Are Soy Candles Good For Burning?
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is derived from hydrogenated soybean oil. Unlike paraffin wax candles, which are made from petroleum, soy candles contain no chemicals and are considered a natural, renewable resource.
The soy wax is created from the bean of the soy plant. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and then undergo an extraction process to separate the soybean oil from the meal. The oil then goes through a hydrogenation process which converts it into a solid wax.
This wax is then blended with natural essential oils and other ingredients to create soy candles. The soy wax has a lower melting point compared to paraffin, so soy candles burn cooler and slower. The wax also allows for better fragrance retention.
Soy candles are often praised as being a clean, environmentally-friendly alternative to paraffin candles. But how well do they actually burn? Let’s take a deeper look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Soy Candles
Soy candles have many benefits that make them an excellent choice over paraffin wax candles. One of the biggest pros of soy candles is that they have a cleaner burn. The soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, so it binds to the candle wick better. This results in a candle that burns slower and more evenly, without producing excess soot or smoke. The lack of sooty residue is a huge advantage if you want to avoid black marks on walls and ceilings from candle burning. With no petroleum byproducts, soy wax also does not release toxins into the air as it burns. This makes soy candles a great option for people concerned about indoor air quality and health hazards from paraffin candles.
Cons of Soy Candles
One potential downside of soy candles is that they can produce more soot than paraffin candles. This is because soy wax has a lower melting point, so the wax pool tends to burn hotter. The higher temperature can cause more soot to form.
Soot occurs when carbon particles from the wick don’t completely combust. These particles float up into the air and adhere to surfaces as black dust. Too much soot buildup can dirty your home.
Certain things can minimize sooting issues with soy candles:
- Using a candle holder that contains the melt pool
- Trimming wicks to 1⁄4 inch before each burn
- Avoiding drafts and burning candles in still conditions
While soy candles may produce more soot than paraffin, the amount is still minor compared to other sources of soot in the home, like cooking. Proper care can also limit soot production.
Soy vs Paraffin Candles
When comparing soy candles to traditional paraffin candles, there are a few key differences. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum while soy candles are made from soybean oil. This means soy candles are considered a more natural, renewable resource. Here’s how the two stack up:
Burn Time
Soy candles typically have a shorter burn time than paraffin candles. Paraffin wax has a higher melting point so it liquefies more slowly as the candle burns. Soy wax has a lower melting temperature, so the wax pool tends to get deeper faster. The maximum burn time for a soy candle is usually around 8 hours, while paraffin can burn over 12 hours.
Fragrance
The natural scent of soy wax is light with hints of vanilla and honey. This allows the fragrances of soy candles to come through more clearly. Paraffin wax has less of its own scent, but it also retains scents well. Overall, soy candles produce more fragrance while burning compared to paraffin.
Cost
Soy wax generally costs a bit more than paraffin wax. However, many soy candle makers keep prices low by using cotton wicks instead of wood wicks which require trimming. When factoring in soy’s renewable nature and cleaner burn, the slightly higher prices are reasonable for most consumers.
Making Soy Candles
Making soy candles at home is a fun DIY project that allows you to customize your candle’s scent and appearance. Here are the main steps to make soy candles:
Ingredients:
The basic ingredients you’ll need are:
- Soy wax flakes
- Fragrance oil
- Wick
- Candle jar or container
- Double boiler or melting pot
You can find soy wax flakes formulated for candle making at craft stores or online. Make sure to use candle-safe fragrance oils, not essential oils. The wick needs to be made of natural fibers like cotton, hemp or wood. Pick a candle jar, tin or other heat-safe container.
Process:
Follow these steps:
- Set up your double boiler on the stove, fill halfway with water and set the heat to medium-low. Place your soy wax in the top pot to melt.
- Once melted, remove from heat. Add fragrance oil as desired and stir well.
- Prep your wick in the candle jar, securing it straight down the center by adhering it to the bottom.
- Carefully pour your melted soy wax into the jar. Leave some room at the top for the wax to melt and settle.
- Allow the candle to fully cool and harden for at least 24 hours before lighting it.
Customize your homemade soy candles by experimenting with different scents, colors, jars, and creative touches like adding dried flowers. Now you can enjoy your handmade soy candle!
Safety
When burning any candle, it’s important to take safety precautions to prevent fires and injuries. Here are some tips for safely burning soy candles:
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Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, fabric, books, etc. Leave at least 12 inches of space all around the candle.
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Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish the flame if you have to leave the room.
