With the 2020 holiday season upon us, now may be the best time to look into a few candles to spread delightful aromas around your home. Whether you have been a long-time lover of candles or simply looking to spread joy this holiday season, you may have a few questions while making your purchase. Understanding product labels can be difficult, so here is everything you need to know when selecting the right candle.
Common Statements on Candle Labels
Hand-Poured Candle
This label is especially common among smaller brands of candle manufacturers. A hand-poured candle means that the melted wax was mixed with fragrances and hand-poured into a candle vessel. Because these candles are created by hand, they may have a more "homely" feel and be an excellent addition to your home. Despite the fact that these candles were created by hand, they are all inspected for quality purposes.
Multi-Wick Candle
Large candles are more sought-out due to their increased lifetime. These candles may typically have more than one wick and prevent tunneling as the wax melts. If such large candles only have one wick, the burn may not be enough to spread evenly among the wax. If you prefer a long-term candle, this may a label statement to look out for.
Burn Time
The burn time is the time it will take a candle to burn as recommended under manufacturer guidelines. Plenty of factors can affect a candle's burn time, including the amount of fragrances, the type of wax, and the circumference of the candle. When leaving a candle to burn, be sure to read the guidelines for use. It is typically recommended that a candle can burn for a maximum time of four hours. Leaving a candle to burn for a long time can lead to a larger flame and increased smoke. When you view a small wick on the candle, it is best to dispose of it immediately.
Lead-Free Wick
Lead-free wick candles have become one of the best types of candles for consumer safety. Lead is a dangerous substance that can cause respiratory issues when inhaled. Thankfully, lead wick candles were banned in the United States in the year 2003. When looking for this label statement, be aware that because lead wicks are banned, almost all candles will be lead-free regardless of the label.
Candle Safety Guidelines and Care
A majority of recommended candles almost always carry safety labels. If you come across one that does not, be wary of purchasing it. Every candle safety label will contain the necessary instructions to use your candle efficiently.
One of the main concerns is candle placement. If not placed appropriately, a candle can present a variety of hazardous consequences. Be sure to keep your candle within sight and reach. If you cannot view the wick of your candle, it is best to place it at a lower elevation. To avoid burning the wick too low, you can extinguish the candle every time you leave the room. In addition, be sure to place your candle away from children or pets to prevent injuries.