Let’s talk common myths in candles. The most common I have heard are…

Triple scented candles… Most handmade candles are scented with the correct amount of fragrance oil as dictated by the Chandler’s testing. There is a recommended amount of fragrance oil that can be added to wax, but that varies by type of wax and one’s measure of ample scent.

Because scent is one of the most expensive components of a candle, mass manufacturers use cheap/inferior grade fragrance oils and keep their percentage of usage at a minimum. It became common practice in the early days of handmade candle mania for Chandlers to boast having “triple scented” candles. This was based on the industry average (large candle manufacturers) level of usage. So in their defense… most Chandlers did/do use more than their large company counterparts.

Unfortunately, what the industy average was/is and thus the amount they are tripling – is never revealed and I doubt they know for sure. Think of it this way, three times a penny is only 3 cents! It’s simply marketing hype. Wax is like a sponge and will only hold so much fragrance oil, any more than it will hold and it will leak, or seep out becoming unsightly and NOT burnable.

Paraffn Candles can Cause Cancer… This is based on some random studies that were concluded WITHOUT any supporting evidence or research that paraffin wax emits toxic or carcinoginic fumes while burning. Their studies also suggest that the burning of paraffin wax is an allergen, which also had not been proven although the fragrance oils used in most candles can be. I make candles of soy because it’s the wax I prefer to use,  not because there is any “wrong” with paraffin waxes.

Soy Candles Are ALL Natural…I always stress to my customers that the choice to make soy candles was based on my decision to keep products I produce as natural as possible. Any wax that is used for candles is processed, which entails taking a natural product and doing some “not so natural things” to it to make it work for the intended purpose. It’s not possible to pick soybeans, mash them up and make candle wax. Soybeans are subject to chemical fertilization and the use of pesticides – MOST oils, butter and waxes are, they are not like syrup you just tap and pour. Much of the soybeans grown today are hybrids, genetically altered to increase yield and desirable traits. Once the oils of the soybean is expressed through chemical solvents, it is hydrogenated to infuse it with air to make it a solid. Does not sound so natural now right?

But seriously – soy wax IS a naturally derived product. The expression of oil does not leave it chemically tainted. Hydrongenation, abit complicated process is only altering the basic state of the product. And soybeans are a renewable resource, grown in America – so it does support our farmers. 

Into everyone’s life there is a bonbardment of “crap” excuse my political incorrectness. We get zapped with a plethura of rays, germs, chemicals, viruses, general badies daily. It seems everything is out to get you. In keeping with my desire to maintain products that are naturally derived, I feel I am making a trade up into the “better” for you category. The more things we can keep natural in our lifes the less “crap” we have to content with. And remember I am pouring up to 50 pounds of steaming wax a day at times, talk about exposure! Those reasons along with some allergy issues I developed while buring paraffin candles, and my desire to have cleaner burning candles, that lasted longer – is why I chose to craft soy wax.

Beware of Lead Wicks…Sure, but chances of finding lead wicks in this county are rare. Their sale and distribution has been banned for years. If you see what appears to be metal in a wick, most likely it is zinc, used to add rigidity to wicks – commonly used in many types candles.

Gel Wax Candles are Dangerous…Some urban legend made it’s way through the internet about an exploding gel wax candle and people have been repeating it ever since. ALL CANDLES ARE DANGEROUS IF YOU USE THEM IRRESPONSIBLY.  Almost every candle has a warning label and burning insructions, these must be followed to burn the candle correctly. Gel wax is no more dangerous than any other wax. I will admit though, it is at times hard to see the melt pool in clear wax. Special care should be paid to not “blow” out a gel wax candle, instead diffuse the flame by cutting off air to the flame/wick. Use either a snuffer or a flame proof top to extinguish.

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