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Candles are an obsession of mine...and I think it’s safe to say that it’s almost impossible to go to someone’s house and not see a candle somewhere. They provide warmth, ambiance, and can mask less than pleasant smells from a spectrum of fragrance - musky, fruity, floral, spicy or sensual (to name a few!).
Most of us are aware of candle safety, and all candles should have the little warning sticker on the bottom, in or on the box for your reference, but how can we look after our candles to ensure longevity and continued quality? Here are 5 tips to help keep your candles in tip top shape:
1. TRIM THE WICK
The golden rule is to trim the wick between 5-8mm, using a wick trimmer or sharp pair of scissors. Our candles are hand poured soy wax, which requires a slightly thicker wick which does not always burn completely. Trimming before each use will help it burn evenly, reduce mushrooming and soot, and improve the overall longevity of your candle.
2. CREATE A BURN MEMORY
When you use your beautiful candle for the first time, allow it to burn so that the wax melts right to the edge of the candle. This will help ensure an even burn and maximum fragrance, as well as reducing the amount of wax left on the sides as the candle burns down.
3. STORE PROPERLY
Candles can be sensitive to light and temperature, so be sure to store them upright in a cool, dry place away from direct light, sun and heat. Keep lid in when not in use to avoid dust and debris from collecting on wax, and to preserve fragrance.
4. EXTINGUISH PROPERLY
When you have finished burning your candle for the desired period of time, a candle snuffer will ensure a safe, clean and splatter free end. Blowing out a candle can risk wax splatter and the ember on the wick can create smoke as it continues to go out. It can also move the wick off centre, which can lead to uneven burning. If you don’t have a snuffer, you can dip the wick in the wax, which will extinguish it, stop it from smouldering and help it light the next time you want to use it. Please DO NOT use water to extinguish your candle!
5. CANDLE HYGEINE
Any soot or debris that accumulated on the candle can be cleaned using a damp or dry cloth once candle is cool. Any wax that is left over at the end or spilled on a surface can be cleaned using boiling water and a cloth or some paper towel.
If you are using a votive candle, placing a teaspoon of water in the bottom before adding the candle can ensure easy removal from the holder. DO NOT remove votives from holders using sharp implements, as this can scratch the holder and weaken it, increasing the risk of it shattering with use.
Finally, always use a proper candle holder or burner, as these accessories are designed specifically for use with candles. Using other things that are not typically suited to candles can increase the risk of them breaking or shattering due to temperature fluctuations.
