As the weather cools, fall candles begin adding seasonal scents to the home environment. However, it’s also a good time of year to be aware that many commercially available, petroleum-based candles — as well as aerosol air fresheners — include chemical ingredients that may compromise indoor air quality.
Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to add fall fragrances to the house without exposing occupants to toxins — or contaminating HVAC-system components with candle soot containing chemical pollutants. Candles made from soy wax offer a healthier choice. Soy wax is produced from soybean oil, which is naturally chemical-free. Soy candles burn cleaner, with minimal soot, and they emit no airborne toxins. Making your own soy candles also allows you to customize fragrances, combining essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, or any others you prefer.
Here’s how it’s done:
- Select appropriate glass candle containers. These may be mason jars, small drinking glasses, empty baby food jars, or small metal containers.
- Place enough soy wax chips into each container to fill it almost to the top. Press the wax chips down into the container with a spoon.
- Place candle containers into a slow cooker. Add enough boiling water to the cooker to fill it to the midpoint of the candle containers.
- Cover the slow cooker and turn it on to the “High” setting. Allow a half hour to 45 minutes for the wax to melt thoroughly.
- Check the wax containers and add more soy wax chips as necessary to fill the containers. Heat for another 50 minutes, then remove the containers from the cooker.
- For each candle, mix 50 drops of essential oils with one teaspoon of virgin coconut oil, then pour the fragrant mixture into the candle wax. Stir well.
- Insert a candle wick into each container and secure it in place with a clothespin. Allow the candle to cool and harden. Trim the wick to proper length.
Ask the professionals at Paitson Bros. for more info about safe fall candles and other creative ways to maintain healthy indoor air quality. We’ve been serving our neighbors in the Wabash Valley during all seasons since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922