Common Misconceptions and Myths About Candles

When it comes to buying candles, there is a lot of advertising hype that the manufacturers and candle makers would like you to believe. There are many sales pitches that use myths and half-truths out there that are meant to make you think one candle is better than another is. However just because a package say it is does not mean that it is true.

Myth: Soy candles will not smoke when burned.

Truth: A candle that is properly wicked and properly trimmed while burning will not smoke. It does not matter if the candle is made from soy wax, paraffin wax, or any other wax, if the proper wick size is being used and the wick is being trimmed to one-quarter inch when necessary a candle will not smoke.

Myth: Candles can be double and triple scented.

Truth: Wax can only hold a certain amount of fragrance oil; this is known as the wax's maximum scent load. If more than the recommended amount of fragrance oil is used it will create wet spots and puddles in the wax and on the surface. A candle with wet spots and puddles of fragrance oils should not be burned because they are potential fire hazards.

Myth: Candles are all natural.

Truth: This is more of a half-truth. Candles can be made all natural but many of the ones that claim to be are not. In order for a candle to be all-natural it needs to be made from a vegetable wax such as soy, palm, or beeswax. The candle would also need to be scented with an essential oil not fragrance oil. All-natural candles will more than likely not be colored. They will be the natural color of the wax. If a candle is claiming to be all-natural and is scent chocolate chip cookie, someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. There is not a chocolate chip essential oil.

Myth: Wicks that contain metal are lead wicks.

Truth: If the candle is manufactured in the United States, it will not contain a lead wick. Lead wicks have not been manufactured or available to purchase in the United States for several years. The metal inside of the wick is generally zinc, which is completely safe to burn. The Zinc core adds stability to wicks that are used in candles that liquefy such as votives. Note: A candle that is manufactured outside of the United States may contain lead wicks.

These are the most common candles myths and half-truths that are used by candle manufacturers and handmade candle makers to make you believe that their candles are better than the competition. I hope these myths help clear up any misconceptions and make you a well-informed candle consumer.