Understanding Product Claims and Safety Instructions on Candle Labels
You may have a few queries when reading product labels on candles, whether you've been burning for a long time or are new to it.
Here's what you need to know about choosing a candle, as well as the gear you'll need to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Made with a Lead-Free Wick, according to the label.
What You Should Know: Many candles on the market claim to be constructed with a lead-free wick.
While having a lead-free wick is important for consumer safety, there is no difference between candles sold in the United States with lead-free wicks and those that do not.
Why?
Because lead wick candles are not available in the United States.
Lead wicks have been illegal in the United States since 2003, and they were previously only seen in low-cost imported candles.
In 1974, members of the National Candle Association voluntarily committed not to use lead wicks, and they have long advocated for their removal.
Statement on the label: Hand-Poured Candle
What You Should Know: Some candle companies, particularly smaller ones, may claim that their candles are hand-poured.
This simply means that melted wax is combined with any scent and manually poured into the candle vessel.
Hand-poured candles are manufactured in smaller amounts and have a more artisan feel to them.
Regardless of the method of production, all respected candle makers adhere to strict quality standards.
Statement on the Label: Burn Time
The burn time of a candle is the period of time it is expected to burn. While several factors influence the burn period of a candle, including the type of wax used and the fragrance load, the larger the candle, the longer the burn time.
Stick to the manufacturer's guidelines and don't leave a candle burning for longer than necessary. In general, a candle should not be burned for more than 4 hours at a time. Longer candle burning can cause carbon to accumulate on the wick, causing the flame to become too large and the candle to smoke. When there is about a half-inch of wax remaining in the container, it is likewise best to discard the candle.
Statement on the Label: Multi-Wick Candle
As the desire for larger candles has grown, candles with many wicks have become increasingly popular.
Multiple wicks can assist avoid tunneling and create a more equal burn.
Extra-wide candles with only one wick should be avoided because they may not create enough heat to melt the wax evenly throughout the candle.
When it comes to candle safety, what to look for
When buying, be wary of candles that lack a safety label.
Other critical fire safety design parameters may not be reached by reputable candle makers who adhere to industry standards.
The National Candle Association was a driving force behind the ASTM F2058 Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling, which outlines industry standards.
Every candle should have a warning sign or tag with three fundamental requirements for candle fire safety, according to these guidelines.
On the label of your candle, incorporate the following graphic safety symbols:
Keep a close check on all burning candles and extinguish them before leaving a room.
Keep a safe distance from combustibles: A reminder to be aware of your surroundings.
Keep candles away from flammable materials like furniture, draperies, bedding, carpets, books, and paper.
Keep your candles out of reach of youngsters and dogs by placing them up high and out of reach.