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.

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