Are Soy Candles Safe for Your Home?
When choosing a candle, scent and style shouldn’t be the only things you think about. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, but there are safer, more eco-friendly options like soy wax candles. Jennifer Cleveland from Farmed Flame, a handmade candle and craft store, explains that soy candles are a natural choice. They burn cleanly and are better for your home and the environment.
Benefits of Soy Candles
Soy-based candles offer several great benefits. One big advantage is their longer burn time. Soy wax burns slower than paraffin, meaning you get up to 50% more burn time, making soy candles last longer and giving you more value.
Soy candles also hold and release scents better. The fragrance fills the room more effectively, whether the candle is burning (hot throw) or not (cold throw). Plus, soy wax candles are natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Choosing soy candles supports American farmers and offers a cleaner, safer alternative for your home.
Why Are Soy Candles Safer?
Soy candles are safer because they’re made from natural ingredients, unlike paraffin candles, which come from petroleum. When burned, paraffin candles release chemicals and black soot that can stain walls and furniture. Additionally, a soy candle melting point is much lower, which reduces the risk of burns or accidents.
People often ask, "are soy candles safe for cats?" and the answer is yes, they're completely safe for any home pets.
How to Make Soy Candles at Home and Their Burn Time
Making your own soy candles at home is a fun and rewarding process. Soy wax is great for DIY projects. It melts at a lower temperature and burns longer than paraffin wax. With the right materials, you can create personalized candles with your favorite scents.
Soy candles burn for about 5 to 7 hours per ounce. This makes them more efficient and cost-effective. Soy wax also has a lower melting point, which means it releases fragrance evenly throughout its use without overheating.
For step-by-step instructions and tips on creating your own soy candles, check out our blog on making soy candles at home!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Soy Candles
If you're thinking about making your own soy candles, there are a few common mistakes to watch for:
Overheating the Wax: Soy wax has a lower melting point than other waxes. If overheated, it can burn and lose its natural properties. Always melt it slowly over low heat.
Not Letting Candles Cure: After pouring, it’s important to let the candles fully cure for at least 24-48 hours before burning. This allows the wax and fragrance to set properly.
Incorrect Wick Size: Using the wrong size wick can result in uneven burning. Make sure to choose a wick size based on the diameter of your candle container.
Not Trimming the Wick: Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn to avoid excessive smoke and ensure a cleaner burn.
Candle Care Tips for Longer-Lasting Soy Candles
To get the most out of your soy candles, proper candle care is key. Begin by letting the wax melt evenly on the surface during the first burn. This usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn for future use.
Always trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each burn. This helps keep the flame steady and reduces soot buildup. Be sure to place your candle on a flat surface, away from drafts, and never leave it unattended while burning.
With the right care, your soy candles will last longer and burn cleaner, giving you the full benefits of their natural properties.
Why Should You Choose Soy Candles Over Others?
Soy candles offer more than just a beautiful scent—they're a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable choice for your home.
Many people don't realize that soy candles actually come from soybeans and that those soybeans can often come from right here in South Dakota. You're supporting local farmers near you by burning soy candles in your home.
What Do People Not Realize About Soy Candles?
Many people also don't realize that a candle labeled soy at a store doesn't always mean it's 100% soy. Many brands and companies mix soy and paraffin wax and label the candles as soy or soy blend candles. Since soy is a natural product, it can be harder and more costly for candle makers to use. Because of this, many choose a blend to make things easier and save money.
When and why did you get interested in soy candles?
I've been pouring candles for over three years. At that time, I was making candles for myself for fun and for gifts with paraffin wax. I've always had a passion for supporting agriculture and believe we can all make easy switches to support farmers.
When I realized that the candles I was making were another way I could do that, I started pouring natural soy candles and sourcing from American farmers. I sold at a local market when I first started with soy and had awesome feedback. I have been pouring candles and doing craft shows ever since.
Why did you start the Farmed Flame brand?
Farmed Flame aims to create candles as close to the farm as possible. I source Midwest-grown soy for the wax, use natural wicks that are made from USA-grown cotton, and use natural USA-grown fragrances. The candles are also hand poured in small batches at our farm place.
Ready to learn how to make your own soy candles at home? Check out our DIY guide on making soy candles and discover the many benefits of going natural!
