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Everyday Whims
Fragrance For Everyday Life
www.everydaywhims.com
"Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived."- Helen Keller
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Copyright © 2008 Everyday Whims
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FAQ
Wax Melts
Simmer Pots
Aroma Oils
Scent List
Tips For Use
Store Policies
Contact Us
About Us
FAQ
The Great Wax Debate!
I find it important to talk about wax. Not bash any in particular , nor offer a sales pitch to support my choice in wax, but just information to help educate anyone interested in learning the truth behind the great wax debate. Of coarse, here at Everyday Whims we do not currently offer a wicked candle. But none-the-less, this information can be informative, useful, and can be used by our customers to help them make an informed decision about what type of candle to purchase and burn in their homes and feel safe and comfortable with their choice.
Things to keep in mind - Wax, either paraffin OR soy, occurs naturally in our environment and is then processed to become the wax that we use for candles. A soy bean does not become soy wax without manufacturing and processing it to be such. And paraffin comes from the ground and is then manufactured and processed to become the wax we use.... It is also a renewable source.
Both waxes can produce a great candle!
People often ask me which I choose to burn and the honest truth is BOTH. Hand me a well made candle (paraffin or soy) and I will be happy. And I myself have used both waxes before deciding upon paraffin wax for my melts.
The information I have listed here is taken from the NCA - National Candle Association - so it comes straight from the horses mouth.
Are certain waxes better than others?
No. All types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner. U.S. candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.
Are candles made with "natural" ingredients or essential oils safer?
A natural ingredient, as opposed to a manufactured or synthesized ingredient, is not necessarily any safer. In fact, scores of natural ingredients are known to be extremely toxic to humans in very small amounts. NCA members are committed to manufacturing candles that use ingredients known to be safe and approved for use in candles, whether "natural" or synthesized.
Is candle soot harmful?
No. The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles, and is similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils. These everyday household sources of soot are not considered a health concern, and are chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, gasoline, etc.
Do scented candles produce more soot than unscented candles?
Not really. The oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot produced by a candle, but wick length and flame disturbance are the primary factors that impact sooting in a properly-formulated candle.
Is my candle biodegradable?
Probably. Studies have shown that beeswax, paraffin and vegetable-based waxes are biodegradable. The vast majority of candles today are made primarily from these waxes.
Are vegetable-based waxes water soluble?
No. By definition, a wax is not soluble in water.
Should I be concerned about lead wicks in candles?
No. The likelihood of purchasing a lead-wicked candle in the U.S. is very low. Lead wicks have been officially banned in the United States since 2003, and before then they were primarily limited to inexpensive imported candles. NCA members voluntarily agreed to not use lead wicks in 1974, and long supported the elimination of lead wick use.
Is paraffin wax toxic?
No. Paraffin wax – like all candle waxes - is non-toxic. In fact, paraffin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. Food-grade paraffin is commonly used for manufacturing candles.
What should I know about using candles safely?
Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly and according to manufacturer directions. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that a burning candle is an open flame, and thus a potential fire hazard if not monitored carefully.
When burning candles, consumers should follow these basic safety rules:
*Keep lighted candles within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
*Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
*Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
*Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.
*Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
*Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
*Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
Please visit the National Candle Association for more information on how to properly burn a candle, fire safety, candle history, and tips from experts.
Things to keep in mind - Wax, either paraffin OR soy, occurs naturally in our environment and is then processed to become the wax that we use for candles. A soy bean does not become soy wax without manufacturing and processing it to be such. And paraffin comes from the ground and is then manufactured and processed to become the wax we use.... It is also a renewable source.
Both waxes can produce a great candle!
People often ask me which I choose to burn and the honest truth is BOTH. Hand me a well made candle (paraffin or soy) and I will be happy. And I myself have used both waxes before deciding upon paraffin wax for my melts.
The information I have listed here is taken from the NCA - National Candle Association - so it comes straight from the horses mouth.
Are certain waxes better than others?
No. All types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner. U.S. candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.
Are candles made with "natural" ingredients or essential oils safer?
A natural ingredient, as opposed to a manufactured or synthesized ingredient, is not necessarily any safer. In fact, scores of natural ingredients are known to be extremely toxic to humans in very small amounts. NCA members are committed to manufacturing candles that use ingredients known to be safe and approved for use in candles, whether "natural" or synthesized.
Is candle soot harmful?
No. The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles, and is similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils. These everyday household sources of soot are not considered a health concern, and are chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, gasoline, etc.
Do scented candles produce more soot than unscented candles?
Not really. The oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot produced by a candle, but wick length and flame disturbance are the primary factors that impact sooting in a properly-formulated candle.
Is my candle biodegradable?
Probably. Studies have shown that beeswax, paraffin and vegetable-based waxes are biodegradable. The vast majority of candles today are made primarily from these waxes.
Are vegetable-based waxes water soluble?
No. By definition, a wax is not soluble in water.
Should I be concerned about lead wicks in candles?
No. The likelihood of purchasing a lead-wicked candle in the U.S. is very low. Lead wicks have been officially banned in the United States since 2003, and before then they were primarily limited to inexpensive imported candles. NCA members voluntarily agreed to not use lead wicks in 1974, and long supported the elimination of lead wick use.
Is paraffin wax toxic?
No. Paraffin wax – like all candle waxes - is non-toxic. In fact, paraffin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. Food-grade paraffin is commonly used for manufacturing candles.
What should I know about using candles safely?
Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly and according to manufacturer directions. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that a burning candle is an open flame, and thus a potential fire hazard if not monitored carefully.
When burning candles, consumers should follow these basic safety rules:
*Keep lighted candles within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
*Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
*Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
*Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.
*Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
*Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
*Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
Please visit the National Candle Association for more information on how to properly burn a candle, fire safety, candle history, and tips from experts.