Have you ever wondered what makes some candles better than others? Today, let’s talk about why choosing 100% soy wax for your candles is a fantastic idea! It’s not just any ordinary wax; it has a lot of cool benefits that you might not know about. So, let’s get started and learn about this special kind of wax!
What is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is made from soybeans, which are little beans that grow on farms. These beans are turned into a smooth, soft wax that can be used to make candles. Unlike other kinds of wax, like paraffin, soy wax is natural and comes from plants. This means it’s better for the earth and for you, too!
How is Soy Wax Made?
- Farming Soybeans: Farmers grow soybeans in fields.
- Harvesting: The beans are picked when they are ready.
- Processing: The beans are cleaned and their oil is extracted.
- Hydrogenation: The oil is hardened into a solid form through a process called hydrogenation.
Isn’t it cool that something so simple can turn into a beautiful candle?
Why Choose Soy Wax?
You might be wondering why you should choose soy wax instead of other types. Well, there are many reasons for this! Let’s check them out one by one.
Eco-Friendly
One of the best things about soy wax is that it is eco-friendly. Since it comes from plants, it is biodegradable. This means it breaks down naturally over time and doesn’t harm the environment.
Renewable Resource
Soybeans can be replanted and grown again and again, making soy wax a renewable resource. This is better for the earth because we won’t run out of soybeans!
Cleaner Burning
Soy wax candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles. This means they produce less soot and smoke. So, when you light a soy wax candle, you’re getting a cleaner burn that’s better for your health and your home.
Longer Lasting
Soy wax burns slower than other types of wax. This means your soy wax candle will last longer, giving you more time to enjoy its lovely scent and glow.
Natural and Safe
Since soy wax is natural, it doesn’t have harmful chemicals that some other types of wax might have. It’s safer for you, your family, and even your pets!
Comparing Soy Wax to Other Waxes
To understand why soy wax is so great, let’s compare it to other types of waxes that are commonly used in candles.
| Feature | Soy Wax | Paraffin Wax | Beeswax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Soybeans (plant-based) | Petroleum (non-renewable) | Bees (natural but limited) |
| Renewable | Yes | No | Yes |
| Biodegradable | Yes | No | Yes |
| Burning Time | Longer | Shorter | Long |
| Soot Production | Minimal | More | Minimal |
| Scent Release | Great | Good | Good |
| Price | Moderate | Low | High |
As you can see, soy wax has many benefits compared to other types of waxes.
The Sweet Scents of Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is really good at holding onto scents. This means when you add fragrances to the wax, the smell stays strong and lasts a long time. So, when you light a soy wax candle, your whole room will smell wonderful for hours.
How Scents are Added to Soy Wax
Adding scents to soy wax is like adding flavor to ice cream! Here’s a simple way to explain it:
- Melting the Wax: Warm up the soy wax until it is liquid.
- Adding Fragrance Oils: Mix in the smells you love, like lavender or vanilla.
- Stirring Well: Make sure the scent is spread evenly in the wax.
- Pouring into Molds: Pour the scented wax into candle molds and let it harden.
And just like that, you have a beautifully scented soy wax candle!
Health Benefits of Using Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax candles are not only good for the earth, but they are also good for your health. Here’s why:
Less Soot and Toxins
When soy wax burns, it produces much less soot compared to paraffin wax. Soot can blacken your walls and furniture and even get into the air you breathe, which isn’t good for your lungs.
No Harmful Chemicals
Soy wax is free from harmful chemicals that can be found in some other types of wax. So, you can breathe easy knowing your candle isn’t releasing any bad stuff into the air.
The Connection with Disney
EverAfter Candles, a brand inspired by Disney movies, characters, and shows, uses 100% soy wax for their candles. Imagine lighting a candle that smells like your favorite Disney character or movie scene! Isn’t that magical?
Mixing Magic and Scents
EverAfter Candles has found a perfect way to mix the magic of Disney with the benefits of soy wax. Whether it’s the smell of a pine forest from Frozen or the sweet scent of roses from Beauty and the Beast, you can bring a bit of Disney magic into your home with these soy wax candles.
Taking Care of Your Soy Wax Candle
To enjoy your soy wax candle for as long as possible, you need to take care of it. Here are some simple tips:
Trim the Wick
Make sure to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting your candle. This helps it burn more evenly and prevents too much soot.
Let it Burn Long Enough
When you light your soy wax candle, let it burn long enough for the top layer to melt evenly. This helps the candle burn all the way down and not just in the middle.
Store in a Cool Place
Store your soy wax candles in a cool, dry place. This keeps them in perfect condition until you are ready to light them.
Fun DIY Project: Making Your Own Soy Wax Candle
Do you like crafts? Making your own soy wax candle is a fun and easy project. Let’s walk through the steps together!
What You Need
- Soy wax flakes
- Fragrance oils (choose your favorite scent)
- Color dye for candles (optional)
- Candle wicks
- Empty candle jars
- A pot for melting wax
- A wooden spoon for stirring
Steps to Make Your Candle
- Melt the Wax: Put the soy wax flakes in a pot and gently heat them until they melt into a liquid.
- Add Fragrance and Color: Once the wax is liquid, add a few drops of fragrance oil and color dye. Stir well.
- Prepare the Wick: Place the wick in the empty candle jar. You can use a bit of melted wax to stick it to the bottom.
- Pour the Wax: Slowly pour the melted, scented, and colored wax into the jar. Make sure the wick stays in the middle.
- Let it Cool: Let the wax cool and harden. This might take a few hours.
- Trim the Wick: Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.
And there you have it! Your very own soy wax candle.
Conclusion
Choosing 100% soy wax for your candles is a great idea for so many reasons. It’s eco-friendly, renewable, and safe for you and your home. Plus, it holds scents really well, burns cleanly, and lasts a long time. Whether you’re buying a candle from a brand like EverAfter Candles or making your own, soy wax is a wonderful choice. So, next time you light a candle, remember all the benefits of choosing soy wax!