Candles are one of the most popular and versatile products that can enhance your home, your mood, and your well-being. They can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, fill your space with pleasant aromas, and even provide some health benefits. However, not all candles are created equal. Many candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax candles may be cheap and widely available, but they also have many pros and cons that you should be aware of before using them. In this blog post, we will explain what paraffin wax is, how it is made, what are its pros and cons, and how to use it safely and effectively for your candles.
What Is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a type of wax that is derived from petroleum. Petroleum is a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried under layers of sediment and subjected to high pressure and temperature over millions of years. Petroleum is extracted from the ground by drilling wells or mining tar sands or oil shale. Petroleum is then refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, lubricants, asphalt, and paraffin wax.
Paraffin wax is one of the solid or semi-solid fractions of petroleum that is obtained by distilling or cracking the heavier components of petroleum. Paraffin wax consists mainly of hydrocarbons, which are molecules that contain only hydrogen and carbon atoms. Paraffin wax has a melting point of about 46°C (115°F) to 68°C (154°F) and a flash point of about 199°C (390°F). It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, or oil. It is also flammable and can burn with a bright yellow flame.
How Is Paraffin Wax Made?
Paraffin wax is made by refining petroleum into various fractions according to their boiling points. The fractions that have higher boiling points are heavier and more viscous than the fractions that have lower boiling points. The heaviest fraction of petroleum is called residuum or residual oil, which contains the highest amount of paraffin wax. Residuum is then further processed by one of the following methods to obtain paraffin wax:
- Solvent extraction: This method involves dissolving residuum in a solvent such as benzene or naphtha and then cooling the solution to separate the paraffin wax from the oil. The paraffin wax then crystallizes out of the solution and can be filtered or centrifuged to remove the solvent and impurities.
- Solvent dewaxing: This method involves mixing residuum with a solvent such as propane or butane and then chilling the mixture to precipitate the paraffin wax from the oil. The paraffin wax then settles at the bottom of the mixture and can be separated by decanting or draining.
- Hydrocracking: This method involves breaking down residuum into smaller molecules by exposing it to high pressure and temperature in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst. The resulting products are lighter oils and gasses that contain less paraffin wax than residuum. The paraffin wax can then be separated from the oils and gasses by distillation or fractionation.
The paraffin wax obtained by any of these methods can then be further refined by bleaching, deodorizing, or adding additives to improve its quality, color, odor, or performance.
What Are the Pros of Paraffin Wax Candles?
Paraffin wax candles have some pros that make them attractive to many consumers. Here are some of the main pros of paraffin wax candles:
- They are inexpensive: Paraffin wax candles are inexpensive because they are made from a cheap and abundant raw material that is petroleum. Petroleum is widely available in many countries around the world and can be easily transported and processed into various products such as paraffin wax. Paraffin wax candles are also mass-produced by large-scale manufacturers who can reduce their costs by using economies of scale and efficient technologies.
- They are widely available: Paraffin wax candles are widely available because they are sold by many retailers both online and offline. You can find paraffin wax candles in supermarkets, department stores, drugstores, dollar stores, craft stores, or specialty stores. You can also order paraffin wax candles from online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. You can choose from a wide range of brands, sizes, shapes, colors, and scents of paraffin wax candles that suit your preferences and needs.
- They are versatile: Paraffin wax candles are versatile because they can be used for various purposes and occasions. You can use paraffin wax candles to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your home, to fill your space with pleasant aromas, to provide some light and warmth, to decorate your table or mantel, to celebrate a birthday or a holiday, to meditate or pray, or to give as a gift. You can also customize your paraffin wax candles by adding labels, ribbons, tags, or other decorations.
What Are the Cons of Paraffin Wax Candles?
Paraffin wax candles also have some cons that you should be aware of before using them. Here are some of the main cons of paraffin wax candles:
- They are harmful for your health: Paraffin wax candles are harmful for your health because they emit toxic chemicals and carcinogens when burned. Paraffin wax candles can release substances such as benzene, toluene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and soot into the air, which can cause respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, headaches, nausea, and even cancer. These substances can also accumulate on your furniture or walls and create a fire hazard or damage your property. Paraffin wax candles can also contain additives such as synthetic fragrances, dyes, or stabilizers that can trigger allergic reactions or irritate your skin or eyes.
- They are harmful for the environment: Paraffin wax candles are harmful for the environment because they are made from a non-renewable and non-biodegradable resource that is petroleum. Petroleum is a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried under layers of sediment and subjected to high pressure and temperature over millions of years. Petroleum extraction and refining can cause environmental problems such as oil spills, air pollution, water contamination, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Paraffin wax candles can also contribute to waste generation and landfill accumulation because they leave behind residues that cannot be recycled or composted.
- They are inferior in quality: Paraffin wax candles are inferior in quality because they have lower performance and durability than other types of candles. Paraffin wax candles have a higher melting point than other waxes, which means they burn at a higher temperature and produce more smoke and soot. This can reduce the lifespan and efficiency of your candle and create a fire hazard or damage your property. Paraffin wax candles also have a lower concentration of fragrance oil than other waxes, which means they lose their scent faster and release it less consistently throughout the burn time.
How to Use Paraffin Wax Candles Safely and Effectively?
Paraffin wax candles can be used safely and effectively by following some simple tips and precautions. Here are some tips on how to use paraffin wax candles safely and effectively:
- Choose high-quality paraffin wax candles: Not all paraffin wax candles are created equal. Some paraffin wax candles may have higher quality and purity than others. You should look for paraffin wax candles that have been tested and certified by reputable organizations such as the National Candle Association (NCA) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). You should also look for paraffin wax candles that have natural ingredients such as beeswax or soy wax blended with them to reduce their toxicity and improve their performance.
- Trim the wick: Before lighting your paraffin wax candle, make sure to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch long. This will prevent the flame from getting too big or flickering too much. It will also prevent the wick from mushrooming or producing too much smoke or soot.
- Burn the candle evenly: When you light your paraffin wax candle for the first time, make sure to let it burn until the entire surface of the wax melts evenly. This will create a memory pool that will ensure that your candle burns evenly and cleanly for the rest of its life. It will also prevent the candle from tunneling or leaving wax on the sides of the jar.
- Avoid drafts: When you burn your paraffin wax candle, make sure to place it in a safe and stable location away from drafts, vents, fans, or air conditioners. This will prevent the flame from blowing or dancing too much, which can cause uneven burning, smoke, or soot. It will also prevent the candle from burning too fast or too slow.
- Store the candle properly: When you are not using your paraffin wax candle, make sure to store it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will prevent the wax from melting, cracking, or fading. It will also preserve the scent and quality of your candle.
Conclusion
Paraffin wax candles are one of the most common and accessible types of candles that you can use and enjoy. They are inexpensive, widely available, and versatile. They can enhance your home, your mood, and your well-being with their warm glow and pleasant aroma. However, paraffin wax candles also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before using them. They are harmful for your health and the environment, and they are inferior in quality than other types of candles. You can use paraffin wax candles safely and effectively by following some simple tips and precautions, such as choosing high-quality paraffin wax candles, trimming the wick, burning the candle evenly, avoiding drafts, and storing the candle properly. If you want to buy paraffin wax candles, you should look for a reputable and certified seller that offers high-quality, natural, and pure paraffin wax candles. One of the best sellers that we recommend is Ellie’s Best Organic Paraffin Wax Candles, which you can order from Amazon and get fast and free delivery to your doorstep.
We hope that this blog post has helped you learn more about paraffin wax candles and their pros and cons. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and have a great day!