‘A CANDLE LOSES NOTHING BY LIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE”!
Scented candles are so beautiful and set the scene perfectly for a romantic evening dinner or just a relaxing night in with a bottle of wine and a movie. However not all candles are equal and
although they may seem quite harmless scented candles are a huge source of indoor air pollution.
Many candles are manufactured from inexpensive paraffin wax, which creates highly toxic benzene and toluene once lit. These toxins are the same as those found in diesel fumes (not quite so romantic now)!
In addition to this, certain scented candles also include wicks that contain heavy metals such as lead, not to mention the addition of toxic synthetic fragrances. That is why even a few hours of burning these candles can be detrimental to our health.
So when buying candles in future always ensure you buy the non-toxic alternatives made from soy or beeswax that have been fragrance with organic essential oils, or better still try your hand at these delightful soy candles by the ‘Inquiring chef’. They are surprisingly easy, and the recipe can be multiplied to make as many candles as you wish.
INGREDIENTS
Chosen glass containers or jars
Candle wicks
double-sided tape
4 cups soy wax flakes
Essential Oils (4 drops per cup of melted wax), optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Set the glass containers on a clean, dry towel. Cut a piece of wick for
each container that is 4 inches longer than the container is tall. Place
a small piece of double-sided tape in the bottom centre of each
container. Tie a knot at the end of each wick. Press the knot firmly into
the double-sided tape to lightly secure. Leave the free end of the wick
hanging over the side of the container.
Fill a sauce pan with soy wax flakes. Place the pan over
medium heat. As the wax begins to melt, after about 5 minutes, gently
stir it until all of the wax becomes smooth and pourable. (Alternatively,
melt the wax in the microwave.)
Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add
essential oils, if using, and stir to combine.
Pour wax into prepared jars, leaving 1 inch of space at the top of each
jar. Centre the free end of the wick in the wax. Twist the wick around a
pencil or wooden skewer. Let the wax dry for at least an hour. Cut the
wick short so that only about 1 inch remains.
Light, sit back and enjoy the joy of magical candlelight!