After enduring the hot and humid summer temperatures, many of us eagerly welcome the cool and crisp fall weather. If, for some reason, we forget that fall is approaching, various businesses will surely remind us with their colorful displays and buy one, get one free deal.
Coffee bars stimulate our taste buds with mouth-watering fall concoctions and seasonal pastries. It’s hard to look away from the large-size, tantalizing pictures of pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cinnamon cakes, maple cookies, and other delicious flavors that return every year.
For some of us, the fall season is not just about the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows colors but also about taking in the aromatic scents from the fall-themed candles. Who doesn’t love walking through the door and being welcomed by the earthy aromas of sandalwood, spicy nutmeg, cinnamon, and the warm and sweet fragrances of caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar? But not all these earthy, sweet scents are made from their natural source, as the pretty picture and label suggest.
So, if you’re one of the many people looking to reduce toxins in your home, it’s a good idea to read the ingredients on the candle labels before placing them in different rooms throughout your home. There are three types of candles to look for that are made without synthetic chemicals, but always check the ingredients and look for the certification label.
Candles Made from Soy Wax
These candles are suitable for vegans and produce less soot than paraffin candles. But be careful when reading labels, as some “soy blend” candles may contain a mix of soy wax and paraffin. There’s no clear evidence that paraffin from petroleum is safe, so it’s best to choose 100% soy wax or pure soy candles for a non-toxic option. Remember that even soy candles release some soot, so you should use them in moderation if someone in your household has breathing problems.
Candles Made from Beeswax
These candles may not always keep their smell as well as other types and can be more expensive. However, they make less black dust than artificial chemical candles, so you can use them several times weekly. Although it’s not consistently proven, some people think they purify the air while they burn.
Candles Made from Coconut Wax
These candles are vegan-friendly and produce very little soot. Compared to most candles, they have a longer-lasting scent, so your favorite scent will linger longer throughout the home or specific room.
Natural Ingredients Make a Difference
When choosing candles, it’s important to consider the sources of their scents. Look for natural ingredients like essential oils, dried botanicals, and fresh herbs on the labels.
Types of Wicks Matter
When choosing a candle wick, consider opting for untreated cotton wicks over those with a metal core. Even better are wicks made of 100% wood that don’t contain paraffin. These wood wicks can create a relaxing atmosphere on a night table or office desk. When burning, the wood wicks produce a sound similar to the crackling of a fireplace.
Takeaway: We can fill our homes with the warm, spicy scents of fall without using extra chemicals. Choosing scents from natural ingredients benefits our senses and overall health while keeping our homes free of unnecessary chemicals. Now that we’re clear let’s enjoy the multi-color and natural fall scents. Happy, healthy shopping!