Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but not all candles are created equal when it comes to smoke and indoor air quality. Burning candles can introduce various toxins into your home, with paraffin wax candles, in particular, producing toxic chemicals and pollutants. To avoid excess smoke and soot, it's recommended to use candles made from natural waxes such as beeswax, coconut wax, vegetable wax, or soy wax, which burns petro-carbon soot-free. These candles are not only better for your indoor air quality, but they're also less likely to cause irritation and potential health risks associated with inhaling toxic chemicals. So, if you're looking for a clean-burning candle that won't smoke up your home, opt for natural, non-toxic options made from beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, vegetable wax, palm wax |
| Wick type | Cotton wick, wooden wick |
| Fragrance | Essential oils, botanical ingredients |
| Certifications | MADE SAFE, USDA Certified BioBased |
| Burning time | Less than four hours |
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What You'll Learn
- Soy wax candles are petro-carbon soot-free and made from renewable resources
- Beeswax candles burn cleanly and give off a pleasant honey scent
- Avoid synthetic scents and additives, which can increase soot production
- Ensure the wick is trimmed and the right size to prevent the candle from smoking
- Place candles away from doorways or traffic areas to avoid drafts and turbulence, which produce more soot
Soy wax candles are petro-carbon soot-free and made from renewable resources
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they can also be a source of indoor air pollution. The majority of candles are made from paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum refining. When burned, paraffin wax releases toxic petro-carbon soot, which can settle on surfaces and contaminate the air you breathe. This soot can also be harmful to your health, aggravating asthma or allergies and potentially containing carcinogens.
Soy wax candles offer a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Soy wax is made from soybeans and vegetables, which are renewable resources that support American farmers and stimulate the economy. Unlike paraffin wax, soy wax is free from petro-carbon soot, toxins, and pollutants, making it a much cleaner-burning option. It is also biodegradable and water-soluble, so any spills or residue can be easily cleaned with just hot water and soap.
The lack of petro-carbon soot in soy wax candles means that your home will stay cleaner and safer. The soot from paraffin candles can blacken walls, furniture, and ceilings, as well as contaminate air ducts, leading to tens of thousands of dollars' worth of damage. Soy wax candles also burn cooler and last longer, so you can enjoy your candle for up to 50% longer than a paraffin candle.
In addition to being petro-carbon soot-free, soy wax candles are often scented with natural fragrances that are phthalate-free and compliant with California Proposition 65, which aims to protect citizens from chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Some soy wax candles, like those from Eco Candle Co., are even certified kosher and free from herbicides, pesticides, and genetically modified materials.
Overall, soy wax candles are a healthier and more sustainable option than traditional paraffin candles. They are petro-carbon soot-free, made from renewable resources, and offer a cleaner and longer-lasting burn. By choosing soy wax candles, you can enjoy the ambiance of a flickering candle without worrying about the potential health and environmental risks associated with paraffin wax.
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Beeswax candles burn cleanly and give off a pleasant honey scent
Beeswax candles are a great option for those looking for candles that burn cleanly and give off a pleasant scent. Firstly, beeswax candles are natural, non-toxic, and do not require chemical processing. They are made from beeswax produced by worker honeybees, which comes from eight special glands in their abdomens. When beekeepers harvest honey or retire old combs, they clean and render the wax to prepare it for use in candles and other products.
Beeswax candles burn cleanly and have a pleasant honey scent. The scent comes from the nectar and honey originally stored in the honeycomb, so the scent of each batch varies slightly depending on what the bees were pollinating. Some common scents include wildflowers, prairie grasses, citrus, herbs, and wild berries. The more natural, pure, and organic the beeswax, the better, as this reduces the number of toxins released into the air during burning.
In addition to their pleasant scent, beeswax candles are also known for their bright, warm-toned flame and long burn time. Beeswax has a high melting point, so it burns slowly and is considered drip-free by many. Its high melting point also means that it does not require any hardeners, additives, or chemical treatments.
Beeswax candles also have air-purifying properties. When burned, beeswax produces negative ions that attach to positive ions (such as dust, pollen, mold, odour, and toxins) in the air, causing them to drop to the ground. This makes beeswax candles a great option for people with allergies, asthma, sinus issues, or other sensitivities.
