rolls in, a unique scent begins to build because of moisture and once the raindrops arrive it becomes even stronger.
Here’s how it works -- Before showers fall, humidity builds and the moisture forces oils and aerosols to be released into the air from plants, rocks and other natural surfaces.
Now here come the raindrops. They land on tiny air bubbles that have dust, bacteria, or soil particles, which cause them to shoot up into the air like the fizz in a cup of soda creating that natural aroma.
Here are three scents that get flung into the air when it rains:
- Geosmin is a type of bacteria that is found in soils and bodies of water, it gives off an earthy, musty or muddy scent.
- Plant oils that give off a soapy or waxy smell
- Ozone, which doesn’t smell good but is more noticeable when lightning is present
I took the good and left out the bad and made a candle with Nyiesha Hicks who owns La Bougie Wick.
La Bougie Wick is a locally owned candle-making company that provides a hands-on experience for people to create any scent.
Hicks says Petrichor is the main scent people need to use if they want a candle that smells like rain showers.
“I believe people like the scent of rain because it is calming, soothing, where you want to snuggle in bed,” says Hicks.
The enjoyment of scent goes beyond rain showers. Hicks says different scents can evoke different moods and can even bring back memories.