Aimee Cebulski is a writer and photographer that has worked extensively with various eco-friendly and health related clients over the years on campaigns to increase public awareness about healthy eating, natural living and cost-saving choices. Founded in 1998, her firm, aim communications , provides communication services to a variety of clients nationwide.
Beeswax candles are a great choice for people wanting an all-natural, non-toxic product to help create a calming, peaceful home environment. These candles burn brighter, hotter, cleaner and longer than any other wax, and is the only naturally existing wax on earth. As beeswax candles burn they produce negative ions that clean the air of odors, pollens, smoke, dust, dust mites and allergens, which makes them extremely popular with anyone looking to increase their overall respiratory health and sleep better.
Because beeswax is quite different from traditional petroleum-based candles, there are a few key tips to maximize your enjoyment and candle burn time:
- 1. Be sure to only burn beeswax votive and tea light candles in the container supplied; these candles are designed to liquify completely.
2. When you light the candle, light the wick where it meets the wax and not at the top and make sure it is COMPLETELY LIT and a small pool of melted wax has started around the wick before you remove the original flame (natural cotton wicks take longer to start than chemically treated ones)
3. Tea lights work best when they are allowed to burn completely (3-4 hours) instead of extinguishing them and lighting them again.
4. Trim the cotton wicks ¼ inch before each lighting to ensure a consistent burn.
So what is that stuff on the top I see sometimes?
You might see a light film on the surface of a beeswax candle that resembles frost; this is actually called “Bloom” and it is a hallmark of high-quality beeswax. Bloom can occur when candles are not used for a while or when they have been stored in cold conditions. There’s nothing wrong with Bloom and it can be easily removed with a soft cloth or gently warming the candle; it does not effect burning of the candle.
It has been estimated that bees must fly 150,000 miles (or visit 10 million flowers) and must eat 8 to 10 pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax. For every 100 pounds of honey a beekeeper harvests, only one to two pounds of beeswax is produced, and one beehive only produces about 12 pounds of beeswax a year! So, enjoy and appreciate all the benefits natural beeswax candles can provide. To see a variety of beeswax candle products and all natural make-your-own candle kits, visit Toadily Handmade.
Editor’s Note: Natural Home & Garden does not recommend, approve or endorse the products/services offered by companies guest bloggers review online. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.
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