Paraffin wax candles are among the most popular candles today. They are safe, paraffin wax candles produce a nice flame and the paraffin wax is flammable enough to burn for hours. Paraffin wax can be used alone as a candle fuel or paraffin wax candles can be made using wicks and different scents and colors.
The paraffin wax candle-making process can be fun but it does have its drawbacks. Paraffin nearly emits noxious fumes when it is burned. This article discusses the pros of paraffin wax candles versus the cons of paraffin which will hopefully help you decide if paraffin is right for your particular situation.
What is paraffin wax?
Paraffin wax is a by-product of paraffin and paraffin is a flammable, translucent solid which is obtained from petroleum. Petroleum paraffin candles are commonly made in the United States paraffin candles because paraffin can be sourced relatively inexpensively here. Paraffin wax does not contain any artificial additives or other chemicals.
The Pros of Paraffin Wax Candles
There are many benefits to paraffin wax candles including:
- paraffin releases negative ions when they’re burned, resulting in cleaner air and better health for those who breathe it
- paraffin produce a nice burning flame and burn long and bright paraffin wax candles
- paraffin wax is flammable enough to burn for hours
- paraffin wax candles don’t need to be re-lit as often paraffin wax is not easily extinguished paraffin wax is nearly odorless paraffin has a low melting point. This means paraffin melts and burns at low temperatures paraffin candles last longer than most other types of candle fuel
- paraffin can get rid of annoying pet odors in your home
The Cons of Paraffin Wax Candles
Naturally, no product is perfect and there are some drawbacks to paraffin candles. Some paraffin wax candle drawbacks include:
- paraffin can emit noxious fumes
- paraffin releases large amounts of soot when it is burned
- paraffin candles have a short burn time
- paraffin candles produce soot paraffin are not ideal for people who suffer from allergies
- kinds of paraffin are not ideal for children or pets
- kinds of paraffin will leave deposits in your chimney
How to Make Paraffin Wax Candles
When making paraffin wax candles, you need wicks, paraffin wax candles, and a saucepan.
To make paraffin candles, fill your saucepan with roughly 3/4 of an inch or 2 centimeters of water then place it on the stove to warm up. Place one pound or 500 grams of block waste in the pan once the water is heated completely.
Once the paraffin is melted pour it into a mold that has been prepared beforehand. Next, add any desired scent or colorant before finally inserting the wick. Allow your new paraffin wax candle to dry for 24-48 hours before lighting it.
The next time you want clean-burning fuel for your fireplace try making some paraffin candles instead. By doing so, hopefully, you will be able to take advantage of the many benefits paraffin wax candles offer and also minimize or even eliminate any possible cons.
However, if you suffer from allergies it is best not to use paraffin candles as they may contain allergens such as mold spores.
Benefits of Paraffin Wax Candles
When it comes to benefits, paraffin wax candles are hard to beat. Paraffin wax candles emit negative ions, which purify the air and may even improve your health. When you make paraffin wax candles using wicks, they burn brighter and longer than most other types of candle fuel. They are flammable enough to burn for hours without having to be re-lit or extinguished as some votive candles do.
When making paraffin wax candles at home, you get complete control over what goes into them; no additives or extra chemicals are added. They don’t attract bugs or rodents because they do not smell like food!
Finally, when it comes to clean-burning fuel, there is nothing better than paraffin wax candles for reducing soot in your house making them cleaner burning than most other types of wax.
Drawbacks to Paraffin Wax Candles
There are a few cons when it comes to paraffin candles as well. Some find that paraffin releases large amounts of soot when it is burned, although this varies from candle to candle depending on the quality of the wick used. They produce some soot and may leave deposits in your chimney if you use them often. Also, they can emit noxious fumes if made incorrectly or not cared for properly once they have been lit.
For those who suffer from allergies, some kinds of paraffin contain allergens such as mold spores which can make symptoms worse even while you’re burning them inside your home. If this is a concern for you, it is best to avoid paraffin candles altogether.
Finally, because they release negative ions when burned some believe that paraffin wax candles have a calming effect on those who sit near them and thus are not ideal for your favorite TV room or back patio as some people may feel sleepy or drowsy while using them.
Conclusion
When it comes to paraffin wax candles, there are many benefits and drawbacks to consider. The next time you need a clean-burning fuel for your fireplace instead of trying to burn another type of wax-like beeswax, make some paraffin candles at home. If you want to know more about candles, check our site.