How To Care For Candles (7 Tips)

Scented candles can bring a touch of warmth and luxury to any home. With a little bit of care, your scented candles will look beautiful, burn evenly and without smoke, and release their delightful fragrance for many hours. Here are our top tips to keep your candles in perfect condition.

To properly care for candles and extend their lifespan:

1. Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch to prevent smoking and soot buildup.
2. Burn the candle until the entire surface is melted and liquid to prevent tunneling.
3. Don’t burn for more than 4 hours at a time, and allow the wax to cool before relighting.
4. Keep the candle away from direct drafts and other sources of air movement.
5. Store candles in a cool, dry place to prevent melting and warping.
6. Avoid placing candles in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
7. Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame, or gently blow it out. This helps prevent hot wax from splattering.

The First Burn is Very Important

The first burn of a candle is important for achieving a clean and even burn in the future. Here’s what to do for the first burn:

1. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle.
2. Burn the candle for at least 1 hour, or until the wax has melted and pooled across the entire surface of the candle.
3. Extinguish the candle and allow the wax to cool completely.
4. Re-trim the wick to 1/4 inch before relighting the candle.

By following these steps, you will create an even pool of melted wax and prevent tunneling, ensuring that your candle burns evenly and efficiently in the future.

How to Extinguish a Candle

To properly extinguish a candle:

• Use a candle snuffer to gently press the wick into the melted wax, cutting off the oxygen supply to the flame.
• Alternatively, you can gently blow out the flame. This should be done with care to prevent hot wax from splattering.

Using a snuffer or blowing out the candle carefully can prevent soot from forming and help maintain the quality of the candle. Avoid using water to extinguish the flame, as this can cause the wax to crack or splatter.

How to Keep the Candle Clean

To keep a candle clean:

• Wipe away any wax spills or residue from the candle’s surface, the jar or container, and the surrounding area with a soft cloth or paper towel.
• Avoid burning the candle for more than 4 hours at a time, as this can cause excessive wax buildup and increase the risk of wax spills.
• Keep the candle away from direct drafts, fans, or air conditioning vents, which can cause the flame to flicker and create more wax spills.
• Use a candle snuffer or blow out the candle carefully to prevent hot wax from splattering.

By following these steps, you can maintain the appearance of your candle and prevent wax buildup and residue from forming.

Where to Store Candles?

Candles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Here are some suggestions for where to store candles:

• A cabinet or shelf in a cool, dark room, such as a closet or pantry.
• A covered box or container that is big enough to accommodate the candles without bending or distorting their shape.
• A draw or dresser with a close-fitting lid to keep out light and dust.
• A storage bin or basket lined with tissue paper or a soft cloth protects the candles.

By keeping candles in a cool, dry place, you can prevent melting, warping, and fading and extend the lifespan of your candles. If you aren’t using the candles for an extended period of time, consider storing them in the refrigerator to extend their lifespan.

In addition, make sure to use a suitable container for your candles – either a heat-proof dish or the original glass holder they came in. An open-topped vessel will allow air to circulate around the flame, making it burn more steadily and preventing dangerous wax splatter.

You should also consider moving your candle away from any drafts or fans, as this can cause uneven burning and smoke marks on walls or furniture.

Conclusion

Following these simple guidelines will help you get the most out of your scented candles – whether you are using them for romantic dinners or simply want to enjoy their comforting aroma during stressful days at work. With just a bit of effort and attention, you’ll be able to admire their beauty while enjoying their signature scent!