Non-Toxic DIY Slow Cooker Flower Candles
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Girl, dust off your slow cooker, grab your favorite Detox Box Delivered smoothie or juice, and get ready to have a great time with your non-toxic BFF!
I’m about to blow your mind, and add a beautiful coziness to your home that will leave you feeling guilt-free! I used simple ingredients like soy wax, 100% cotton wicks, and essential oils.
So, why make candles when I can just go buy them at the store?
To answer this, we must dive into why I do not burn scented, store-bought candles in my home.
Store-bought candles. Are they really that bad for you?
Though they smell nice and look darn pretty, store-bought candles are a huge source of indoor air pollution, releasing chemicals that are considered just as dangerous as second-hand smoke.
If you have pets or kids, or if care about your own health, you probably don’t like the sound of that.
Let’s look at some common ingredients used in modern, store-bought candles:
Paraffin: which is used in most candles, is a petroleum waste product and has to be deodorized and chemically bleached before it is made into wax. When burned, highly toxic benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens, are released from the paraffin candles. Alternatives: 100% soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax.
Candle Wicks: Although the US has put regulations on the ingredients used in candle wicks, as much as 30% of candles contain heavy metals in the wicks.
“A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air, says the CPSC, which is why they banned lead wicks in 2003. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems.” (source)
Even the aromatherapy candles that are marketed as “healing” are no bueno: “Aromatherapy candles that are scented with synthetic oils release microscopic particles that can cause cancer and other health problems when inhaled.” (source)
Chemical Scents & Dyes: That delicious smelling candle comes at a high cost to your health. I’m sorry, I don’t like it either, but it does.
“Other toxic chemicals that may be present in the paraffin mixture and released through burning include: Acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene. Some of the toxins are found in other products such as paint, lacquer and varnish removers– that’s potent and powerful stuff!” (source)
So what should I do??
I know it hurts to see your $20 sitting on your countertops and tables right now, but I have great news!
Pull up a chair, kick back, and let me show you how to *easily* make beautiful candles at a fraction of the cost of store-bought candles… and with your health in mind!
These non-toxic candles are made with just a few ingredients and a whole-lotta-love!
I started off by making 5 candles in my slow cooker. I used a slow cooker to keep things simple, mess-free, and to decrease my chances of cracking a Mason Jar on my stove.
What You’ll Need:
- Slow cooker
- Five 4oz Mason Jars (I bought these)
- Soy wax (you can also use beeswax or coconut wax)
- Five 100% non-toxic cotton wicks (I bought this pack)
- Dried Flowers (I bought these)
- Essential Oils, such as lavender, clove, vanilla, or mint (I love Eden’s Garden, here)
How to Make Non-Toxic DIY Slow Cooker Flower Candles (8 Steps):
Step 1: Fill your Mason Jars to the top of the jar with un-melted wax. Place the jars inside of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Fill the slow cooker with boiling water around each jar, until the water reaches halfway up the jars.
Step 3: Place the top on the slow cooker. Turn on high for about 30-40 minutes, or until wax is completely melted.
Step 4: Once the wax has melted down, add more wax to the top. Stir and cover again until wax is completely melted.
Step 5: Once all the wax has melted, you may add essential oils (optional- find my favorite & affordable oils here), and remove jars from the slow cooker. Allow them to cool for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Once the wax is just about to set, add in your wicks. I used a kit to keep things simple.
Step 7: Sprinkle your favorite dried flowers on top of your candles, or leave them plain. I purchased a kit of dried flowers, here.
Step 8: Let the candles cool for several hours (preferably overnight) before trimming the wicks. Decorate with more dried flowers, herbs, & twine for a cute look or gift!
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