In our developed nation, we’ve long since moved beyond a purely practical use for candles. Electricity allows us to see in the dark. Flashlights brighten a room when the lights go out. Yet, candles are still an ever-present fixture in many homes. Not only are modern candles infused with an assortment of wonderful scents, but there’s something simple and beautiful about a room lit with candles, something that goes to the core of every person.
As gorgeous as candles are, however, they could also be dirtying your home to a degree you don’t even realize. Every time they’re lit, your favorite candles are sending off microscopic candle soot in Village.
A quick note about your candle’s fuel
Soot is a byproduct of candle burning that occurs when there is too much fuel for the flame to burn off. Typically, when you light a candle wick, it draws candle wax upward to feed the fire. As long as the flame remains undisturbed, it will continue to bring the wax up the wick consistently.
When outside forces interfere with a candle’s flame, however, even for a few seconds, your candle ceases to use a consistent amount of fuel. That doesn’t stop the wax from being pulled up the wick at the same rate. When there’s too much wax to feed the flame, the excess is burned off in a little black puff of carbon. That puff is the beginnings of soot.
What is soot?
It may not seem like it, but your candles emit a surprising amount of soot, especially if you have several candles regularly burning around your home or office. That soot travels through the air in your space until it lands on, well, just about anything—electronics, furniture, your home’s air vents, etc.
Though candle soot in Village may look like regular dust, it can cause severe damage to your valuables. It can even get breathed into your lungs.
Be wary of drafts
Air currents might be your candle’s biggest enemy. When your candle is placed in a drafty area, it’s constantly struggling to stay lit. This struggle means a candle that’s burning inconsistently and putting off more soot than is necessary.
Rethink your jar candles
The jar candles you can buy in any grocery store may be convenient to light and forget about, but if you’re hoping to minimize soot, they’re the wrong way to go. Once those candles are lit, and they sink far enough below the lip of the jar, the oxygen needed to feed the flame must fight its way past the warm air rising off the candle. The result is a draft in your jar that causes your candle to flicker and put off more soot.
Soot mitigation pros
At King’s Cleaning Service, Inc., our knowledgeable team specializes in revitalizing residential and commercial spaces alike. We’ll clean your entire home or office, removing any dirt, debris and, yes, even candle soot in Village.
We have years of combined experience serving the entire Village area. Let us make you a believer! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.