The importance of natural wicks
Candles have been used for centuries for various purposes, including lighting, decoration, and aromatherapy. Despite their association with healthy practices, for decades candles were made with dangerous metal wicks. We now know the risks of using these types of wicks and increasingly consumers are recognising the importance of ensuring that their candles have natural wicks.
What are the dangers of non-natural wicks?
Nowadays, the main concern with candle wicks is the use of wicks made from synthetic materials such as metal or nylon. When these types of wicks are burned, they can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
One type of synthetic wick that is commonly used in candles is the zinc core wick. These wicks have a thin zinc wire running through the centre of a cotton wick. Although they are considered safe by some candle makers, others have raised concerns about the potential release of zinc into the air when the candle is burned.
Another type of synthetic wick is the nylon wick, which is made from a synthetic polymer that can release harmful chemicals when burned. These types of wicks should be avoided, especially in candles that will be burned in enclosed spaces.
To ensure that your candles are safe and healthy, it's best to choose natural wicks made from cotton, hemp, or wood. These wicks are renewable, biodegradable, and do not release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. If you're unsure about the type of wick in a candle, it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer or to choose a candle from a reputable company that uses natural wicks.
What are natural wick candles?
A natural wick candle is a candle that is made using a wick that is made from natural materials such as cotton, hemp, or wood. Unlike traditional candles that use wicks made from metal or synthetic materials, natural wick candles are considered to be more eco-friendly and healthier for the environment and for people.
Benefits of natural wick candles
One of the main benefits of natural wick candles is that they are considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional candles because they are made from renewable and biodegradable materials. Unlike synthetic wicks that are made from petroleum-based materials, natural wicks are made from renewable materials such as cotton, hemp, or wood. This makes them a more sustainable choice for those who are concerned about the environment.
In addition to being more eco-friendly, natural wick candles are also considered to be healthier for the environment and for people. This is because they do not release harmful chemicals when burned. Unlike paraffin candles, which release toxins when burned, natural wick candles are made from natural waxes that do not release harmful chemicals.
Another benefit of natural wick candles is that they are known to burn longer and cleaner than traditional candles. This is because natural wicks are made from materials that have a higher melting point than synthetic wicks. This means that they burn longer and produce less soot and smoke than traditional candles.
Types of natural wicks
There are several types of natural wicks that are used in natural wick candles, including cotton, hemp, and wood wicks. Cotton wicks are the most common type of natural wick and are often used in soy wax and beeswax candles. Hemp wicks are also a popular choice and are known for their slow, even burn. Wood wicks, which are made from thin strips of wood, are becoming more popular in natural wick candles because they produce a crackling sound when burned that adds to the ambiance of the candle.
Natural wick candles are a great choice for those who are looking for a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional candles. They are made from renewable and biodegradable materials and do not release harmful chemicals when burned. They also burn longer and cleaner than traditional candles, making them a great choice for those who want a longer-lasting candle. With the growing popularity of natural wick candles, there are now many options available on the market, so it's easy to find one that fits your style and preferences.
Our products
All of our candles are made with fully natural wicks. They are vegan friendly and made with high quality soy wax. We care about the environment and all of our candles are hand made in the UK and come in fully recyclable packaging.
You can take a look at our selection of natural soy wax candles here