Hey candle lovers! 🌟
Today, I want to chat about something that’s been on my mind for a while: dried flowers in candles. They look gorgeous, right and I know they are used by a lot of candle makers? But here’s the thing – they can be a real safety hazard. Let me tell you why I’ve decided to steer clear of them.
The Fire Hazard
First off, dried flowers are flammable. I know, it seems obvious, but when you add them to a candle, you’re essentially putting a tiny bonfire in your living room. The National Candle Association (NCA) did some testing and found that candles with botanicals can cause large, uncontrolled flames1. Imagine the chaos if one of those flames caught onto your curtains or furniture! Also I have first hand experience of this - when I first started candle making I loved the dried flower candles and how pretty they looked - so I made one myself. All was ok until the flame reached the dried flowers I had added which subsequently did catch fire. Luckily I had only left it for a second so it didn't turn into a disaster. But this experience made me very wary and that is why I will never add dried flowers or herbs to my candles (although I do add them to wax melts as they don't come into contact with the flame)
The Water and Oil Issue
Dried flowers often contain residual water and natural oils. When these come into contact with the super-heated wax and flame, they can cause mini explosions1. Yes, you read that right – tiny, unexpected bursts of flame. Not exactly the relaxing ambiance we’re all aiming for.
Insurance and Legal Woes
Here’s another kicker: insurance companies aren’t fans of botanical candles. They insist that the wick should be the only combustible material in the candle1. If a fire does break out, proving it wasn’t the botanicals that caused it can be a stressful and costly legal battle. No one wants that kind of drama.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some people are allergic to certain botanicals. Burning these in your home could trigger allergic reactions, which is the opposite of creating a relaxing atmosphere2. Plus, the scent throw from dried flowers is often weak compared to synthetic fragrances or essential oils, so you’re not even getting a strong fragrance payoff.
The Clean Burn Myth
We all love the idea of a clean-burning candle, especially with eco-friendly options like soy wax. But adding flammable materials like dried flowers can cause the candle to burn uncleanly1. This defeats the purpose of using clean-burning wax and can lead to more soot and smoke.
Conclusion
So, while dried flowers might look pretty, they come with a host of risks that just aren’t worth it. Stick to safe, clean-burning candles and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe and your air is clean.
Stay safe and happy candle making! 🕯️✨
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