It was not until 1996 that soy candles made their debut on the US stage. Students at Purdue University in Indiana made a birthday candle out of soybean wax and the soybean candle business made its start. Soybean candles are a great alternative to regular paraffin or beeswax candles. They hardly smoke at all, and produce very little soot. This is because they are a biodegradable product. This lack of smoke and soot makes them very planet friendly. Paraffin and beeswax candles are not as clean burning as soybean candles and they also burn much quicker. Soybean candles burn cooler and slower and are a better purchase as they last longer.
If you are a crafting person and like to try things for yourself, then making soybean candles can be a fun activity for you to try. Most soy candles were made in a kitchen before they were manufactured in a factory setting. There are several items and tools that you need to make soybean candles. Before you set out to make candles, cover the working area with newspaper to keep your counters clean. You need access to a heating source or an electric stove or a microwave. However, never make candles of any kind on a gas stove. If you are working with a stove, you will need a double boiler to melt the wax. You will also need a pouring pot for the wax, a glass one if you are heating in the microwave. You will also need a stick of some kind for stirring, a glass thermometer, and a small scale for weighing the wax. Paper towels will be helpful along with a canning jar to pour the finished mixture into. You are also going to need to head to the craft store and get some wick, color dye, and a fragrance for the candle.
The first thing to do when making soy candles is to set the wick in the jar. Make sure that it is all the way to the bottom of the container and centered in the middle at the top. Heat the wax in the double boiler or microwave to about 140 degrees F, making sure to watch and stir it constantly. At this point, you can add the color dye and fragrance. Pour the mixture into your clean and prepared jar, and allow cooling. Allow your candle to cure for about 24 hours.
Using soy candles is one step you can take in living a greener life. For the benefits to you and to the environment, choose soy candles from Bomb Squad Soap and Candle Co. Visit them now!
