For centuries candles have been popular for giving out great aromas to a room. And, there is no wonder why everyone loves them so much. But, not only they can smell great! they can also have other benefits.
So, lets find out if “Do candles clean the air?”
We’ll also be answering other related questions such as, Do scented candles cause air pollution? Do candles help with dust? What gases do candles give off? and Are candles beneficial?
Do Candles Clean The Air?
Yes, candles do clean the air. But, not all candles are recommended for safety. Some artificial candles can cause health problems. And with that been said, not all candles can purify air. As is known by experts, pollution particles can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions when they are breathed in.
What Kind Of Candles Purify The Air?
Beeswax candles:
beeswax candles have been used for centuries to purify the air.
By releasing negative ions when they burn. These ions attach themselves to the positively charged dust, mold, and other pollutants in the air. Causing them to fall on the ground instead of being airborne and breathing them in.
Other types of candles will not clean the air as well as beeswax ones.
This is because paraffin wax burns with a sooty flame which releases black smoke into the air that contains toxins. These toxins can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
How Are Candles Beneficial?
There are several benefits of burning candles.
The most well-known benefit is that they create a relaxing and calming atmosphere. Here are some more benefits of candles:
- They improve air quality
As discussed, candles improve the air quality by releasing negative ions which attach to positively charged pollutants in the air and neutralizing them.
- They can be used as emergency lights
If there is a power outage and you need some lighting, then candles are an excellent source of light. They will help provide enough illumination until the electricity comes back on.
- They can be used to make your home smell good
The pleasant scent of a candle will help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your house.
You can choose from so many scented candles such as vanilla, cinnamon, lavender, etc that you are sure to find something that appeals to you and makes your home smell wonderful.
- They create ambiance
Candles are a must-have if you want to create ambiance in your home or at parties. The flickering lights and the soothing scent of candles help to set the mood for any occasion.
- They can be used as decorations
You don’t have to wait until an event or party is being held before you use candles. They make excellent decorations in your home and you can place them anywhere.
- The support prayer and meditation
Candles are an integral part of prayer and meditation. They help you focus your mind on the task at hand and thereby improve the quality of your prayers or meditations.
- They can be used to create a spa-like atmosphere
If you want to relax after a long day, then all you need is some scented candles, calming music, and a comfortable place to sit. You can create a spa-like atmosphere right in your own home with just these few things.
Top Air-Purifying Candles
Some of the best air-purifying candles include:
The EC3 Air Purification Candles are unscented, made from soy wax, and contain natural botanicals embedded in the wax.
They are excellent for getting rid of mold, pet odors, and other unpleasant odors in your home.
Features:
- Unscented
- Made from soy wax
- Contains natural botanicals
CitriSafe Remedy Maintenance Candle
The CitriSafe Remedy Maintenance Candle is made from soy wax and contains natural botanicals.
It is excellent for getting rid of mold spores, pet smells, and other unpleasant odors in your home. It also lights for up to thirty hours and covers up to 1000sq.ft.
Do Scented Candles Cause Air Pollution?
According to the EPA, burning candles that contain lead core wicks can result in indoor air concentrations of lead above EPA-recommended thresholds.
Also, another study claimed that the worst-case scenario concentrations of candle emission can contain acrolein, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde which exceeds the EPA-recommended thresholds
While scented candles can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
This is because the scent particles can be breathed in and cause health issues.
For this reason, if you have any breathing issues or you are allergic to certain scents, then avoid using scented candles.
Do Burning Candles Help With Dust?
Yes, burning beeswax candles helps to get rid of dust.
The negative ions they release attach to the positively charged dust particles and cause them to fall on the ground. This helps to get rid of the dust in the air.
However, the dust particles that fall onto the ground will not get rid of dust completely. This is because candles do not have a HEPA filter.
If you want to get rid of dust completely out of the air it is much better to use an air purifier to do this task.
Additional Resources: How To Reduce Dust In An Apartment
Do Candles Take Oxygen Out Of The Air?
Yes, burning candles do take oxygen out of the air.
However, the amount they take is negligible and not enough to cause any health issues.
Also, if you are in a large room, the oxygen taken by the candle is replaced by the oxygen that comes in through open windows and doors.
So there is no cause for alarm if you are burning a candle in your home.
Candles won’t deplete the oxygen in the air unless they are in an enclosed space with no windows and doors to get fresh air and there are so many of them burning at the same time that it creates a deficiency.
What Gas Does A Candle Give Off?
Burning candles give off two gases: carbon dioxide and water vapor.
The oxygen from the air reacts with the burning wax to create these gases. Other products of the chemical reaction, of course, include heat and light.
Can Candles Get Rid Of Bad Smells?
Yes, candles can help get rid of bad odors in two ways. The first is by simply covering up the smell with a scent of your choice. There are so many scented candles that will help mask bad odors.
While this doesn’t really get rid of the odor, it makes the room smell better and more pleasant.
The second way is by burning beeswax candles which release negative ions. These attach to the positively charged particles in the air that are responsible for bad odors.
The Downsides To Burning Candles In Your Home
While there are no major drawbacks of using natural wax candles at home, those made from paraffin wax or other types of candles may pollute indoor air and can sometimes be harmful.
When they burn, they release toluene, benzene, acrolein, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals into the air.
They also release soot, which can be harmful to your lungs over time.
So, if you are using candles made from other types of wax, make sure that you burn them in a well-ventilated area and do not let them burn for too long.
How Can I Naturally Purify The Air In My Home?
There are many ways to naturally purify the air in your home. They include the following, among others:
- Using indoor plants
Plants are a great way to naturally purify the air in your home. They absorb harmful toxins and gases and release oxygen into the air. Some of the best plants for this purpose include peace lilies, bamboo palm, English ivy, spider plant, and mother-in-law’s tongue.
- Opening windows and doors regularly
This will ensure that fresh air and sunlight can get into your home. It also helps to ventilate the house by removing stale air.
- Using essential oil diffusers
Essential oils help to purify the air in your home naturally. Some of them include eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, and rosemary.
- Using air-purifying candles
Air-purifying candles are made from natural waxes and contain botanical oils such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil.
They will help to purify the air in your home naturally.
Final Thoughts
Candles can clean your indoor air, but only when they are made from natural waxes.
Hopefully, this article has helped you to better understand the benefits of using candles in your home and has given you some ideas on how to best use them.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to answer them.
Resources:
- CANDLES AND INCENSE AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
- Study: Some types of candles may pollute indoor air
- Do Candles Dehumidify A Room?
(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.
