
A Guide to Caring for Your Candles
Candles, much like people, thrive when treated with care! A beautiful candle has the power to transform the atmosphere of a room. By following candle care instructions, you can make the most of the ingredients and ensure that the captivating fragrance permeates your entire home. In this guide, we delve into essential practices, from lighting a candle to achieving an even burn, so you can savor the exquisite aroma of your candles for an extended duration.
Candle Care 101: Preparing Your Candle for Its Inaugural Burn
How to Trim Your Wick
Trimming a candle wick helps prevent the formation of soot and keeps your candles burning for a longer duration. Knowing how to trim a candle wick is a valuable skill. When trimming a candle wick, leave at least a quarter of an inch remaining. You can achieve this by using a wick trimmer or sharp scissors.
How to Center Your Wick
Raise the wick in a straight manner and position it as centrally as you can. If the wick shifts during burning, adjust it to the center while the wax is in a semi-soft state, but not hot. Why is it important to center the wick on a candle? Because it encourages an even and clean burn.
Clean Debris from Candle
Cleaning up candle debris is essential to prevent unpleasant odors resulting from the combustion of dust particles. Typically, you can easily remove dust by gently picking it off with your fingers without causing any harm to the candle.
Burning Your Candle the Proper Way
Here are instructions on how to properly burn your candle:
Trim the Wick:
Before lighting your candle for the first time, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Keeping the wick short helps prevent soot, uneven burning, and excessive flames.
Choose the Right Location:Â
Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, flammable objects, and direct sunlight. Avoid putting candles near curtains, plants, or other items that can catch fire.
Mind the First Burn:Â
During the first burn, allow the entire top surface of the candle to become liquid wax. This process usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the candle's size. It ensures an even burn throughout the candle's life.
Avoid Tunneling:
Tunneling occurs when only a small hole burns down the center of the candle, leaving wax on the sides. To prevent this, burn the candle long enough during each use to melt the entire surface, and avoid extinguishing it too soon.
Keep Away from Breezes:
Drafts can cause candles to burn unevenly and create soot. Ensure that windows and doors are closed when using your candle, or place it in an area with minimal airflow.
Use a Wick Dipper or Snuffer:
Instead of blowing out the flame, use a wick dipper or snuffer to extinguish the candle. This helps prevent wax from splattering and keeps the wick centered.
Recenter the Wick:
If the wick becomes off-center during burning, gently reposition it while the wax is still soft. This ensures an even burn in subsequent uses.
Limit Burn Time:Â
Avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Extinguish it after this period and allow it to cool before relighting. This helps prolong the candle's life and prevents overheating.
Keep an Eye on Safety:Â
Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially if you have pets or children. Ensure the candle is completely extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.
Enjoy the Scent:
Relax and enjoy the soothing fragrance of your candle while it burns. Candles are not just a source of light but also a way to create a calming atmosphere in your home.