Why is beeswax special?

Flowerlight would be a good term for beeswax candles, because beeswax is flower nectar transformed by the honeybee. The benefits of beeswax candles are certainly fundamental; the many hours of burning for each candle, the brightness of the flame, the wonderful fragrance of beeswax, the miraculous elegance of the nectar source. The little bit of attention and knowledge that is needed to optimize a natural beeswax candle is minor and natural, given the human interest in flame.

To create a truly pure and solid beeswax candle that is clean and even burning requires a perfect matching of candle diameter to size of wick. The physical properties of molten beeswax require a large loose wick to absorb and pass along the wax to the flame. Many beeswax candle makers are adding chemical stearates in a paraffin base (petro-chemical) to simplify the wicking challenges and 'stretch' the beeswax.

What causes a candle to resist lighting?

A candle cannot light and stay lit unless the wax is melted and moving at the base of the wick. There are times when the match must be pressed against the wax at the wick base to establish a flame.

What is the cleanest method of extinguishing a candle?

If you must blow-hold something behind the flame to catch wax! The reason it is continually so surprising how far the wax splatters when blown upon is that melted wax is lighter than water! Pinching out the flame is the preferred method, eliminating splatters and smoke.

Is there any way to reduce smoldering and smoking after extinguishing?

Because pure beeswax candles require such large wick they are likely to smoke some when extinguished unless the glowing tip of the wick is also extinguished. Pinching, clipping, wetting, or covering all relieve the smoking. Antique stores are a good place to find old fashioned wick trimmers/extinguishers. Small pliars also work well.

What method of relighting will make for a perfect burn?

Trimming, clipping, or breaking off the cold wick is often required before relighting, though the pinching method of extinguishing pretty much eliminates this need. If the candle wick is straight up, with no curve, and maybe some soot at the tip (or tell tale pieces of black in the wax at the base of the wick), use a tissue and break the wick off at its lowest breaking point. Then relight.

Why do pillar candles burn down the center and what's to be done?

When this happens you are not burning the candles long enough at each lighting. The candle needs to burn long enough that the melting wax extends practically the full diameter. At least occasionally have a prolonged burning of a pillar to resolve this problem.

What can be done about dripping and smoking?

Occasionally a pure beeswax candle that is still replete with the essence of honey and the hive will have some particulate in it that will clog the wick on its liquid ascendance to the flame. This will cause smoking and dripping. When this happens extinguish the candle and remedy the problem by pinching off the wick and mending the leak by pressing a little piece of the dripped wax into the low point. Candles need to be able to hold a pool of liquid wax.

Remember, all candles drip and usually smoke in a draft. When you have a location that is unsuitable for a standing candle use a votive or a hurricane glass.

Are there safety concerns that are commonly overlooked in candle use?

First and foremost is the reality of what burns. Do not use combustible candle holders! Wooden candleholders are absurdly common. Candles are perfect for bringing the lovely light of flame into a home, but they do require attention. They are an open flame atop a pillar of hardened fuel. For your enjoyment and for safety, please take the time to notice your candles as they burn.

Never leave a burning candle unattended.

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