Did you know that beeswax candles clean the air when they
burn? I didn't. At least it’s a new
concept for me. Last Christmas Avry
wanted to make a few beeswax candles for gifts.
As we researched how to make them we found out a lot about all the types
of candle waxes used and why beeswax candles are highly sought after.
First, it’s healthy to burn beeswax candles and unhealthy to
burn other types of candles. I was used
to buying “pretty” candles out at Hobby Lobby and burning them for
atmosphere. To burn candles for my
health seemed odd. Yet the more I read I
began to get it.
Beeswax releases negative
ions when it burns. Pollen, dust, dirt, pollutants, and any other junk in the
air all carry a positive charge, and that is how they can be suspended in the
air. The negative ions released from burning beeswax negate the positive charge
of air contaminants, and the neutralized ions are sucked back into the burning
candle or fall to the ground. Many air purifiers and water filters harness this
effective negative ion technology. So
Beeswax candles are the old school purifier!
Because beeswax candles clean the air and reduce indoor
pollutants, they can effectively reduce asthma, allergies, and hay fever. There are tons of stories about using candles
to reduce allergens from your cat, or help kids with asthma breathe
easier. I’ll have to take their word for
it. We are fairly healthy in our home,
so I have no way of knowing firsthand. I
have noticed that these candles reduce smells in the house, without scenting
the house. My home seems to smell
cleaner. Finally, when you walk in you
smell clean air and not a field of lavender.
My sister used to say, “Sell me a candle that makes you think I’m a
clean freak not a gardener.” She’s
finally got her wish!
In the U.S., the term “pure” on a label means only 51% of an
ingredient (and that goes for food, too). Often, companies sell “pure” beeswax
candles which contain a combination of 51% beeswax and 49% toxic paraffin. Look
for the key phrase “100% Pure Beeswax” on candles. I found a lot of recipes people used to cheat
on candle making. Adding Palm oil, or
coconut oil to reduce the percentage of Beeswax in the candle but also dilutes
it. To me that kind of defeats the
purpose. It makes a cheaper candle, but
reduces the benefits.
Speaking of price, 100% pure beeswax candles come with an
unexpectedly large price. Try twice the
cost of paraffin candles, and 50% more than Soy. That’s easy to understand, my bees make a lot
wax, but not THAT much wax. We’ll end up
buying all our local bee keeping friends extra wax to make up enough candles to
supply the requests. Bernie, another
local beekeeper usually has extra wax,
and he’s not getting into making candles anytime soon!
Most store bought candles are made from paraffin. As the
name implies, paraffin candles are made from paraffin wax, a by-product of
petroleum refining. Let’s not bash all
the pretty candles I have sitting around!
Yet, after reading up, I decided they would sit and not burn from now
on. I had no idea.
So here is something I’ve been doing since Christmas. I’ve been reading the warnings on
candles. Take a look at them. Full of health warnings and dangers. Just flip your candle upside down, there’s
probably a sticker on it telling you how damaging burning your candle can be to
your health. I researched what I need to
put on 100% beeswax candles for a disclaimer.
It says, do not leave open flame unattended. That’s it. Sounds good to me.
