The HS Guide to Candles
Burn Baby Burn! Trapp Candles!!!
Lately, it seems like every day is the longest day in the history of the earth. The kind of day where all you want is your favorite comfort food, fuzzy slippers, a warm bath and the glow of a glorious scented candle. For me, my comfort food list begins and ends with hot wings, blue cheese and chocolate cake. It always has and probably always will. Insert here your own favorites…consider lasagna, cheesecake, and chocolate mint ice cream if you need ideas.
So, I’m pretty clear on the food and fuzzy slippers part. But the search for the perfectly scented candle has gotten a little dicey lately. Is a soy wax candle good or bad? Are melts the way to go? How long should the scent last? And what’s this noise about having the right wick? Do they really cause cancer? Good grief.
I did some super sleuthing and put together some basic candle tips. I also have fallen in love with Trapp Candles along the way. Take a look at this guide and let me know what you think. Also, PLEASE share your favorite candles with us. We will do a follow up blog with your suggestions!!
Candles can be expensive so consider the following:
Paraffin vs Soy
Most quality candle makers today have transitioned to a soy-based wax. These tend to burn longer, cleaner and produce less smoke and soot. This is better for individuals with allergies and better for the environment as paraffin is a petroleum product.
Smoke and Soot
Some candles burn nice and clean while others seem to put off a lot of smoke and residue. If your candle is in an area with high air flow this could be a cause. Also, a wick that is longer than about half an inch will also increase the smoke and soot factor. Lastly, candles with excessive fragrance or colors also burn less cleanly.
So, buy quality candles, keep the wick trimmed and the breeze in the room to a minimum.
Burn, baby, burn!
As you are comparing scents and the candle holder (yes, the container must be awesome!), compare burn times as well. You don’t want to have a tremendous candle with a burn time less than the time it takes to run a warm bath and pour a glass of wine.
Can I smell it across the room?
I never considered that the ability to fill a space with aroma was something that candle makers actually incorporated into a candle. When I think about it though, I have had nice smelling candles that I can only smell if I stick my nose right up to it. While others are able to permeate the room with their lovely scent. Keep this in mind when comparing candles for repurchase.
Cored, Braided, Zinc, Oh My!
You’ve probably heard people talking about candles that have metal in them and that it’s dangerous to breathe the fumes. Well the truth is that wicks are composed of numerous components and methods to allow them to self-trim, stand up or curl, sparkle, etc.
Cheaper candles may have a core that has zinc in it. If the fumes are inhaled with the zinc, some people may have a respiratory problem. Check with the manufacturer if you have any questions.
Wickless and Melts
These are super clean without having the smoke or soot we mentioned earlier. You do need a warming source but families with children will find them safer than candles. Additionally, they are intensely more fragrant!
Scents
If you are using your candles to relax, some scents are just the ticket to ease you at the end of the day. Lavender, vanilla, rose and geranium, citrus and sandalwood are the most prominent in aromatherapy products.
OUR FAVORITE CANDLE
Karson is a big fan of this brand. She included the Orange Vanilla candle in my birthday basket and I became a Trapp candle convert. The Trapp Signature Home Collection has some of the most unique fragrances that you may find. This candle burns cleans and spread the scent easily around a room.
So, those are some ways to consider how to choose a candle. Relax and enjoy!
