Beeswax Candles: The Eco-Friendly Way to Light Up Your Home

by Adriana Frank

When it comes to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, nothing quite matches the soft, golden glow of a candle. You probably already know it or may have read about it in our posts, not all candles are created equal. If you're looking for a natural, eco-friendly option that also brings a host of benefits, beeswax candles are the perfect choice. In this blog post, we'll talk about what makes beeswax candles the only kind deserving of a place in your home.

What Are Beeswax Candles?

Beeswax candles are crafted from the wax produced by honeybees—a practice that dates back to ancient Egypt. As bees build their hives, they secrete this wax to form honeycombs, creating a substance that has been cherished for millennia. Unlike paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum, beeswax candles are completely natural and biodegradable, making them a sustainable and eco-conscious choice.

Beeswax candles on blue plates - Lübeck rolled beeswax candle, by Frank Wrap

The Benefits of Beeswax Candles

1. Pure and Natural
One of the most compelling reasons to choose beeswax candles is their purity. They are free from the harmful chemicals and toxins often found in other types of candles. When burned, beeswax candles release a subtle, natural honey scent that is both soothing and pleasant, without the need for artificial fragrances.

2. Cleaner Burn
Beeswax candles burn more cleanly than paraffin candles, producing little to no soot. This means fewer pollutants are released into the air, making them a healthier choice for you and your family. Additionally, beeswax candles are hypoallergenic, which makes them ideal for people with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities to strong scents.

3. Longer Burn Time
One of the practical advantages of beeswax candles is their longevity. Beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, which means beeswax candles burn more slowly and evenly. This translates to a longer-lasting candle, providing more hours of soft, ambient light compared to other types of candles.

4. Environmentally Friendly
Choosing beeswax candles is an environmentally responsible decision. Since beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey production, it is renewable and sustainable. Moreover, beeswax candles are biodegradable, leaving behind no harmful residues when they eventually burn out.

5. Aesthetic Appeal
There's something undeniably charming about the warm, golden glow of a beeswax candle. The natural color of beeswax varies from pale yellow to a rich amber, depending on the flowers the bees have visited. This natural variation adds a unique touch to each candle, making them not only functional but also beautiful decor pieces.

How to Care for Your Beeswax Candles?

To fully enjoy the beauty and longevity of your beeswax candles, proper care is advisable. With just a few simple tricks, you can ensure that your candles burn beautifully and last longer.

  1. Trim the Wick

    • Why It Matters: Trimming the wick before each use is crucial for a clean, even burn. An untrimmed wick can cause the candle to smoke or produce an uneven flame.
    • How To Do It: Before lighting your beeswax candle, trim the wick to about ¼ inch (around 6-7 mm). This small step prevents excessive smoke and helps maintain a steady, even burn. You simply can use scissors, or even nail clippers to get the job done.

  2. Avoid Drafts

    • Why It Matters: Drafts can cause your candle to burn unevenly, leading to dripping or one-sided burning.
    • How To Do It: Place your candle in a location where it’s protected from drafts, such as away from windows, fans, or air vents. This will help the candle burn more evenly, prolonging its life and maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

  3. Burn Until the Wax Pool Reaches the Edge

    • Why It Matters: This practice prevents tunneling—a situation where the candle burns down the center, leaving unused wax around the edges.
    • How To Do It: For the first burn, allow your beeswax candle to burn long enough for the entire surface of the wax to melt and reach the edges of the container. Depending on the size of the candle, this can take a few hours. Subsequent burns should also follow this rule to ensure an even melt.

  4. Store Candles Properly

    • Why It Matters: Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your beeswax candles and preserve their appearance.
    • How To Do It: Store your beeswax candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause the candles to soften or warp, while exposure to sunlight can fade their natural color. For an extra tip, consider storing your candles in the fridge. The cooler temperature hardens the wax, making the candles burn more slowly and last longer. Just be sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the wick.

  5. Cleaning Beeswax Residue

    • Why It Matters: Beeswax candles may leave a bit of residue on candle holders or surfaces, but cleaning it up is simple.
    • How To Do It: To remove beeswax from a candle holder or other surfaces, place the item in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will harden and can then be easily chipped away. For any remaining residue, a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water should do the trick.

  6. Preventing and Fixing Tunneling

    • Why It Matters: Tunneling can waste wax and reduce the overall burn time of your candle.
    • How To Do It: To prevent tunneling, always burn your candle long enough for the entire top layer of wax to become liquid. If tunneling has already occurred, you can fix it by carefully folding the edges of the remaining wax into the center or using a heat gun to melt the top layer evenly.

By following these few tips, your beeswax candles will burn beautifully and last longer, giving you more time to enjoy their warm, natural glow.

Burning Frank Wrap beeswax candles, handcrafted in Malta

    Why Choose Beeswax Candles from Frank Wrap?

    At Frank Wrap, we handcraft each of our 100% pure beeswax candles right here in Malta. Using beeswax sourced in EU, we ensure that every candle not only adds a touch of beauty to your home but also supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle. With each candle we create, we’re helping you make your space warmer, cozier, and a little kinder to the planet.

    Whether you're looking to create a comfy atmosphere for a quiet evening at home, or you're searching for the perfect gift for someone special, beeswax candles are a thoughtful choice. With their natural benefits and timeless appeal, beeswax candles from Frank Wrap are sure to light up any room – both literally and figuratively.

    To Wrap It Up...

    Beeswax candles are more than just a source of light – they're a connection to nature, a commitment to sustainability, and a way to enhance the beauty and ambiance of your home. By choosing beeswax candles, you're making a choice that's good for your health, your environment, and your soul.

    In the beeswax candles section of our store, there are a few options to choose from, both rolled and melted type. We still couldn't choose our favorite, but maybe you'll tell us which one is perfect for you!

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