Will scented candles damage my home?

Scented candles might be inviting and they might create a pleasant atmosphere in your home, but keep in mind that candles might also be causing irreparable damage to your home and your insurance might not cover it.

In order to make a more pleasant smell, companies are now adding oil to candles in order to make the scent stronger and longer-lasting. They do this by mixing oil into the candle wax.

Cleaning your walls, couch, carpet and appliances can become practically impossible after the soot settles. Household cleaners won't be able to break the electrically charged bond because it is far too strong.

The candles were tested by Ron Bailey, engineer and owner of Bailey Engineering in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. One of his tests involved using a model home with 15 candles inside it.

He burned all 15 candles and left them for four hours. Soot then deposited on the walls, drapes and appliances. Bailey claims that he has seen cases where candle soot caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. "It's eye-opening. They had to replace the carpets and clean up and repaint the walls,' he says.

Because of candle soot, there was a homeowner in Texas who faced approximately $200,000 in replacement costs and damages. The cooling ductwork and heating was infested by the soot, and they later had to be replaced.

The furniture was also covered by the candle soot. Problems from candle soot are becoming more and more evident, says Frank Vigil, a building specialist with the Applied Building Science Team at North Carolina State University.

Even though this issue is becoming more serious throughout time, insurance companies might not pay for the damage caused by candle soot.

Phil Supple, a spokesman for State Farm says, "There's a potential for coverage, but like every other claim, it will be investigated on its own merits. We would look particularly closely at the 'named peril provision' in the policy.' This provision basically spells out what is and what isn't covered. Because candle soot takes effect after developing over time, it might not be covered in the "sudden and accidental occurrence' provision. This provision separates harmful events that happen immediately and those that develop throughout time. 

Don't say that candle makers didn't warn you! Companies like Candle-Lite Incorporated, based in Leesburg, Ohio, provide consumers with specific warnings on its candles about soot. The warning labels read, "For best burning performance and to reduce soot emissions, trim wick to ¼ inch, and do not burn candle near a draft.'