Why Clean-Burning Candles Make a Difference
When the days are darker and it’s rainy and cold outside, I love lighting candles. What’s not to love? The soft glow adds warmth to a room, turning a regular evening into a cozy retreat. What I do not like is that too many candles contain harmful chemicals. I used to light candles without much thought, picking up whatever was available or looked appealing. But then I started learning more about the differences in candle types—especially how some burn cleaner than others—and it changed how I approach my candle habits.
Why Choose Clean-Burning Candles?
Many standard candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that can release chemicals like toluene and benzene when burned. Some of these chemicals are known to contribute to indoor air pollution, which can irritate sensitive respiratory systems and are not ideal for anyone’s long-term health. I hadn’t realized that those cozy evenings with the wrong kind of candles could mean breathing in unwanted pollutants. That thought made me pause and start searching for alternatives.
Switching to clean-burning candles was a simple way to elevate my experience with candles and improve indoor air quality.
Types of Clean-Burning Candles
In my search for cleaner candles, I discovered a growing market for options made from natural waxes. Some of the most popular types include:
1. Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax derived from soybean oil. It burns slower than paraffin, which means the candle lasts longer. I’ve found that soy candles often have a subtle fragrance that doesn’t feel overwhelming, which I love since we live in a smaller apartment. They’re also biodegradable and more accessible to clean up if wax spills.
2. Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are often considered the gold standard for clean burning. Naturally scented with a soft, honey-like fragrance, beeswax candles emit negative ions when they burn. These ions help purify the air by neutralizing dust and other pollutants. My first beeswax candle filled the room with a gentle warmth that somehow made the air feel cleaner. I find them a bit more expensive, but they’re a treat that I don’t mind splurging on now and then.
3. Coconut Wax Candles
Coconut wax, a newer entry in the market, has become a favorite of mine. Made from coconut meat, it burns slowly and evenly and retains fragrance. I was impressed by how smoothly these candles burn without the black soot or smoke some other candles produce. Although they’re a little more niche, I’ve noticed coconut wax candles popping up in more stores and artisan candle brands.
Watch Out for Fragrances
While fragrances can make your home smell wonderful, they may also prevent a candle from burning cleanly. Synthetic fragrances can also release irritating chemicals. Now, I look for candles with essential oils or natural fragrance blends. Essential oil candles have a gentler, more grounded scent, and I find it refreshing compared to the overly intense fragrances in some synthetic candles.
Here are a few of my favorite candle brands:
Read more about how to reduce chemicals in your daily life
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