Soy Candles

Soy wax candles have many benefits and advantages over traditional paraffin wax candles. Many candle aficionados love the fact that soy candles have fewer impurities than paraffin wax candles. This means that soy candles release fewer impurities into the air and also burn more cleanly. Because they burn more cleanly, scented soy candles release a purer fragrance – one not impacted by fillers and additives. Soy candles are also made of soybeans, most of which are grown in the US. Soy candles may be better for your health and they support the local economy as well. When you buy soy candles, you do yourself and local farmers a great deal of good.

Burning soy candles is a little different than dealing with paraffin candles. You should always be sure to burn your soy candle until the entire top of the candle is covered with a pool of liquid. This lets your candle burn evenly, which allows the candle to last longer. If you do not do this, you may find that your candle burns a hole down the centre rather than burning all the way down, which wastes a lot of wax. A good rule of thumb is to burn your candle for a minimum of one hour for every inch in diameter of the candle. This will help ensure the best burning times. Of course, if you are using scented candles, burning your candle for longer will allow you to appreciate the scent more fully.

Once you are done with your soy candle for the day, you should let the candle cool completely. You may notice that as your soy candle cools, the wax may start to look bumpy at the top of the candle. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Soy candles simply do not have the toxic fillers that allow paraffin wax candles to remain so smooth.

Once your candle has cooled completely, store it away. If your candle came in a jar, always replace the lid tightly. You want your soy candle to remain completely free of dust and other debris. Remember: burning dust and debris can be quite toxic, and it is certainly not something you want to be lighting along with your candle. Once your candle is secured, be sure to store it away from the sunlight, which can fade and even melt the soft soy wax. If your candle is scented, seal it to help preserve the scent.

Before you light your candle again, make certain that you trim the ball or mushroom from the end of the wick. This will prevent your candle from smoking and will ensure an even burn. Ideally, you should trim the wick to roughly ¼ inch before burning to keep your soy candle functioning perfectly. A short wick will extend the burning time of the candle and will prevent the candle from smoking. Your soy candle may have come with instructions and safety precautions. Be sure to read them before using the product.

Article source: http://soywaxcandles.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/soy-wax-candles/

Soy candles can be a great way to liven up a summer vacation home. If you are lucky enough to rent a cottage or house by the sea (or in the woods) pack plenty of soy candles when you go. From the moment you walk inside, you can use the candles to make your vacation even more spectacular.

As soon as you walk in, get rid of musty odors in your vacation homes by lighting some candles. If your vacation home has been shut up for a while, the air may be stale, musty, and not very breathable. Soy candles will help to clear the air and create a pleasant atmosphere for you and your family. Scented soy candles are especially good for this. Be sure to open the windows to let air and light in and use the candles to speed up the process of airing out. Candles are also very handy as you try to get the electricity going and as you get familiar with your vacation home.

If you are renting a vacation property or have just moved into a new property, soy candles are an instant and effective way to add instant personality to your temporary abode. Vacation properties sometimes look a little bare or impersonal at first. While you cannot take every picture, book, and memento from your house, you can certainly take a bunch of candles. Simply light the candles and place them around a room and your cottage or home will look instantly more yours and instantly cozier. You’ll have personalized the home and have created a welcoming atmosphere after hours of driving.

In your vacation home, you can also stay safer and be more environmentally friendly with soy candles. If you are using a generator to provide power to your cottage, you may inadvertently be creating some pollution. You may want to turn the generator off occasionally and dine by candlelight. After all, when you are in nature, the last thing you want to do is ruin it. Soy candles are all natural and release minimal soot and substances into the air. Even if you use them frequently indoors, they will not harm your family’s health.

At your cottage or vacation home, soy candles can be ideal for an emergency. When summer storms hit, be sure to have plenty of candles at hand. They can help you see even when the power goes out. Unlike flashlights, soy candles tend to last a long time and tend to be very inexpensive to use, so even if a bad storm takes the power out for hours you will be cozy and safe with candles.

Just as you may shop at the local farmer’s market and patronize local shops while in your summer home, soy candles let you benefit local businesses. Soy candles are often handmade using soybeans grown locally in the USA. By buying these candles, you support our soybean farmers and local businesses as well. That is certainly something to feel good about while you enjoy your summer home.

Article source: http://soywaxcandles.wordpress.com/2007/08/30/soy-candles/