What are the cleanest burning candles?
14 July 2023
When it comes to clean-burning candles, coconut and rapeseed wax are among the top choices. These waxes have a reputation for producing minimal soot, toxins, and pollutants when compared to alternatives like paraffin wax. By opting for coconut and rapeseed wax candles, you can enjoy a cleaner and healthier burning experience while indulging in delightful fragrances.
Why is coconut and rapeseed the best choice for candles?
Coconut and rapeseed wax offer several advantages that make them the best choice for candles:
- Clean Burning: Coconut and rapeseed wax have a clean burn with minimal soot and smoke. They produce significantly fewer toxins and pollutants compared to traditional paraffin wax, promoting a healthier and safer indoor environment.
- Eco-Friendly: Coconut and rapeseed wax are derived from renewable plant sources, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They have a lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based waxes, supporting efforts towards a greener planet.
- Longer Burn Time: Candles made from coconut and rapeseed wax tend to have a longer burn time. This means you can enjoy their delightful fragrance and warm glow for extended periods, maximising the value and longevity of your candle.
- Enhanced Fragrance Throw: The natural properties of coconut and rapeseed wax allow them to hold and release fragrance more effectively. This results in a stronger and more pleasant scent throw, filling your space with captivating aromas.
- Versatility: Coconut and rapeseed wax can be easily blended with various fragrances, allowing for a diverse range of captivating scents. Their versatility enables candle makers to create unique and enticing aroma combinations.
- Luxurious Appearance: Candles made from coconut and rapeseed wax often have a smooth and creamy appearance that adds a touch of luxury to any setting. Their aesthetic appeal enhances the overall sensory experience and makes them visually appealing decor items.
By choosing coconut and rapeseed wax for your candles, you are not only opting for a superior product but also supporting sustainable practices and enjoying the benefits of a cleaner and longer-lasting burn. It's a choice that aligns with your commitment to quality, eco-consciousness, and creating an enchanting ambiance in your space.
Why Does My Candle Give Off Black Smoke?
If your candle is giving off black smoke, it could be due to a few possible reasons:
- Wick Length: Did you trim the wick before use? The length of the candle wick plays a crucial role in the burn quality. If the wick is too long, it can create a larger flame, leading to incomplete combustion and the production of black smoke. Trimming the wick to the recommended length (about 1/4 inch) before each burn can help alleviate this issue.
- Draughty Environment: Burning a candle in a draughty area can disrupt the flame's stability, causing it to flicker and produce more soot. Ensure that the candle is placed in a location away from drafts, such as open windows or air vents, to prevent the formation of black smoke.
- Excessive Burning Time: Burning a candle for an extended period, beyond the recommended time frame, can lead to excessive heat buildup. This can cause the candle to produce more soot and emit black smoke. Following the suggested burn time, typically no more than 4 hours, can help minimise this occurrence.
- Poor Quality or Incorrect Wax: The quality and composition of the wax used in the candle can also affect its burn quality. Candles made from lower-quality or improperly formulated wax may be more prone to producing black smoke. Choosing high-quality candles from reputable sources can help mitigate this issue.
- Scented Candle Additives: Some fragrances or additives used in scented candles can contribute to the production of soot and black smoke. Opting for candles made with high-quality fragrance oils and natural ingredients can reduce the likelihood of excessive smoke.
If you continue to experience excessive black smoke from your candle despite addressing these factors, it may be worth consulting the candle manufacturer or seeking advice from a professional to ensure proper usage and identify any underlying issues.
Why Not to Burn A Candle For 4 Hours
At Tripps- Somerset, we recommend not burning a candle for more than 4 hours at a time for several reasons:
- Safety: Extended burning periods can increase the risk of accidents, such as fire hazards or overheating of the container. It's important to maintain a safe environment and prevent any potential incidents that may arise from prolonged candle use.
- Wick Maintenance: Burning a candle for an excessive amount of time can lead to a longer and thicker wick. This can result in a larger flame, increased smoke, and potential sooting. By adhering to the 4-hour rule, you help maintain a well-trimmed and controlled wick, ensuring a cleaner burn and optimal performance.
