Candles add warmth and ambiance to any space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To ensure you get the most out of your candles and enjoy a safe and efficient burn, proper candle care is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore some easy-to follow tips to keep your candles burning beautifully and prevent common issues like soot buildup and tunneling. So, let' s dive into the world of candle care and show your candles some love!
1. Trim the Wick
Before lighting your candle, remember to trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch. A shorter wick prevents the flame from becoming too large, reducing the risk of uneven burning and soot building up on the glass. Trimming the wick also promotes a clean and steady flame, enhancing the overall candle experience.
2. Create a Full Melt Pool
On the first burn, allow your candle to burn long enough to create a full melt pool, where the wax is liquefied to the edges of the container. This typically takes around 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the candle. A full melt pool prevents tunneling, where the wax only melts in the center, leaving unmelted wax along the sides. By creating a full melt pool initially, you ensure an even burn in subsequent uses, maximizing the candle's lifespan.
3. Burn Time
To maintain a safe and clean burn, avoid burning your candle for more than 3 hours at a time. Extended burn times can cause the wick to become too long and unstable, leading to a larger flame and potential soot production. It's best to extinguish the candle after 3 hours, allowing it to cool before relighting.
4. Extinguish Properly
When it's time to put out your candle, use a candle snuffer instead of the lid to extinguish the flame. Snuffing the candle prevents smoke from escaping and reduces the risk of creating soot. Avoid blowing out the flame, as this can lead to hot wax splatter or uneven burning.
5. Center the Wick
After snuffing out the flame, ensure the wick is centered and upright while the wax is still soft. This helps the wick remain in its proper position, preventing it from leaning to one side and causing uneven burning. Centering the wick contributes to a more consistent and longer lasting candle.
Candle care is not only about ensuring a safe burn but also enhancing the longevity an enjoyment of your candles. By following these simple tips - trimming the wick, creating a full melt pool, limiting burn time, using a candle snuffer, and centering the wick - you can show you candles some love and experience the full beauty of their glow.
Happy candle burning 🤍