How to Make Non-toxic Beeswax Candles

I started making and using non-toxic beeswax candles (made from Canadian beeswax sheets) many years ago. They are easy to roll using 100% pure beeswax and have many benefits over paraffin wax (a petroleum derivative) candles.  Beeswax candles – a natural, healthy gift always enjoyed by everyone for their fragrance and safety. Easy to make so why not roll your own for Christmas gifts and your own personal use.

10 Benefits of Beeswax Candles :

1. Beeswax candles with cotton wicks are non-toxic. Paraffin candles emit toxic smoke with chemicals such as toluene   and bezene – both carcinogens
2. Candles burn without smoke and have a natural sweet honey fragrance
3. They are dripless
4. Pure beeswax candles have a fresh honey fragrance and should not contain additives, chemical dyes or fragrances which may irritate people with allergies or asthma
5. When making candles use only pure cotton wicks
6. Candles burn for a longer time especially if chilled in the fridge for a short period before lighting
7. If you have medical concerns (asthma, lung disease) always choose beeswax candles so you are not inhaling any smoke, etc
8. Although there is less smoke with beeswax candles, they should always be used in a well ventilated area
9. “Blooming” beeswax – over time especially after long-term storage, candles may have a white residue on them. It is called bloom and is natural. In the past I have carefully warmed the candles for a few seconds with moderate heat from a hair dryer.
10. I use natural, undyed candles for burning and gifts. Sometimes I make candles with dyed wax but mainly for display purposes or burn them in an empty, ventilated fireplace

Notes:

• US retail value of candle sales is $3.2 billion per annum.  That’s a lot of air pollution in our homes
• 7 out of 10 US households use candles
• If you use paraffin wax candles open windows when in use
• For safety reasons do not leave burning candles unattended

Beeswax candles are relatively easy to make as well as inexpensive. They are always a lovely gift for any occasion especially when gift wrapped. Get together with friends and have fun making beeswax candles which are wonderful gifts at Christmas or other celebration.

Enjoy making & using your Beeswax candles

Practical candle gifts

Candles as decorations

Include candle safety tips

Beeswax Candles & safe holder

Links & References:

• Benefits of burning Beeswax candles 
• Concerns of paraffin Wax Candles 

Here are the links with instructions on How to Make your Own Candles

• Instructions for Rolled beeswax candles from Wicks and Wax
• Rolled beeswax tealight candles from Wicks and Wax

CANDLE SAFETY 

• Always burn candles in a suitable glass or metal container. Containers should not tip easily.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything than can burn.
• Clean and trim candlesticks to 1/8 or ¼ inch before lighting.
• Do not burn candles all the way down to the bottom.
• Keep candles where children and pets can’t reach them. A pet, such as a cat, can jump up and knock over the candle or knock over something into the candle.
• Keep candles out of windy or drafty areas and away from anything that can easily catch fire (such as, furniture, curtains, carpet, or newspapers). So often, a curtain blows into a candle, something falls on it, or the candle burn downs and ignites nearby combustibles
• Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface. Small candles such as tea lights can melt plastic surfaces, such as the top of a TV and the side of a bath tub.
• Always place candles on an uncluttered surface.
• Candles should not be used during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are safer options.
• Always put the candle out when leaving a room or going to sleep. Use a special candle snuffer or candle quencher. Do not use fingers or blow them out. Blowing them out can send sparks and hot wax flying.