Q. How does Soy Candles compare to brand “Y”?
A. We think brand “Y” makes a great paraffin candle - but who wants a paraffin candle?! There are too many reasons to switch to soy candles. Most of our customers are former brand “Y” customers, who come back again and again and rave about our scents, designs, cleanliness, and burn time. Soyfire only carries soy candles and they're less expensive as well, why would you burn anything else?
Q. Is Soy candles better for allergies/Asthma?
A. Not being a petroleum product seems to help. We have many customers with similar stories – they have allergies or asthma and are bothered by regular candles, but have no problem enjoying our soy candles. This is the story of one of our owners personal experience as well.
Q. How strong is the scent in Soy Candles?
A. Soy candle wax can actually accommodate more fragrance on a by-weight basis than paraffin (petroleum) wax (10% vs. 6%). Don't be fooled by home-made soy candle makers claiming "triple scented" - there's really no such thing, you can only compare what % saturation is used. Beanpod soy candles use the maximum concentration of fragrance.
Q. What are the Toxins in Paraffin?
A. Many sources claim 11 toxins in paraffin. We’re sure 7 are more than enough for us. The State of California lists at least seven major toxins in paraffin wax, including toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and naphthalene--substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers. See more health issues at the end of this page.
Q. How can I stop my soy candle from smoking when I blow it out?
A. The very best way to extinguish your soy candle is with a candle quencher. You've seen people use their finger and thumb to extinguish a candle - this is dirty and dangerous, but our metal quencher basically does this same action without using your fingers. Hold the quencher for just a few seconds and the flame is completely extinguished, virtually smoke free! Quenchers are available at Soyfire for $9.99 each.
Q. What is our return policy?
A. We only want happy customers. It doesn’t happen very often, but if you have a problem with any of our soy candles simply return it to our store for replacement or refund.
Q. How do we ship?
A. Once you place an order for our soy candles on our website you will be prompted to select a shipping method. Although, we only use UPS at this time, you still have options. The least expensive is UPS ground.
Q. Do you have other stores?
A. At this time, we only have our one store in N. Conway. We have had many customers ask if they can buy Soyfire soy candles at home, so we set up our web site to serve you, wherever you are!
Q. Can I open a Soyfire Candle Store?
A. Yes, we are interested in expanding. We have been both franchisees and franchisors in our professional background, so we know a little about this. Our current thinking is to create a business opportunity that is not a franchise, but in any event, we will be happy to explore and discuss the possibilities with you if you qualify. Minimum investment is likely to be $40,000 - $80,000 depending on many, many variables.
Q. What are the toxins and health concerns with Paraffin Wax?
A. Although disputed by petroleum companies and the large paraffin candle manufactures, it has been shown that soy candles are healthier to have in your home than candles made from the petroleum waste used to make paraffin.
The state of California, under its Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986), has identified at least seven major toxins in paraffin wax, including toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and naphthalene--substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that toluene and benzene are probable human carcinogens. Burning paraffin candles for long periods indoors produce toxin levels that are higher than the EPA's guidelines.
In 2001, the American Lung Association issued warnings that candles are a common unrecognized cause of poor indoor air quality. The National Association of Home Builders has received increasing reports implicating candles as a major cause of Black Soot Deposition (BSD) that damages home interiors and contents, not to mention skin and lungs. These microscopic particles -- smaller than 2.5 microns -- are recognized by the EPA as responsible for aggravating respiratory illnesses, especially in children.
When soot builds up in air, it deposits on surfaces due to one of four factors. The particle may randomly collide with a surface. Second, soot particles can be circulated by passing through home air-conditioning filters. Third, soot can gain enough mass to become subject to gravity. Homes with BSD often have carpets stained from soot deposition (Vigil, 1998). Finally, the particles are attracted to electrically charged surfaces such as freezers, vertical plastic blinds, television sets, and computers (Krause, 1999).
When soot is airborne, it is subject to inhalation. The particles can potentially penetrate the deepest areas of the lungs, the lower respiratory tract and alveoli (Krause, 1999).