There is never a lack of people with suggestions or advice regarding how to make homemade candles. Now, we all need those candle making how-to's of course but, comes a time, we do also need the what-not-to's. Hobbyists are concerned not only with making candles successfully. A large concern is all about safety and in either case, no one wants to ever have to say "If only I'd known that sooner."
This short article aims to help you make candles successfully with an emphasis on safety. This time it helps, not by telling you what to do; it helps by teaching you the 5 things not to do if you want to be successful at making candles safely at home.
Here are the 5 things to avoid:
1. Working in an enclosed space. The key reason why you shouldn't do this is that candle wax evaporates as it melts and you may end up inhaling these fumes. A much better alternative would be to work in an open shed, if you have one, or in a room with the widows open, preferably with a working exhaust fan.
2. Leaving candle making fragrance oils around the house. These scents are so delicious, especially the fruity ones, that it is tempting for young ones to taste. If you have young children at home, keep your scents and fragrances way, way away from where they can be reached.
3. Pouring the water in the double boiler down the sink. You don't want to do this as there might be some melted wax in the water. Once cooled, it could solidify in your drain with disastrous results. Instead, leave the water to cool then pour it through a sieve to catch the bits of wax.
4. Skipping the double boiler. Wax is combustible, that's why we can light it up when it's a candle. Melting it in a pot directly over a heat source allows the temperature of the wax to rise high enough to burst into flames (this is called the flashpoint). Using a double boiler keeps the wax at a lower temperature while allowing it to melt.
5. Using water to put out burning wax. Wax is lighter than water - it will float. If that wax is burning, it will float while still burning. Throwing water could cause the burning wax to splash at more objects, including yourself. Always keep a CHEMICAL fire extinguisher nearby when making candles.
Many people find candle making an enjoyable and relaxing hobby and hobbies should not be fraught with worry or anxiety. Steer clear of these 5 missteps and carry out the alternative suggestions and you will enhance your enjoyment of making candles successfully and safely.
About this Author
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