Candle Care
Updated: Apr 14
Candles can add warmth, ambiance, and a pleasing fragrance to any space, making them a popular addition to homes and businesses alike. However, it's important to take proper care of your candles to ensure they burn cleanly, safely, and last as long as possible. In this blog, we'll go over some tips for candle care that will help you get the most out of your candles.
Trim the Wick
One of the most important things you can do to care for your candles is to trim the wick before each use. This helps prevent the flame from getting too large, which can cause the candle to burn too quickly, produce excessive smoke, and create a fire hazard. To trim the wick, use a wick trimmer or scissors to trim it to a length of ¼ inch (6mm) before lighting the candle.
Burn Candles for the Right Amount of Time
It's important to burn candles for the right amount of time to ensure they burn cleanly and evenly. The general rule of thumb is to burn candles for 1 hour per inch (25mm) of diameter. For example, if you have a 3-inch (75mm) diameter candle, you should burn it for a maximum of 3 hours at a time.
Avoid tunnelling by ensuring you burn for the correct amount of time, it is important to allow the candle to burn for a sufficient amount of time during the initial burn, typically until the entire surface of the wax has melted evenly. It is also important to trim the wick before each use, and to avoid burning the candle for too short of a time. Additionally, using a candle snuffer rather than blowing out the flame can help to prevent tunneling.
Keep Candles Away from Drafts
Candles should be kept away from drafts, as this can cause them to burn unevenly or produce excessive smoke. If you're burning a candle near a window or door, make sure to close it to prevent drafts. Additionally, avoid placing candles near fans, air conditioning units, or other sources of airflow.
Use Candle Accessories
Using the right accessories can help care for your candles and ensure they burn cleanly and safely. For example, a snuffer can be used to extinguish candles without blowing them out, which can help prevent excessive smoke and wax splatters. Candle holders can also help protect surfaces from heat and wax, as well as provide a stable base for the candle.
Store Candles Properly
Proper storage can help extend the life of your candles and prevent them from getting damaged. Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat. If you're storing multiple candles together, make sure to keep them separate to prevent them from touching and potentially melting or sticking together. In conclusion, taking care of your candles is essential to ensure they burn cleanly, safely, and last as long as possible. By following these simple tips for candle care, you can enjoy the warm glow and pleasant fragrance of your candles without any worries.