Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
VERMONT CANDLE WORKS
- Q. Why should I buy candles from Vermont Candle Works instead of another candle manufacturer?
A. Because every candle is hand poured with the highest quality ingredients to ensure the best handcrafted wax products expected from a "Made in Vermont" crafted product.
- Q. Can I come to the Vermont Candle Works and actually see how the candles are made?
A. Yes. We are located at Windy Hollow Studio, 46 Cooper Road, Milton, Vermont. Our regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Or call (802) 893-1386 for an appointment.
- Q. What sort of chemical reaction occurs when a candle burns?
A. When you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This melted or liquid wax is then drawn up into the wick by capillary action. The flame’s heat vaporizes the liquid wax to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide (the same byproducts that humans produce when exhaling) (Courtesy National Candle Association)
- Q. Are scented candles safe?
A. Yes. Decades of research and a history of safe use in the marketplace support the safety of fragrances
in candles. A well-made candle produces water vapor and carbon dioxide when properly burned; the
only difference with a scented candle is that a small amount of fragrance is also released. Reputable
candle manufacturers use only fragrances approved for candle use, and test their candles to ensure a
clean and proper burn. (Courtesy National Candle Association)
- Q. Are certain candle waxes better than others?
A. No. All types of candle waxes perform well, and will burn cleanly and safely when they are of high
quality. U.S. candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for
specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.
(Courtesy National Candle Association)
- Q. What causes a candle to smoke, and what can I do to correct it?
A. A well-made candle will create virtually no smoke when burning properly. However, if the wick
becomes too long, or an air current disturbs the flame’s teardrop shape, small amounts of unburned
carbon particles (soot) will escape from the flame as a visible wisp of smoke. Any candle will soot if
the flame is disturbed.
To avoid this, always trim the wick to ¼ inch before every use and be sure to place candles away
from drafts, vents or air currents. If a candle continually flickers or smokes, it is not burning properly
and should be extinguished. Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, make sure the area is draft free,
then re-light. (Courtesy National Candle Association)
- Q. Is paraffin wax toxic?
A. No. Paraffin wax is non-toxic. In fact, paraffin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for
use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. Food-grade paraffin is commonly used for
manufacturing candles. (Courtesy National Candle Association)
- Q. Is my candle biodegradable?
A. Probably. Studies have shown that beeswax, paraffin and vegetable-based waxes are biodegradable.
The vast majority of candles today are made primarily from these waxes.
(Courtesy National Candle Association)
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