CANDLES

Introduction to Candles

A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax or another flammable solid substance, such as tallow, that provides light and, in some cases, a fragrance. A candle can also provide heat or be a method of keeping time. The wick burns and melts the solid fuel around it. As it melts, it ‘wicks’ the fuel up through the fibers and then vaporizes the fuel.

Brief History of Candles

Candle-making was developed independently in many places around the world. Evidence suggests that rudimentary forms of candles were used as early as 5000 BC. The Romans began making dipped candles from tallow around 1000 BC. Evidence for candles made from whale fat in China dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE). In India, wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles. During the Middle Ages, tallow candles were most commonly used. By the 13th century, candle-making had become a guild craft in England and France.

Importance and Uses of Candles in Modern Times

Today, candles serve to symbolize a celebration, ignite romance, soothe the senses, honor a ceremony, and accent home decor, casting a warm and lovely glow for all to enjoy. They can transport us through scents, bringing us to that destination we miss, bringing us back to memories of family, and now expanding our senses through innovative scents. Candles have played an essential role in religious ceremonies and practices throughout history. They represent the presence of a higher power, and their light is believed to dispel darkness and evil. In many religions, candles are also used to symbolize the soul or spirit of an individual.

An overview of the different types of candles you mentioned:

Paraffin Candles

Paraffin candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of oil refinement. They are extremely versatile and can be used to make any type of candle. Paraffin candles are known for their excellent scent-throwing capabilities and allow a more vibrant range of colors than other waxes. However, when burned, they can emit chemicals such as toluene and benzene, which have been linked to health issues.

Soy Candles

Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is derived from soybeans. They are renewable, biodegradable, and do not emit any harmful or toxic gases when they burn. Soy candles also have a reputation for being ‘clean burning’ candles. They offer a cleaner scent, burn longer, and are easier to clean if spilled.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are made from the wax produced by honeybees. They are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and produce clean fumes with little smoke. Beeswax candles also have anti-allergenic properties and are known for their longer burning period. They generate a unique light that is soothing and brilliant for meditation.

Gel Candles

Gel candles are made from a clear, jelly-like substance called gel wax. They offer a captivating visual appeal due to their transparency and ability to hold decorative elements. Gel candles have a slower burn rate compared to traditional waxes, resulting in a longer burning duration.

Specialty Candles

Specialty candles can include a variety of types, such as scented, therapeutic, and decorative candles. Scented candles can help improve emotional wellbeing and create a pleasant aroma in your space. Therapeutic candles can offer soothing, relaxing, and therapeutic benefits. Decorative candles can enhance the ambiance and decor of your space.

Candle Care and Safety

Candle care and safety are crucial to ensuring you get the most out of your candles, prolong their lives, enhance their performance, and most importantly, maintain safety. Here are some tips for burning candles safely:

Candle Care

1. Trim the Wick: Keep the wick trimmed to about 1cm each time you light your candle. This provides a clean, even burn and prevents high flames that can lead to soot and uneven burning.
2. Burn Time: Let your candle burn for about one hour for each inch of its diameter. This allows the wax pool to reach the edges of the candle, preventing tunneling. However, don’t burn your candle for more than four hours at a time.
3. Storage: Proper storage can significantly extend your candle’s life. Always keep your candle free from wick trimmings, matches, or any other debris that could ignite.

Candle Safety

1. Placement: Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces. Keep candles away from flammable objects like furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
2. Supervision: Never leave a burning candle unattended or lit while sleeping. If you are going to leave the room or go to bed, be sure to extinguish all candles first.
3. Handling: Never touch or move a burning candle. Do not touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
4. Extinguishing: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle, if available, as it’s the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering. Do not use water to extinguish a candle; this can cause the hot wax to splatter and could break a glass container.

Remember, every candle is unique and requires different care. Always follow the candle manufacturer’s recommendations on proper candle holders, burn times, and extinguishing.

Candle care is crucial to prolonging the life of your candles. Here are some tips to help you make your candles last longer:

1. Place the Candle in Your Freezer: It might sound silly, but it’ll help increase the lifespan of your candle in the long run. Placing a candle in the freezer helps freeze the wax, which causes it to melt much more slowly.
2. Sprinkle Salt into the Liquid Wax: Burn a candle long enough to collect a little pool of wax around the wick, then sprinkle a bit of table salt into the wax. This will slow down the rate at which your wax melts, thus increasing the lifespan of your favorite candle.
3. Let Your Candles Burn: Allow the candle to burn for longer; you’ll get a pool of hot wax around that should span the diameter of the glass. Doing so allows the candle wax to melt evenly, and you won’t end up with those wasted wax walls.
4. Trim the Wick: Keep the wick trimmed to about 1cm each time you light your candle. This provides a clean, even burn and prevents high flames that can lead to soot and uneven burning.
5. Limit Burn Time: Upon first use, always burn your candle for a few hours. After that, you should only burn your candles for three to four hours at a time.
6. Care for the Wick: A candle is only as good as its wick. This braided cotton piece that holds the flame should measure about 1/4 to 1/8 inch high in order to produce an ideal burn.

Remember, every candle is unique and requires different care. Always follow the candle manufacturer’s recommendations on proper candle holders, burn times, and extinguishing.

Proper storage of candles is crucial to maintaining their quality and longevity. Here are some tips for storing candles correctly:

1. Cool, dry place: Candles last longest when kept at low-to-moderate temperatures. For this reason, places like cupboards, closets, and dry basements tend to be the best storage locations. Ideally, your candles should remain at a temperature between 50 °F (10 °C) and 85 °F (29 °C) while they’re in storage.
2. Away from Sunlight: Sunlight can bleach dyed candles, leaving them looking faded or discolored. It can also sap the fragrance from scented candles. Therefore, keep your candles out of direct sunlight.
3. Safe from Children or Pets: Ensure that your candles are stored in hard-to-reach places away from children or pets. You might place them in a container with a locking lid, hide them, or perch them on a high shelf where they’ll be safely out of reach.
4. Proper Containers: If you’re concerned about oil leaking onto the shelves of a closet or perhaps dripping onto items below if you have wire shelving, consider storing candles in a plastic bag. Glass containers with a lid can sit on a shelf, but avoid stacking them as they can easily fall over and break. For open glass jars, placing them in a plastic bag will better maintain their scent.
5. Away from Flammable Materials: Ensure that they are not stored near any flammable materials.

Remember, every candle is unique and requires different care. Always follow the candle manufacturer’s recommendations on proper storage.