FAQ

How are Candles Made?

Although modern technology has introduced greater efficiencies and quality control in candle-making, most candles are made through the timeless process of placing a cotton wick into wax, which is then moulded, dipped, extruded, pressed rolled, drawn or filled into the desired shape and size.

How many types of candles are there and what are the typical ingredients?

A candle consists primarily of wax and a wick. Candles may also contain colorants, fragrances and minor additives. The basic candle types are tapers, votives, pillars, jar or container candles, tealights, gels, floating candles, outdoor candles, novelty candles, utility candles, and birthday candles.

What sort of chemical reaction occurs when a candle burns?

When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This melted or liquid wax is then drawn up into the wick by capillary action. The flame’s heat vaporizes the liquid wax to produce water vapour and carbon dioxide (the same bi-products that humans produce when exhaling).

How can I tell if I'm buying a quality candle?

Unless a candle has defects that are obvious to the eye, you probably can’t tell just by looking. That’s why we strongly recommend that you purchase candles from a reputable manufacturer.

What kinds of waxes are typically used in candles?

The most commonly used candle wax is paraffin. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthetic waxes are also frequently used in candles. Different blends of these waxes are popular with many manufacturers.

Are certain candle waxes better than others?

No. All types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner, candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.

How long should I burn a candle?

Maximum burn times vary from candle to candle; follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always extinguish a candle if the flame gets too close to the candle holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 5mm of wax remains (3mm  if a container candle or jar candle).

What causes a candle to smoke and what can I do to correct it?

A well-made candle will create virtually no smoke when burning properly. However, if the wick becomes too long, or an air current disturbs the flame’s teardrop shape, small amounts of unburned carbon particles (soot) will escape from the flame as a visible wisp of smoke. Any candle will soot if the flame is disturbed.

To avoid this, always trim the wick to approximately 5mm before every use and be sure to place candles away from drafts, vents or air currents. If a candle continually flickers or smokes, it is not burning properly and should be extinguished. Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, make sure the area is draft free then re-light.  

Is candle soot harmful?

No. The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle is the natural bi-product of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles, and is similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils. These everyday household sources of soot are not considered a health concern, and are chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, petrol, etc.

Do scented candles produce more soot than unscented candles?

Not really. The oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot produced by a candle, but wick length and flame disturbance are the primary factors that impact the amount of soot produced in a properly-formulated candle.

Are scented candles safe?

Yes. When a candle burns, the wax is drawn into the wick, where it is “consumed” by the candle flame to produce water vapour and carbon dioxide. The only difference with a scented candle is that a small amount of fragrance is released as well.

Reputable candle manufacturers use only fragrances that are approved for burning in candles. They also carefully monitor the addition of fragrance to ensure that the candle will burn cleanly and properly.

I love scented candles, why don't candle manufacturers add a lot more fragrance?

There is a maximum amount of fragrance that can be added to a candle before it no longer burns cleanly or properly.

Is my candle biodegradable?

Probably. Studies have shown that beeswax, paraffin and vegetable-based waxes are biodegradable. The vast majority of candles today are made primarily from these waxes.

Should I be concerned about lead wicks in candles?

No.  The likelihood of purchasing a lead-wicked candle in NZ is very low. Lead wicks have been officially banned for many years, before then they were primarily limited to inexpensive imported candles

Why do some candles have metal-core wicks?

Metal-core wicks are sometimes used in container candles and votives to keep the wick upright when the surrounding wax liquefies during burning. Today’s metal-core wicks are made with either zinc or tin. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown both zinc- and tin-core wicks to be safe and non-toxic.

Is paraffin wax toxic?

No. Paraffin wax – like all candle waxes – is non-toxic. In fact, paraffin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. We only use food-grade paraffin for manufacturing candles.  

Are scented candles triggers for asthma or allergies?

Although thousands of people regularly use scented candles without any negative effects, it is always possible that a particular fragrance might trigger a negative reaction in sensitive individuals. Individuals with known sensitivities to specific fragrances may want to avoid candles of those scents. In addition, consumers should remember to burn all candles, whether scented or unscented, in a well-ventilated area.  

What should I know about using candles safely?

Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly and according to manufacturer directions. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that a burning candle is an open flame, and thus a potential fire hazard if not monitored carefully.

When burning candles, consumers should follow these basic safety rules:

  • Keep lit candles within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
  • Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Trim wicks to about half a centimetre prior to each use.
  • Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
  • Always use an appropriate candle-holder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.