Candle Burning Tips for Soy Candles
Candles have long been used to provide light and set romantic moods. Candle use has remained popular even after the invention of electric lighting. Early candles were made from animal fat and ashes. Today's candles are mass produced and made of either paraffin or soy-based wax. Candles come in a variety of shapes, colors, scented and unscented styles. Candles continue to be an integral part of holiday celebrations, such as, birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah and formal dinners. While paraffin candles are petroleum byproducts, soy candles are made from hydrogenated oil derived from the renewable soybean plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Soy Wax
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Soy wax was invented in 1992 as a cheaper alternative to beeswax for candle making, according to soy-products-information site, Soya. Previously, and still today, soy products are used in food production of oils, meat substitutes, and as feed for cattle. Soy wax is cheaper to use in production and produces a cleaner burn of up to 90 percent less soot than paraffin candles. Soybean oil has a lower melting temperature and candles produce a cooler-burning light. The lower melting temperature creates a wider liquid pool around the candle wick and this allows for a clean burn and results in a more even distribution of candle scents.
Candle Burn Advice
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Soy candles should be allowed to melt, filling the entire center with liquid. As the liquid around the wick melts, the candle pool should expand to the outside rim of the candle or the sides of the candle container. A flickering candle is a sign that it is not burning properly. The candle should be completely cooled between uses and the candle wick should always be trimmed to 1/4 inch before each use. Soy candles burn up to 50 percent longer and do not increase CO2 levels. Soy candles are easier to clean up than paraffin if wax is spilled. Soy wax can be removed from furniture and candle holders with warm water and soap.
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Safety Recommendations
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Always use caution when burning soy (or any) candles. The National Candle Association recommends that candles be burned in full view and at least 3 inches away from other candles. Candles must never be left burning unattended or when going to sleep. Children and animals must stay away from burning candles and hot candle wax. The candle's liquid pool should always be free of wick debris and candles should be put out with a candle snuffer.
Candles should always be burned in a temperature-safe container and kept away from vents and drafts, including ceiling fans. Make sure the area where candles are used is free of clutter and has heat-resistant surface. Do not burn candles longer than the manufacture's suggestion and only burn candles down to 1/2 inch from the container bottom.
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References
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- Photo Credit light-green candle image by Nedda from Fotolia.com
