Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will soy wax candles burn as long as paraffin-based candles? A: Yes! In fact, soy wax  burns cleaner and last longer than traditional petroleum paraffin candles..

Q: Do soy wax candles have as much fragrance? A: Yes! Soy wax candles can actually accommodate more fragrance on a by-weight basis than paraffin-based candles (10% vs. 6%)

Q: Are all soy wax candles the same?
A: No. Many of the so-called "soy" candles on today's market are actually a blend containing soy and paraffin or vegetable wax. Soy Basics candles are made from 100% stabilized soy wax for a cleaner, more consistent burn. 

Q: Are soy wax candles environmentally friendly? A: Very. Soy wax is a biodegradable and renewable energy source that is water-soluble and non-toxic. Candles made with 100% stabilized soy wax do not release the petroleum-based pollutants that paraffin candles can produce. In addition, purchasing Soy Basics candles supports the American farmer and provides another source of income to the U.S. economy.
 
Q: Will soy wax candles leave residue on my walls or furnishings? A: No. Soy wax does not produce the black paraffin soot residue (known as "ghosting") that can accumulate on your walls, ceiling, or furniture.  

Q: Why don't you offer pillar candles made of 100% soy?
A: Soy wax is softer than paraffin, which is one of the reasons you won't find pillar candles made of 100% soy wax. In addition, votive candles made from soy wax need to be burned in a tight-fitting container for maximum fragrance and burn time.

Q: Are there special care instructions for soy wax candles? A: There are a few simple steps for getting the maximum enjoyment from your Beanpod Candles. Soy wax does not burn as hot as paraffin wax, so soy wax candles require a thicker wick. This wick doesn’t burn completely and needs to be trimmed before relighting to be 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch in length.  This will minimize soot and remove any mushrooming of the wick left by the previous burn.

When lighting a soy candle for the first time, allow the wax to pool all the way to the sides of the container. (Pooling is simply defined as melted wax. The initial burn of any candle should last as long as it takes for the melted wax to reach all the way to the edges of the jar — about 1" per hour.) This will give you maximum fragrance and minimize the wax remaining along the sides of the container. If you don't allow the wax to pool on the first burn of your soy wax candle (or any candle), you may get "tunneling.” This means the wax simply burns down the center of the candle, leaving wax on the side of the jar.

Q: How are Soy Basics candles made? A: Soy Basics incorporates two unique, proprietary methods in the development of our soy wax candles: the Cleanburn technology and the TEMPACURE which is our patent-pending process.

The acclaimed cleanburn technology promises that Soy Basics candles will burn clean, leaving minimal wax residue on the sides of the jar. Our Beanpod Candles will also burn slower and cooler than paraffin wax candles, which are known to have a high combustion rate. This slower burn rate means Beanpod Candles deliver greater value than paraffin candles.

Soy Basics TEMPACURE method ensures vibrant colors and extraordinary fragrances. Beanpod Candles provide a strong, consistent scent throughout the burn, unlike some soy wax candles that lose their fragrance once they are lit.

Q: Where are Soy Basics candles produced? A: We proudly pour our candles in New Hampton, Iowa, the nation's heartland of soybean growers. The warmth of our candles reflects the hometown hospitality and strong, Midwestern work ethic of a community of less than 4,000 residents.

Q: Are Soy Basics candles becoming more popular? A: Yes. Soy Basics has become the 2nd best-selling candle line in the gift industry, according to GiftBeat, a U.S. gift industry tracker.