10 Tips for Candle Care
We are so glad our survivor made candles have found their new home with you. We want you to get the most out of your candle and be delighted with your experience. You may be wondering if there is anything you should do to care for your new candle. We’ve got the answers to all of your burning questions!
1) First Burn
Did you know candle wax has a memory? When you light your candle the very first time, be sure to allow enough time for the wax to melt completely to the edge of the jar. This will usually take around 2 hours. If you blow it out with only a small melt pool, the next time you burn the candle it may not reach past that line and form a rim of solid wax along the side if your jar. Allowing your candle to burn all the way to the edges, especially on the first burn will prevent tunneling and ensure you enjoy every bit of wax in your candle.
2) Trim
After you have burned your candle the first time, it is very important to trim your wick to 1/4 inch each time before you relight your candle. This will prevent the wick from mushrooming and any debris from falling into your wax. This will also ensure your candle does not put off soot. In our opinion, trimming the wick is the most important thing you can do for a perfect burn and to extend the life of your candle. To trim, you can use a wick trimmer, scissors over a waste basket, or a tissue to pinch off the excess.
3) Clean
If you do happen to notice soot on the inside of your jar, allow your candle to cool completely, re-trim, and wipe the the jar clean with a paper towel. This will keep your candle not only burning clean, but also looking esthetically pleasing.
4) Burn Time
How hard can it be to take care of a candle? Just light it and let it burn, right? Actually, we recommend never letting a candle burn for more than 2-4 hours. If you burn longer than recommended, the wick will begin to mushroom. This can cause the wick to become unstable, the flame to get too large, cause the jar to become to hot, and cause your candle to smoke. To preserve the fragrance in your melt pool, do not burn your candle for more than 4 hours at at time.
5) Even Surface
Always burn your candle on an even surface not only to prevent spills, but also to make sure it burns evenly on every side.
6) Protected Surface
On that note, we recommend placing your candle on a coaster, book or trivet and never directly on your counter or dresser. This one may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. Be sure your candle is on a steady, heat-resistant surface before you light it. Prevent damages to your furniture by burning your candle on a protected surface.
7) Away From Drafts
Keep the candle away from drafts, air vents and windows. If you notice the flame flickering or excess soot, move the candle to a place with less air movement.
8) Extinguish Properly
Never use a lid to extinguish your candle. This will trap the smoke in your liquid wax and compromise the integrity of the candle the next time you burn it. Simply blow out it out or use a wick dipper or candle snuffer.
9) Never Burn Unattended
Accidents can happen. Your candle should always, always, always be burned within sight.
10) Out of Reach
If you have children or pets in the home, be sure your candle is burning out of reach to prevent injury.