Candle Care
1. Trim the Wick Regularly
Why It’s Important:
Trimming your candle wick is a crucial step in proper candle care. It helps ensure a clean and even burn, reduces the build-up of soot, and prevents unnecessary smoke. More importantly, it extends the overall life of the candle and enhances the scent throw, allowing the fragrance to diffuse more effectively throughout your space. An untrimmed wick can cause an overly large flame, which produces excess heat, burns the wax too quickly, and may lead to flickering or smoking.
How to Do It:
To properly trim a candle wick, use a wick trimmer or a pair of scissors and cut the wick to approximately 0.6 cm above the surface of the wax. This length promotes a steady, controlled flame and minimizes the risk of smoke or uneven burning. It's important to avoid lighting a wick that has become overly charred or is too long, as this can affect both the appearance and performance of the candle.
When to Trim:Wick trimming should be done before the first burn to set the foundation for a clean, efficient burn. It should then be repeated before every subsequent use to maintain the recommended 0.6 cm length. Regular trimming helps preserve the candle's quality, prevents issues like soot and flickering, and ensures a consistent, enjoyable burn every time.
2. Allow the Candle to Burn Long Enough
Why It’s Important:
The first burn is crucial! You need to let the wax pool all the way to the edge of the container to avoid “tunnelling.” Tunnelling happens when the candle burns down the middle, leaving unmelted wax along the sides.
How to Do It:
• For your first burn, let the candle burn for at least 2–3 hours to melt evenly across the surface.
• Avoid extinguishing before a full melt is achieved, even if it seems slow.
After the First Burn:
Once the candle has melted fully across the top, it will be more likely to burn evenly on future uses.
3. Burn in Intervals for Maximum Burn Time
Why It’s Important:
To extend your candle’s life, it’s important not to overheat the vessel. Burning for too long at once can cause the jar to become too hot, accelerating the burn and wasting wax.
How to Do It:
• When burning for longer sessions, enjoy in intervals of around 2 hours.
• Avoid burning for more than 2–3 hours continuously to protect both the wax and the vessel.
4. Keep Candles in a Draft-Free Zone
Why It’s Important:
Candles should burn in a calm, still environment to ensure a clean, even burn. Drafts can cause flickering, uneven melting, and faster burning.
How to Do It:
• Keep candles away from open windows, vents, fans, and breezy spots.
• Avoid placing candles near heat sources.
5. Never Leave a Candle Unattended
Why It’s Important:
Candles can pose a fire risk if left unattended. Drafts, pets, or unstable placement can quickly lead to accidents.
How to Do It:
• Always stay in the room when your candle is lit.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Place candles on a stable surface, away from flammable items.
6. Extinguish the Candle Properly
Why It’s Important:
Incorrectly extinguishing a candle can cause wax splatter, wick damage, or excessive smoke.
How to Do It:
• Using a Snuffer: Place the snuffer over the flame and gently press down to extinguish cleanly.
• Blowing Out: If you blow it out, do so gently to avoid smoke and splashes.
7. Let the Candle Cool Before Moving It
Why It’s Important:
Moving a hot candle risks spills, burns, or damage to the wax and container.
How to Do It:
• Allow the candle to cool for at least 30 minutes after extinguishing.
• Transport only once the wax has fully solidified.
8. Proper Storage
Why It’s Important:
Proper storage protects your candle’s scent, colour, and shape.
How to Do It:
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Always cover your candle with its lid to preserve fragrance and protect from dust.