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Christmas decoration:here are 5 very good tips to optimize the life of a candle

What could be more cocooning than a lit candle in the middle of the living room on a cold and gray day? For several years, the supply of candles has exploded and it is not to displease us. But do you know the right way to burn them? Julie Bonin, subject matter expert and assistant manager of business operations at Diptyque, told Harper’s Bazaar UK the right things to do to optimize the use and life of a candle.

Scented candles:the risk of polluting your interior!


To create a warm atmosphere, we often take pleasure in illuminating our interiors with fragrant candles; scents such as lavender, jasmine and sandalwood can be known to be relaxing and invigorating. Problem ! Although comforting, these fragrant candles, like incense, would constitute a significant part of indoor pollutants. Numerous studies (such as that of the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe)) have demonstrated the presence of toxic pollutants in scented candles, just like in incense sticks. En In fact, most candles are chemically made from paraffin, petroleum waste transformed into wax. This is how once lit, the candle releases toxic components such as benzene, acetone or even toluene. The University of South Florida has even demonstrated that once extinguished, a scented candle continues to emit benzene in the room in which it is located. Ouch!

How to use candles safely?

Change your scented candles made from chemicals for models made of beeswax or soy . In addition, choose a candle with a short and ecological wick, that is to say a wick that has not received any chemical treatment to have a better hold. Finally, after turning them off, we will also make a point of airing the room for a good quarter of an hour, especially if you live in a small space.

These alternatives to candles for healthier indoor air

If, however, you crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, fear not; there are indeed a few safer ways to scent the air. Here are three!

  1. Use essential oils for fragrance. Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or bath water to create a wonderful aroma.
  2. Simmer the spices. Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg in a pot of water and simmer over low heat.
  3. Creating potpourri. Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit peels, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or cloth bags and placed on your shelves.