Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax was invented by Michael Richards in 1992, who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. As he entered the candle industry he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles. Soy wax is often mixed with fragrances to produces scented soy candles. They are available in supermarkets and specialized stores and can also be bought online. It is also easy and very rewarding making soy candles at home.
Advantages of Soy Candles
Soy candles have to following advantages compared to paraffin wax candles:
- Soy candles are cheap – Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is very expensive. Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax that is cost effective. Soy wax is also made from a renewable source.
- Soy wax is all-natural – Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is not made from petroleum, like paraffin candles. Burning of soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere.
- Soy candles last longer – They can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.
- Wax spills are easy to clean – It’s very difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned up with hot soapy water.
- Soy candles produce less soot – Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot that paraffin candles.
- Scented soy candles distribute more flavor – The incorporation of soybean oil lowers the melting point of the candle, which translates into cooler burning candles and faster scent dispersion. The lower melting point of soy wax results in a larger size of the liquid wax pool around the candle wick. It is from this liquid wax pool that the essential oils evaporate into the atmosphere.
Container soy candles are the easiest of all candles to make. Making a soy candle is a process of combing wax with dye and fragrance. Making your own soy candles is a very satisfying hobby and a good source of income. You will discover that it is easier to make soy candles than paraffin candles. Soy wax cleans up easily with soap and water. You can safely put your utensils in the dishwasher. Materials to make soy candles can be bought on the internet or in local hobby shops.
How to make Soy Candles
Materials:
- 1 pound of soy wax
- 1 mason jar
- 1 ounce of fragrance oil
- Wax dye
- 1 cotton wick, for example HTP-105
Soy wax
Soy wax can be found in block and in flake form. The flake form is easier to use.
Fragrance for soy candles
Using your own mix of fragrances is the secret to make your own special scented soy candles. These fragrances are available at different places. When buying fragrances, make sure that they are compatible with soy wax. On average you will need one 1 ounce of fragrance oil to scent 16 ounces of soy wax.
Wax dyes
Dyes come in a different forms. There are dye blocks which made of wax and can be melted with you soy wax. Other forms are concentrated liquids and dye chips.
Soy wax candle wicks
For the soy candle with a bigger diameter you need a thicker wick. The easiest to use are wicks, which are attached to a metal disc.
Soy wax candle containers
There are many types of containers, which you can use. You can use a simple Jason jar if you like a country look. Containers for soy candles should be clean, dry and at room temperature. There is no need to preheat the container.
Procedure:
- Put the soy wax in a pan and slowly heat on medium fire until the soy wax is completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add the fragrance oil and stir until all the fragrance oil is absorbed in the soy wax. Optionally you can add wax dye according to instructions on label.
- Pour the melted soy wax gentle in the jar and position the wick in the center. Use a clothespin or pencil to keep your wick in the center. When the wax has turned solid you can trim the wick to 1/2 inch.
- Burn your soy candle and enjoy it!
Aromatherapy exists since the beginning of civilization. Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health and beauty. These essential oils are also used to in scented soy candles. When making your own candle it is also possible to add essential oil. These essential oils are made up of alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, ketones, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, ethers and esters. The odors released by scented soy candles will have an impact on how you feel. Burning scented soy candles can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Candles scented with lavender oil will increase the alpha waves in your brain, which will cause you to relax.
Effects of soy candles scented with different types of essential oils:
- Basil – will promote alertness, concentration and will create a positive attitude. Basil scent will stimulate your nervous system, relieves migraines and help digestion.
- Eucalyptus – will relieve chest problems including asthma, coughs, sinusitis, pneumonia and bronchitis. Eucalyptus is an important remedy for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. The eucalyptus scent will also repel insects.
- Jasmine – is the most uplifting of all essential oils. Jasmine scent is a very relaxing and anti depressant and is very useful for calming tension. Jasmine stimulates your alertness, builds energy and helps to activate the immune system.
- Lavender – scent will help to relieve headaches, insomnia and can be used when you have problems with anxiety, depression and motion sickness.
- Lemon – is well known for its stimulating effect. The Japanese employers use lemon scent to improve the productivity of their workers. Next time you have to concentrate or study burn a lemon scented soy candle! Lemon scent also helps to repel insects.
- Orange Blossom – will help against insomnia, depression and anxiety.
- Rosemary – is effective in arthritis, bronchitis and colds. Rosemary scent has a placid effect on the nervous system and brings clarity of thought.
- Vanilla – scent is appreciated by most people. Vanilla scented candles are the perfect background for entertaining or any time you want a mellow, relaxing atmosphere.
Tips for burning Soy Candles
These are some tips so you will enjoy longer and safer of your soy candles:
- Although soy candles produces less sooth than paraffin candles you should not burn too many candles in one small room. Make sure that there’s enough ventilation in the room.
- Before lighting the soy candle the wick should be trimmed to trim to about 5 mm. Otherwise the soy candle will smoke and burn to fast.
- Keep burning soy candles away from children, pets and flammable materials. Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Soy candles should not be put for too long time in direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading.
- Follow any manufacturer instructions carefully.
- Do not place soy candles next to each other.
- Allow enough space (15 cm) between the candles. Allow soy candle to cool and harden before relighting.
- To extinguish a soy candles use a special wick dipper. This will avoid the formation of smoke. Use the end of a wick dipper to push the wick into the pool of wax and then pull the wick up.
Sources: www.soya.be; Photo: www.candlesbycarolyn.com