When purchasing a candle, most people are concerned with the shape, color, fragrance and possible the type of wax used. Candle makers on the other hand, consider the candle wick the most important feature since it delivers fuel to the wax. The candle wick actually pulls the wax up into the flame to burn.
The size, shape and the type of wax used will determine what type of candle wick should be used. The wick selection controls how the candle burns. A good candle will burn cleanly and properly.
Look for candles with braided or knitted fibers to produce a long, slow burn. A loose wick that is twisted will burn faster due to the loose construction that allows for more fuel to reach the flame. A fast burning wick such as this is used for birthday candles because they need to burn fast and hot.
A natural candle should have an all-cotton or cotton-paper mixture wick. Metal or lead candle wicks are most often used in container candles and votives to keep the wick upright when burning. Zinc and tin-core wicks are safe, but others are not. In fact, lead wicks were officially banned in the US in 2003.
CLICK HERE for soy candles that are 96% pure soy
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Why You Should Only Use Natural Candles
People are going green and even switching from the classic paraffin candles to using all natural candles such as soy candles, palm wax candles and beeswax candles. But which type is really best and what the heck is wrong with paraffin candles?
Paraffin Candle Wax
Paraffin is a petroleum derivative and when burned releases carcinogenic toxins which we all know are huge risks to our health. These toxins are the same as produced by burning diesel fuel. Therefore, burning a paraffin candle is like starting a diesel engine inside your home!
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is returning to popularity because it is less likely to trigger allergies. Beeswax does not produce soot or toxins when burned, but it is the most expensive candle to purchase. A positive aspect of beeswax candles is that they are the longest burning candle you can purchase. They are also said to purify the air as they burn since they release negative ions.
Soy Candles
Soy candles can last up to 30% longer than paraffin candles. These candles burn slow naturally, are non-toxic, are less likely to trigger allergies and produce very little soot. To make sure you are getting real soy, it must be included on the label for the candle.
Palm Wax Candles
Palm wax is a renewable resource obtained from the oil palm in Southeast Asia. This all-natural product is environmentally friendly and produces excellent candles. Palm wax holds the scent longer, resists melting in high summer heat, and molds well making it possible to create just about any shape desired.
Since soy candles and beeswax candles are more expensive than paraffin candles, be aware that some candles are sold with a mix of ingredients including paraffin. Remember this when making a purchase based on price - be sure to check the label to see how much paraffin is included.
Many candles advertised as slow burning may have additives that are dangerous. These candles will have a greasy feel which identify the dangerous additives. If you just can't live without these due to their decorative appearance, don't burn them in the house - just use them in your decor.
You can find soy candles 96% pure when you visit Decorate Using Candles.
Paraffin Candle Wax
Paraffin is a petroleum derivative and when burned releases carcinogenic toxins which we all know are huge risks to our health. These toxins are the same as produced by burning diesel fuel. Therefore, burning a paraffin candle is like starting a diesel engine inside your home!
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is returning to popularity because it is less likely to trigger allergies. Beeswax does not produce soot or toxins when burned, but it is the most expensive candle to purchase. A positive aspect of beeswax candles is that they are the longest burning candle you can purchase. They are also said to purify the air as they burn since they release negative ions.
Soy Candles
Soy candles can last up to 30% longer than paraffin candles. These candles burn slow naturally, are non-toxic, are less likely to trigger allergies and produce very little soot. To make sure you are getting real soy, it must be included on the label for the candle.
Palm Wax Candles
Palm wax is a renewable resource obtained from the oil palm in Southeast Asia. This all-natural product is environmentally friendly and produces excellent candles. Palm wax holds the scent longer, resists melting in high summer heat, and molds well making it possible to create just about any shape desired.
Since soy candles and beeswax candles are more expensive than paraffin candles, be aware that some candles are sold with a mix of ingredients including paraffin. Remember this when making a purchase based on price - be sure to check the label to see how much paraffin is included.
Many candles advertised as slow burning may have additives that are dangerous. These candles will have a greasy feel which identify the dangerous additives. If you just can't live without these due to their decorative appearance, don't burn them in the house - just use them in your decor.
You can find soy candles 96% pure when you visit Decorate Using Candles.
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