When purchasing beeswax candles, it is important to read the labels carefully. Some companies may cut their beeswax with paraffin, palm, or soy waxes while still marketing them as "beeswax" candles. Ensure that the wick is made of a natural fiber like cotton or hemp and does not contain a metal wire, which may contain lead. Avoid candles with artificial scents or chemical colours added. Pure beeswax should have a natural, golden hue and a honey-like scent.
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Avoid synthetic scents and additives, which can increase soot production
When it comes to candles, the fragrance is often the most concerning part. Synthetic scents and additives can increase soot production and may be harmful to your health.
Many candles on the market contain nothing but a bunch of synthetic chemicals. These synthetic fragrances are derived from crude oil and carry carcinogens, with reproductive toxicity warnings. The word 'fragrance' on an ingredient list can refer to thousands of chemicals used to make up a complex aroma.
To avoid synthetic fragrances, opt for candles scented with organic essential oils, like pink grapefruit and wild lavender, or beeswax candles with antibacterial benefits. Fontana Candle Co. uses beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils, with ingredients directly from nature. Grow Fragrance also offers candles made with American-grown soy wax, coconut wax, and plant extracts that burn without emitting harmful toxins.
In addition to synthetic fragrances, commercially made fragrances are also toxic and soot-producing. These include filler materials, additives, metal wicks, and toxic fragrances with volatile organic carbons. To minimize soot production, ensure wicks are properly trimmed short, as a wick length over 1/4 inch will produce more soot.
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Ensure the wick is trimmed and the right size to prevent the candle from smoking
To prevent a candle from smoking, it is important to ensure that the wick is trimmed and the right size. Trimming the wick helps to prevent the build-up of carbon, known as "mushrooming", which can cause the candle to burn faster and produce more smoke and soot. It is recommended to trim the wick to a height of around 1/4 inch above the wax. This can be done using a wick trimmer, scissors, nail clippers, or even your fingertips, although scissors or a wick trimmer are preferred as they create a cleaner cut.
Trimming the wick also helps to maintain a healthy flame height, typically between 1/2 inch and 1 inch. If the flame is too tall, it can increase the risk of fire and cause the candle to burn improperly, leading to excess heat and faster wax melting. Additionally, a taller flame can accelerate the vaporization of the scent and wax, resulting in the release of soot as a byproduct of incomplete combustion.
The frequency of wick trimming depends on the type of candle and the length of burn time. For scented candles, more frequent trimming may be required to maintain a consistent fragrance output. As a general rule, it is recommended to trim the wick before each burn or at least every 4 hours of burn time. Trimming the wick before lighting the candle can help prolong its life and ensure a clean and even burn.
By regularly trimming the wick to the appropriate height, you can prevent excessive smoking and soot buildup, creating a more enjoyable and safer candle-burning experience.
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Place candles away from doorways or traffic areas to avoid drafts and turbulence, which produce more soot
Burning candles is a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but it's important to be mindful of the potential impact on indoor air quality. All candles emit smoke and soot to some degree, but certain types of candles produce more soot than others.
Paraffin wax candles have been found to emit more formaldehyde compared to soy wax candles. Paraffin is derived from petroleum, while beeswax and soy are natural alternatives. Soy wax, in particular, burns petro-carbon soot-free. However, it's worth noting that some candles labelled as "soy" or "beeswax" may actually be blends that include paraffin, so it's important to read labels carefully.
In addition to the type of wax, other factors can contribute to soot production. Candles with filler materials, additives, metal wicks, and toxic fragrances can also produce more soot and release harmful chemicals into the air. Commercially made fragrances, in particular, tend to be toxic and soot-producing.
To minimise soot and improve burning performance, it's recommended to keep candles away from doorways or traffic areas to avoid drafts and turbulence, which produce more soot. A flickering flame emits more soot. The National Candle Association advises keeping wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch and burning candles for fewer than four hours at a time.
If you're looking for non-toxic and soot-free candle options, consider brands that use natural waxes like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax, as well as lead-free wicks and natural fragrances from essential oils. Some recommended brands include Bluecorn Beeswax, Fontana Candle Co, Terralite, Harper's Bazaar Follain candles, and Lite + Cycle candles. These candles are not only cleaner-burning but also offer delightful fragrances and long-lasting performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles made from 100% natural wax like beeswax, coconut wax, vegetable wax, or soy wax are less likely to smoke.
Keep candles away from drafts and trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
Yes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, "super scented" candles produce more soot.
Some non-smoking candle brands include Bluecorn Beeswax, Fontana Candle Co, Terralite, and Peacesake.
