Many people love candles. During the holiday season, the look and scent of a burning candle evokes memories of past holidays. In addition, a flickering candle flame provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere during what can a busy and overactive season.
 
When shopping for candles, consumers consider various important factors including color, design and scent. Candle safety should be one of the important factors to be thinking about while purchasing a candle. All candles burn a wick that supplies fuel to the flame. Whether the candle is a natural soy candle or some other type, basic care must be taken to ensure safety. Several candle safety tips are listed below.
 
Candles have traditionally been made from materials like beeswax, whale oil and more recently paraffin wax. These materials are adequate for making a candle but can give off a black soot that contains various chemicals, can discolor your walls and ceilings and bother some people with respiratory issues. Natural soy candles on the other hand are manufactured from soy wax that is derived directly from hydrogenated soybean oil. This soy wax is not petroleum based and is entirely natural. Some manufacturers blend soy wax and paraffin. Check the label when purchasing a candle to make sure you are buying a 100% natural soy candle.
 
Natural soy candles have safety advantages over other types of candles. Most candles that do not state that they are made of soy wax are usually made from Paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum-based product commonly used in candlemaking. In tests, natural soy candles have been shown to give off less soot than petroleum based paraffin. This soot from paraffin can be bothersome to the breathing of some people with respiratory problems. Many of those with breathing concerns prefer natural soy candles because they seem to have little or no effect on breathing.
 
Soot given off during the burning of a paraffin candle will collect over time in your home. A natural soy candle will give off far less soot and is a natural and safe way to enjoy candles. Enjoy candles more by making sure any candles purchased are 100% natural soy candles.
 
Follow these tips for safe candle burning.

1. Place candles in a location away from drapes, curtains or anything that might catch fire.
2. Keep candles out the reach of children and pets.
3. Do not move a candle while it is burning. Candles and melted wax is very hot.
4. Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch to avoid excessive flame height. A flame that is too long will result in higher levels of soot from any candle.
5. Stop using a candle when a half-inch or less of wax remains.