Why Natural Candles are a Better Choice Than Standard Candles
There is something about the feeling that candles give your house makes it so inviting. Whether its a sweet pumpkin smell for the fall or a bright, fruity aroma for the summer, most people agree candles help add a cozy feeling to your home.
But are standard candles the best way to go to get your house smelling nice?
Some people might argue that artificial smells might not be the best choice to make when it comes to scents.
So what’s the difference between natural candles and standard candles?
Let’s go over some of the reasons why you might want to think twice before buying a standard candle to give your house that cozy feeling.
More Natural Ingredients
Natural candles are usually made of soy. This means that it’s typically made from soybeans but not always. Some candles are even made from coconut oil or beeswax.
However, just because soy is a more natural ingredient, doesn’t mean that a soy candle will be all-natural. Some still contain chemical fragrances or may be mixed with other waxes or oils.
Typically, standard candles are made from paraffin wax, which means its made out of petroleum oil. Since standard candles are burning petroleum oil, they can slightly raise the CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
Although this change may not be noticeable or even a notable difference, it’s still something that should be taken into account.
The most significant difference between natural candles and standard candles are the use of fragrances.
So what is fragrance?
Well, no one exactly knows. Companies aren’t required to list the ingredients that make up their fragrance, they simply need to put “fragrance” on their label.
With all the different scents and fragrances of candles, it’s hard to know exactly which ingredients are going into the making of the aromas you find so pleasant.
The scary part about this is that many of those ingredients are chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans and could be carcinogens.
Fragrances can also cause respiratory problems and headaches.
So what’s your alternative?
Choose a natural candle that’s naturally scented with essential oils. Essential oils are naturally scented with no known carcinogens and synthetic scents! That seems like a pretty good switch to make!
Natural Candles Burn Better
Generally, natural candles are more expensive than standard candles. However, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth your money!
Some people are more hesitant to buy natural candles because of their higher price tag. However, since natural candles burn longer than standard candles you really aren’t spending very much extra money!
Think of it this way:
You’d go through two standard candles in the same amount of time that it would take you to go through one natural candle.
Still not convinced that a natural candle is the way to go, we have compiled more information in the infographic below that might help sway you.
Natural candles burn more evenly than traditional paraffin candles which means you won’t have any wax leftover on the sides of the candle.
Not only that but natural candles like soy or beeswax candles actually burn cleaner. This means that it gives off less black smoke than a typical candle.
Here’s one of the biggest benefits:
Natural candles won’t stain walls black. Smoke can discolor things in your home, but natural candles are far less likely to do so.
Soy candles generally don’t leave black rings around the glass like paraffin wax candles do. If you’ve ever had a soy candle that left a black ring then the candle probably wasn’t 100% soy.
Another possible explanation is that the wick might’ve been made out of zinc which burns black. A cotton or hemp wick will burn much cleaner in comparison.
Longer Lasting Scents
Natural candles can have a much longer-lasting scent than standard candles.
Why?
Because candles that are made of soy have a lower melting point, that means that the wax and scents don’t evaporate as quickly as paraffin candles.
You’ll often see a larger pool of melted wax in a natural candle because it takes longer for the candle to heat up and melt, rather than heat up to a hotter temperature and burn quickly.
The result is a pleasant scent that lasts for hours, and since the scents are natural essential oils, you won’t have to worry about any adverse side-effects of too much fragrance.
Imagine a full day of pleasant aromas even after you’ve blown out your candle.
So if you’re looking for a way to freshen up your home without giving yourself a fume-filled headache, then a natural candle might your best bet.
Easier Cleanup
We’ve all been there.
Your little one puts his finger in the melted wax because he likes peeling the dried wax from his fingers.
Immediately you know he’s gotten into the wax because there is a colossal mess all over the counter, couch, and dog!
Don’t fret, there’s good news.
Natural candles are so much easier to clean than paraffin candles. This is because most candles are biodegradable and can come up with simple soap and warm water solution.
Paraffin wax tends to be sticky and smudgy and generally doesn’t come up well. Unfortunately, we’ve learned that the hard way.
Imagine what better things you could do with your time if you didn’t have to spend it scrubbing up paraffin wax from the floors and counters. A soy candle might just let you save you some cleaning time!
The Natural Approach
Going for a more natural approach to certain things in your life will allow you to have less exposure to chemicals and harmful ingredients.
Those harmful ingredients may even be hiding under the name “fragrance.”
A more natural candle will fill your home with the same warming flicker, a beautiful natural scent, and no harmful carcinogens.
So really, the choice is clear. A natural candle is the best way to go!