- Candle Longevity: Burning a candle for shorter periods helps prolong its overall lifespan. By allowing the wax to cool and solidify between burns, you can maximise the number of enjoyable hours you get from your candle. It also helps prevent tunnelling, where only a small portion of the wax melts, leaving a significant amount of unused wax around the edges.
- Scent Performance: Most candle fragrances are designed to release their scent gradually over time. Burning a candle for shorter intervals allows the fragrance to disperse more evenly and consistently, providing a more pleasant and balanced aroma experience.
By adhering to the recommended 4-hour burn time, you can create a safer environment, maintain optimal performance, and prolong the life of your candle. This ensures that you get the most out of your candle while enjoying a delightful and worry-free ambiance.
What Happens If You Let A Candle Burn All The Way?
At Tripps.- Somerset, we prioritise candle safety and want to provide you with the best guidance. If you allow a candle to burn all the way down, there are a few important things to consider:
- Fire Hazard: Allowing a candle to burn until there is no wax remaining can pose a significant fire hazard. The heat from the flame may cause the container or surface underneath the candle to become extremely hot, increasing the risk of accidental fires or burns. It is crucial to extinguish the candle before it reaches this point.
- Container Damage: As the candle burns down, the heat can cause the container to become excessively hot, potentially leading to cracking, melting, or even shattering. This can result in a messy and dangerous situation. To prevent damage to the container and surrounding surfaces, it's recommended to stop burning the candle once there is approximately 1/2 inch of wax remaining.
- Wick Safety: As the wax depletes, the wick may become too short to provide a steady and controlled flame. A very short wick can flicker, smoke excessively, or even become difficult to relight. This can compromise the candle's performance and safety. Discontinuing use when the wax level is low helps maintain a well-functioning wick.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable candle experience, we advise you to never burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame when there is approximately 1/2 inch of wax remaining to prevent accidents, preserve the integrity of the container, and ensure the longevity of your candle.
At Tripps - Somerset, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We encourage you to follow our candle care guidelines and practice responsible candle usage for a worry-free and delightful ambiance.
When Should You Stop Using Candles
There are a few situations when it is advisable to stop using candles:
- When the Candle has Burned Down: Once the candle has burned down and only a small amount of wax remains, it's best to discontinue use. Burning a candle with a very low wax level can pose a safety risk as the heat may reach the container or holder, potentially causing damage or injury.
- When the Wick is Too Short: If the candle's wick has become too short, it may have difficulty staying lit or producing a steady flame. In such cases, it is recommended to stop using the candle to prevent any potential hazards.
- When the Candle Shows Signs of Damage: If a candle is cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way, it is important to stop using it. Damaged candles can be unpredictable and may lead to accidents such as leaking wax, uneven burning, or even container breakage.
- When Safety Measures Cannot be Ensured: Candles should be used in a safe and supervised manner. If you are unable to maintain safety precautions, such as keeping the candle away from flammable objects, ensuring it is not left unattended, or following burn time recommendations, it is best to stop using candles to avoid any potential fire hazards.
- When Sensitivity to Fragrance or Smoke Arises: Some individuals may develop sensitivity or allergic reactions to certain fragrances or the smoke emitted by candles. If you experience any adverse effects, such as respiratory issues or discomfort, it is advisable to discontinue using the candle and seek alternative fragrance options.
- When you leave have to leave the room unattended or when you go to sleep.
Is It OK To Sleep With A Candle On?
For safety reasons, it is not recommended to sleep with a candle still burning. It is important to prioritise fire safety and minimise any potential risks.
Leaving a lit candle unattended while you sleep increases the chances of accidents such as fire hazards, wax spills, or overheating of the container. It is always best to extinguish the candle before going to bed or leaving the room.
If you wish to enjoy the ambiance of a candle while you sleep, you may consider using alternatives such as flameless candles or battery-operated LED candles. These options provide a similar warm glow and soothing atmosphere without the fire risk associated with open flames.
Remember to prioritise safety and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines for any candle usage. This will ensure a peaceful and worry-free night's sleep.
