Candles can create a romantic environment for a special dinner, be relaxing when flickering by a warm bubble bath, and just give our homes that special fragrance that is comforting and welcoming. Why do some candles seem to have a long lasting scent while others seem to lose their scent quickly? What are the different kinds of candles and wicks? Which is best? With a little knowledge, you can be an expert at buying and using your candles.
I’ve loved candles since I was young enough to be trusted to light one of them. I’ve bought thousands during my lifetime, and been both happy and terribly disappointed with my purchases. I’ve also made candles for gifts. I’ve learned there are big differences in the quality of candles, how to choose candles I’ll be happy with, and what the differences are among different brands.
Candles are usually made from one of four materials: paraffin wax, beeswax, soy, or gel. Paraffin candles are the most common and usually the least expensive. Beeswax has a plenty smell and is made directly from the wax in a honeycomb. Beeswax candles burn evenly, usually without drips, and are somewhat more expensive than paraffin. Soy candles are natural and are actually better for the environment of your home. Gel candles are translucent candles made from mineral oil and polymer. They usually burn slower than paraffin candles. Soy and beeswax candles, are usually better for people with allergies.
Candles come in different shapes. Tapers are the long candles used in most candlesticks and the kind most often seen on dining room tables. Look for drip-less candles for your table to avoid having wax on your tablecloth. Also, unscented tapers don’t compete with the aroma of your food. Votive candles are small candles in glass cup-like containers and are great to use all over the house when you don’t have room for a large candle. Tea-lights are the most inexpensive candle choice. These are small, usually less than two inches in diameter, and housed in a small, metal container. Along with jar candles, all of the mentioned candles melt completely and are therefore housed in a container of some sort.
Pillar candles come in a choice of many diameters and heights. Many of them have leaves or flowers decorating the sides. They are designed to burn without a container, melting the center and leaving an outer rim of hardened wax to prevent spills. However, for fire safety, it is best to put pillar candles on a metal disc or plate when they are burned. To burn your pillars evenly and leave that perfect outer rim of wax, measure the diameter of your candle by measuring straight across the top. You should burn your candle a maximum of one hour for every inch of diameter for the best results.
A quality candle will have a quality wick. Most good quality wicks are braided. Some wicks are twisted as in birthday candles, but these wicks burn quickly. Some wicks have a metal wire inserted in the middle of the candle. If the candle you are considering has this metal wire, make sure the container states that it is lead-free.
One judge of whether you are buying a quality candle is the packaging. If the candle comes in a box or other package that has information about the candle ingredients and instructions on burning, it is usually a quality candle. One quality candle is Yankee Candles but there are many other high quality brands available.
Fragrance in a candle is one of the main reasons we love them. Candles can be a form of aromatherapy and relax us and make us feel cozy. The best candles with the longest lasting fragrances are the ones that include the fragrance oil into the wax when the candle is made. Low quality candles put a fragrance coating on the outside of the candle only, and these are the ones that lose their scent quickly. To optimize the fragrance, consider a candle warmer. These small devices look like a cup warmer, and plug into an electric socket. They actually slowly melt the candle to release the scent into the air. The candle will completely liquify and can then be brought back to room temperature and a solid state, then re-melted again as long as the fragrance lasts. Candles used in a candle warmer cannot be later burned with the wick. Also, be sure to not burn candles with a metal disk at the bottom of the wick to avoid shattering the glass. Candles can also be purchased unscented.
My best “candle story” happened when my youngest son was in high school. He knew I had a hard day at work and decided to surprise me and clean the house. When I came home, I was so happy to see everything sparkling and clean, but was puzzled as to why he lit the candles. He seemed surprised that I even asked and replied, “But you always light candles after you clean the house.” I hadn’t noticed that, but I guess he had.
Use precautions and never leave your candle unattended for safety. Whatever candle you choose, you are sure to enjoy the flickering flames and relaxing quality of the candle.