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Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Avoid surfaces like wood or plastic that could catch fire.
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Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
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Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid flare-ups and sooting.
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Don’t burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
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Allow the wax pool to harden completely before relighting a candle.
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Make sure the candle is completely extinguished before leaving it.
Following basic precautions will help ensure soy candles burn cleanly and safely. Proper wick length, ventilation, and monitoring are key.
Top Soy Candle Brands
When it comes to top quality soy candles, there are several leading manufacturers that stand out from the rest. These brands use high-grade soy wax, creative scents, and attractive packaging to produce some of the best soy candles on the market.
Yankee Candle is one of the most well-known candle brands that offers an extensive selection of soy candles. They use natural soy wax and craft their candles in the United States. Popular scents from Yankee Candle include Clean Cotton, Lemon Lavender, and Sage & Citrus.
Bath & Body Works is another major retailer that produces quality soy candles. Their signature White Barn collection features a range of classic and seasonal soy candle scents presented in stylish jars. Well-loved fragrances include Eucalyptus Rain, Mahogany Teakwood, and Fresh Balsam.
Pacifica is an eco-friendly brand that uses 100% soy wax and essential oils in their candles. With options like French Lilac, Indian Coconut Nectar, and Tuscan Blood Orange, Pacifica caters to natural scent preferences. Their products are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Voluspa specializes in luxury scented candles made with coconut wax, although they do offer some soy candles as well. Their stylish packaging and exotic fragrance blends like Santiago Huckleberry and Mokara have made them popular among candle aficionados.
For affordable but quality soy candles, brands like Target’s Threshold collection, Aldi’s Huntington Home, and Walmart’s Mainstays candles offer excellent options. Their candles provide pleasing scents and long burn times at budget-friendly price points.
Scent Options
Soy candles come in a wide variety of scents to suit any preference. Some of the most popular scents for soy candles include:
- Floral – Scents like jasmine, rose, lavender, and lilac create a delicate, fresh fragrance perfect for relaxing.
- Citrus – Uplifting scents like lemon, grapefruit, orange, lime, and bergamot are bright and energizing.
- Herbal – Soothing herbal fragrances like chamomile, eucalyptus, mint, and sage can promote tranquility.
- Spices – Warm aromas of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg add coziness to any space.
- Woodsy – Natural scents like pine, cedar, and sandalwood evoke the great outdoors.
- Sweet – Vanilla, maple, sugar cookie and other sweet scents satisfy cravings for something sugary.
The options are nearly endless when it comes to soy candle scents. Try out a few different fragrance profiles to find your favorites.
Caring for Soy Candles
Proper care and storage of soy candles is important to ensure they burn cleanly and safely. Here are some tips for caring for soy candles:
Storage
Store soy candles in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid areas that get too hot like near a stove or in direct sunlight, as this can cause the soy wax to melt and warp the candle shape. Storing candles in a closet, cupboard or basement is ideal.
Trimming the Wick
Always trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excessive smoking and uneven burning. Use candle snuffers or scissors made specifically for wick trimming. Trim the wick before each use as it gets longer with each burn.
Allow to Pool
When lighting a new soy candle, allow the wax to melt across the entire top “pool” area on the first burn. This helps the candle burn evenly down the sides. Melt pools should be no more than 1/2 inch deep.
Avoid Drafts
Burn soy candles away from drafts caused by windows, doors, vents or fans. Drafts will cause the flame to smoke and tunnel down one side. Place candles on a heat safe surface in a draft-free area for best results.
Proper Burn Times
Burn soy candles no longer than 4 hours at a time. Extinguished candles should be allowed to cool and solidify for at least 2 hours before relighting. Allow the wax pool to completely solidify before each use to avoid tunneling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, soy candles have both pros and cons compared to traditional paraffin candles.
The main benefits of soy candles are that they burn cleaner and longer than paraffin. Soy wax comes from a renewable resource and is biodegradable. Soy candles do not release harmful chemicals into the air while burning like paraffin candles can. The natural fragrance of soy wax also allows for a stronger hot and cold scent throw from soy candles.
However, soy candles can be more expensive than paraffin candles. They also burn at a lower temperature, so the wax pool might tunnel or have issues pooling out fully compared to paraffin. Proper wick maintenance and not letting soy candles burn for too long can help prevent issues like tunneling.
Overall, soy candles can be a great natural and eco-friendly alternative to standard paraffin candles. Just be aware of some of their differences in performance. With the right care when burning, soy candles make an excellent non-toxic candle choice.
