Candles 101

Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax:

Candles can be made with different types of wax.  The most common waxes used are paraffin and soy.  Paraffin wax is a refined gasoline by-product of petroleum. If you ever burned a paraffin wax candle you may notice black smoke coming from the wick and a black film on the inside of the jar after burning. When burning paraffin candles toxins, pollutants and carcinogens are emitted into the air. 

Soy Candles are made from soybeans, a natural, renewable source grown in many regions by local farmers....right here in the USA!  A candle made from soy wax burns cleaner, lasts longer and is less likely to trigger allergies! No pollutants, carcinogens or toxins! They are 100% biodegradable and on average burn longer than paraffin.  (Soy wax also cleans up quick and easy if you happen to have a candle mishap.) 

Candle Tunneling:

There are a few reasons why you may experience a deep well (tunnel) in the middle of the candle. The most common reason is that you do not burn your candle long enough. If you light your candle and extinguish it shortly thereafter tunneling will occur. You need to burn your candle for 1 hour for each inch in diameter of your jar. (For example, a jar that is three inches wide should burn for 3 hours). Another reason you may experience tunneling is that the wick is not the right size for the candle.

Cold Throw:

The scent released from a candle when it is not lit.

Hot Throw:

The scent released from a candle when it is burning.

Melt Pool: 

Ahhhhhhhh the glorious melt pool! A full melt pool occurs when the wax has been heated long enough to reach the edge of the container. This usually occurs in about 1-2 hours depending on the size of your jar. A full melt pool will reach a depth of 1/2 inch. This will allow the fragrance to disperse more completely into the room. (Remember burn your candles for a maximum of 4 hours at a time).

Frosting:

As a candle cures you may see "whitish crystals" form on the top or the side of the jar. This is called frosting. Frosting is a unique and natural effect of using vegetable waxes, ESPECIALLY SOY. The wax is trying to return back to its natural form and as a result it begins to crystallize. It doesn’t affect the performance of the candle in any way and also means your wax is 100% natural! 

Mushrooming:

The carbon build-up on the top of the wick. This is most common with cotton wicks.  Trim wicks 1/4 inch after each burn.