Candles: Do You Lite 'Em and Go? What You Need to Know.
Got some wicked-smelling candles for Christmas, huh? Are they legit, or should you be worried?
I have a confession: I cannot say, "Phthalate-Free Fragrance" three times in a row without spitting. LOL!
I can't even type "Phthalate-Free Fragrance" without at least one typing error. And, worse yet, I never looked up those words in a dictionary till I dug into my order of candle inventory that was delivered. And they smelled so good.
It turns out I was smart to be careful about the supplier I chose for this boutique. They enclosed information stating that their candles were phthalate-free.
I made a good choise.
✨ Long story short: Phthalate-free oils make candles safer to breathe, while following candle safety guidelines keeps your home protected.
Safe Candles, Safe Homes states that Phthalate-Free Fragrance oils are better for candles because they avoid chemicals linked to hormone disruption and environmental concerns, making them safer to breathe and more family-friendly.
To keep things lit safely:
The National Candle Association emphasizes trimming wicks, keeping candles away from flammable items, and never leaving them unattended. (illuminacandlesupplies.com +4).
I have another confession. I told Copilot to look up the fact for me, and I copied and pasted the rest error-free typing on this post.
🌿 Why Phthalate-Free Fragrance Oils Matter
- What phthalates are: They’re chemicals often added to fragrance oils to make scents last longer and spread more easily. iluminacandlesupplies.com+1.
- Health concerns: Studies have linked high phthalate exposure to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and respiratory irritation diedrichcandleco.com+1.
- Environmental impact: Phthalates can persist in the environment, raising sustainability concerns. stars-perfume.com.
- Safer alternatives: Phthalate-free oils provide the same pleasant scent without these risks, making them a cleaner, healthier choice for homes. illuminacandlesupplies.com+2.
- Consumer trust: Many candle makers now highlight “phthalate-free” as a mark of quality and safety, appealing to health-conscious buyers (Bramble Berry).
Sources: illuminacandlesupplies.com+4
🕯️ Candle Safety Guidelines
According to the National Candle Association, FEMA, and NFPA, here are the most important safety practices:
- Before lighting:
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch to prevent high flames and soot. National Candle Association.
- Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces away from anything flammable. National Candle Association.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets. National Candle Association.
- While burning:
- Never leave a candle unattended. National Candle Association+1.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from curtains, bedding, books, or decorations. National Candle Association+1.
- Avoid drafts from windows, fans, or vents. National Candle Association.
- Don’t move a candle while the wax is liquid. National Candle Association.
- Extinguishing:
- Use a snuffer or gently blow out the flame—never use water, which can splatter hot wax. National Candle Association.
- Double-check the wick to ensure it’s fully extinguished. National Candle Association.
- Fire statistics: Candles cause nearly 6,000 home fires annually in the U.S., leading to deaths, injuries, and millions in property damage. NFPA.
Sources: National Candle Association+2