Millions of people use candles, whether it’s for a romantic meal, or at Christmas time. But many candles contain chemicals, artificial fragrances and produce smoke that is not healthy or safe. Never leave candles unattended, and use a candle snuffer (not your breath) to blow them out).
Sometimes You Don’t Need Candles
You do not always need candles to make a room feel special. There are many ways to set the mood or create a cosy feeling. Soft lighting from a lamp can give a gentle glow. Playing soft music will also help everyone relax.
A warm blanket and comfy pillows on the sofa can make people feel at home. Sometimes, opening a window for a bit of fresh air can change how a room feels.
Candles are nice, but not always safe or needed. You can use many other things to help you and your guests feel happy and settled. Find what works for your space, and use it whenever you want to add a cosy touch.
Important Candle Safety Tips
Candles can be dangerous if not used safely. Here are some easy tips to help keep everyone safe when a candle is lit. Or use battery-operated candles for a safer effect.
- Never burn candles near babies or pets (air rooms before allowing them back in). Also keep reed diffusers and pot pourri away from pets,. Never burn citronella candles (even outside) near pets. Read more on keeping pets safe at Christmas.
- Put candles on a flat, solid surface. Do not put them near anything that can catch fire, like curtains, paper, or towels. Keep candles at least a hand’s length away from these things.
- Always put candles where you can see them. Never leave a lit candle alone in a room. If you leave the room, blow it out first. Candles should be out of reach of young children and pets.
- Trim the wick before lighting. If the string (wick) is too long, the flame could grow too tall or make smoke. Cut it to about one centimetre before lighting.
- Use candle holders that do not tip over. The holder should be strong and not made of anything that melts or catches fire. Make sure wax can collect in the holder without spilling.
- Keep candles away from cold drafts. Open windows or fans can make the flame flick and might blow things into the fire.
- Keep candles apart. If you want to light more than one, put them at least ten centimetres apart. This helps stop the heat building up.
- Always blow out candles before going to bed. Double-check that the flame is out and the wax has stopped glowing.
Choose Soot-Free Candles
When you use soy or coconut candles instead of regular candles, you get a cleaner burn. Regular candles often use paraffin wax, which comes from oil. Burning these can fill the air with black soot. Soot is a dark powder that you can sometimes see on walls or near the candle jar. If you breathe in too much soot, it can feel uncomfortable and make dusting harder at home.
Soy and coconut candles burn without making much soot, so the air stays clearer. These candles come from plants, not oil, so they are safer for you and the people around you. Many people who use them say they smell better too, since the scents are not mixed with a smoky smell.
Cleaner candles mean fewer stains on your walls and less dust around your home. They are a good choice if you want to keep your space fresh and safe. If you notice old candles making a mess, switching to soy or coconut can help right away.
Choose Vegan Candle Wax
Vegan candles use wax made from plants, such as soy or coconut. They do not use beeswax or animal fat. Plant waxes come from things like soybeans or coconuts. These grow back every year, so using them does not hurt animals or the environment as much.
Candles made from beeswax or animal fat need something from animals. Beeswax comes from bees, and animal fat often comes from cows or sheep. Taking these things can disturb animals or even cause them harm.
Vegan candles do not have animal products. Many people feel happier knowing no animal was used. If you care about animals, or if you want to make kinder choices, vegan candles make it easier.
Plant-based candles often cost about the same as other candles. They burn for a long time and create a soft light. Some people say they even smell cleaner.
Improved Fragrance Quality
When choosing candles, it’s best to pick ones that are unscented or made with essential oils. Many candles in shops use fragrance oils, which are chemicals that try to copy real smells. These can make the air inside less healthy and might bother your nose, skin, or breathing. Some people even get headaches from them.
Essential oils come from real plants, so they feel gentler and don’t use as many man-made chemicals. Unscented candles are even simpler. They add a cosy feeling without changing how the air smells.
If you want something that smells nice, check the label. Look for “essential oil” or “unscented.” Avoid candles that say “fragrance” or “parfum” as these are usually not from real plants. Making this choice helps you enjoy candles with fewer worries about what’s inside them.
Octo Candles are made with real essential oils (not artificial fragrance), and hand-poured in glass jars.
