Candles have long been a symbol of warmth, tranquility, and ambiance. They effortlessly add a touch of elegance to any space, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere. To ensure that you get the most out of your candles, it's essential to understand the importance of good candle care. Explore the six essential tips that will help you extend the life of your candles, maintain their quality, enhance their fragrance, and ensure a safe burn with every light.
1. Trim the wick
Before lighting your candle, always remember to trim the wick to approximately 5mm in length. A longer wick can cause the flame to become too large, resulting in an uneven burn and excessive soot. Trimming the wick not only promotes a steady, clean and fragrant burn but also reduces the chance of accidents.
2. Allow the wax to pool
To prevent tunneling, ensure that the wax of your candle melts evenly across the entire surface during each burn - this is especially important on the first burn. Allow the candle to burn long enough for a full melt pool to form from edge to edge. This not only maximises the fragrance release but also prevents the formation of unsightly wax "tunnels" around the wick.
3. Avoid drafty areas
Candles are sensitive to air currents, so it's crucial to keep them away from drafty areas. Drafts can disturb the flame's stability, causing it to flicker or burn unevenly. Place your candles in a location where they can burn undisturbed, away from open windows, air vents, or ceiling fans.
4. Extinguish with care
When it's time to extinguish your candle, avoid blowing it out. Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and straighten it back up. Blowing out a candle can create excessive smoke and may also cause the wick to smoulder, leading to an unpleasant scent the next time you light it.
5. Store properly
Proper candle storage is essential for maintaining their quality and fragrance. Keep your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Exposure to heat can cause the wax to soften or warp, while sunlight can fade the color and weaken the fragrance.
6. Follow safety guidelines
Lastly, it's important to prioritise safety while enjoying your candles. Always place them on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and make sure to extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Candle care enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of these beloved sources of light. By following these six essential tips - trimming the wick, allowing the wax to pool, avoiding drafty areas, extinguishing with care, storing properly, and prioritising safety - you can enjoy a longer-lasting, more fragrant, and safer burn.
