10)Soy Facts
Soy Wax Facts! (see pictures at bottom of page)
Since its development in the late 90s, soy wax has become a popular medium for making candles. Candle lovers who are health conscious prefer soy wax because it is an organic compound that releases no toxins when burned. Environmentally sensitive consumers like the fact that it is derived from soy beans, a renewable resource.
Due to its low melting point, soy wax burns cooler, longer, and safer than paraffin, the most common compound used in candle making. This feature also allows fragrances to be released into the air faster. Anyone who has ever tried to remove candle wax from virtually anything will appreciate the ease with which soy wax cleans up with hot soapy water, a little elbow grease and voila! you're done. Additionally, soy wax is nearly soot-free when burned.
"Environmentally Friendly Candles Available"
If you are like many people, you probably enjoy burning candles. They create a nice mood and make your house smell wonderful. But do you know what the main ingredient in most candles is and the health problems it can cause?Paraffin wax is made from petroleum and produces carcinogens and soot when burned. In fact, one air quality researcher stated that the soot from a paraffin candle contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Some byproducts are benzene, acetone, xylene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. Even many of the seemingly healthy, aromatherapy candles sold today can do more harm than good. Burning paraffin wax can also set off various allergies and the American Lung Association has warned consumers of unhealthy indoor air quality from burning paraffin candles.
Soy candles offer a cleaner and healthier alternative, yet many people aren’t even aware that they exist. Made from soybeans, they come in as many scents as conventional candles.
According to several manufacturers, soy candles last 50% longer than petroleum-based paraffin candles. They also burn slower and cooler (helping to better distribute fragrance), are non-toxic, less likely to trigger allergies, and produce approximately 90% less soot than paraffin candles. And how many of us have tried to clean up paraffin wax off the furniture or carpet? One added bonus is that spills clean up with hot soapy water. These factors tend to make them more animal and child-friendly than traditional candles.
Soy wax should also be a favorite of environmentally conscious consumers since it isn’t made from petroleum products, like paraffin candles. The soy in candles is made from American-grown soybeans, it's biodegradable, a renewable resource, and from a global point of view, it "supports the U.S. economy instead of foreign oil conglomerates." An estimate claims that if soybean candles represented just 10% of the existing candle market, it would require an additional 55 million pounds of “American Grown” soybean oil.
If a candle doesn't explicitly state it is soy on the label, it is probably a paraffin candle. Soy candles appear more opaque with a whitish film.
So if you want that wonderful candle ambiance but want to reduce your health risks and do the right thing environmentally, give soy candles a try.
Soy Candle Burning Tips
- The first time you light your candle, don’t trim your wick.
- Never burn your candle unattended!
- Burn your candle on a flat level surface.
- Burn container candles until a pool of melted wax completely forms across the top. This will ensure an even burn all the way down the container.
- Allow candle to cool and harden before relighting.
- Don’t trim your wick. Soy wax is a thick substance and requires the extra heat for a complete burn.
- Discontinue burning container candles when there is 1/4 inch of wax left in the bottom. Soy wax can be cleaned up easily with soap and water!
- When extinguishing a candle, don't blow it out. Just replace the lid quickly, your candle will extinguish by itself due to lack of oxygen.
- Do not place soy candles in the refrigerator or in direct sunlight, as extreme temperature changes will cause discoloring in candles.
- Damaged containers should not be used. Do not use if cracked, chipped or scratched.
- Glass containers may become hot. Always burn candle on a protected surface or coaster, and avoid moving lit candles.
Upon cooling, your soy candle may appear "bumpy" on the top. This is completely normal and a natural characteristic of all soy wax.
Candle Safety
Read through the candle safety tips, some of them might surprise you. These safety tips have been recommended by the National Candle Association People have enjoyed using candles for centuries. Candles are a wonderful part of life - enhancing romance, evoking memories, and filling our homes with wonderful aromas - when used properly. However, fires from candles can happen if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer. National fire safety agencies report that the bulk of candle fire incidents in the United States are due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to the misuse of candles. Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep. Nearly 40 percent of residential candle fires reportedly occurred because candles were unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc. |
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