Candle Care 101
Using a candle properly ensures safety and maximizes its efficiency. Here are some best practices:
Trim the Wick: Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) to prevent excessive smoking and uneven burning.
Place on a Stable Surface: Always place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, flammable objects, and out of reach of pets and children.
Avoid Air Currents: Keep candles away from drafts or air currents to ensure even burning and to prevent dripping or uneven burning.
Initial Burn: For the first burn, allow the candle to melt across the entire surface to prevent tunneling. This may take a couple of hours depending on the candle size.
Subsequent Burns: Keep the candle burning until the wax pool reaches the edge of the container on subsequent burns. This prevents tunneling and maximizes the candle’s burn time.
Burn in Intervals: Avoid burning a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Allow it to cool down for at least 2 hours before relighting.
Snuff Instead of Blowing: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame instead of blowing it out. Blowing can cause hot wax to splatter.
Avoid Moving Candles: Don’t move a burning candle as this can lead to accidents and spillage of hot wax.
Keep Away from Flammable Materials: Ensure the candle is at a safe distance from curtains, papers, and other flammable materials.
Never Leave Unattended: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Store Properly: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and melting.
Keep Clean: Keep the wax pool free of debris such as matches or wick trimmings to prevent flaring.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your candles safely and effectively while maximizing their burn time and fragrance.
