Sane candle shopping
- Waxes: beeswax and soy blends burn cleaner than paraffin.
- Wicks: look for cotton/wood, no metal cores.
- Fragrance: many are fine in moderation—if sensitive, choose essential‑oil or unscented.
Burn better
- Trim wick to 5 mm.
- First burn: 1–2 h to edge to prevent tunnelling.
- Keep away from drafts; snuff, don’t blow.
Alternatives
- Simmer pot: citrus peel + spices.
- Fresh air habit: 10‑minute purge after cooking.
- Small diffuser with well‑diluted essential oils; avoid around pets and babies.
Label red flags
“Parfum” with no allergen disclosure, no wick/wax info, heavy soot on test burns.
FAQ
Do “natural” candles remove toxins? No. The most effective approach is reducing sources + ventilating.
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