The Impact of High-Quality Services on Business Growth

Published: 10/17/2024

We often think of candles as a kind of inanimate décor, akin to a lamp or a bookend. But the truth is they’re much more like houseplants: a little mysterious, ever-evolving, and in need of some regular TLC in order to live their best life. Here are a few candle maintenance tips to help all types of candles burn better, glow brighter, and keep your home as cozy as can be.

How to Trim a Candle Wick

Each time you’re about to light a candle, use scissors, nail clippers, or specially designed wick trimmers to clip the candle’s wick down to about 1/4–1/2 inch. When you cut off the used portion of wick at the top, less sooty residue ends up in the air and along your candle’s rim, resulting in a cleaner, purer light.

How to Burn a Candle Evenly

The very first time you burn a new candle, it’s important to let the wax melt until it reaches the vessel’s edges. (It’s likely to take a few hours, so save this for an unscheduled evening)! Otherwise, the wax will melt unevenly, often forming a tunnel in the center, which shortens the candle’s lifespan. We prefer lighting candles with a rechargeable USB lighter, which eliminates the need for matches, lighter refills, butane, or disposable plastic – plus, there's no open flame involved with this eco-friendly (and, frankly, genius) alternative.

How Long to Burn a Candle for the First Time

When you first light your new candle, it’s essential to let it burn long enough to establish a full melt pool – that’s when the wax melts evenly across the entire surface. This can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the candle’s size. We know you’re eager to bask in its cozy glow, but patience is key. Allowing the wax to melt completely during the initial burn prevents tunneling, ensuring your candle burns beautifully and evenly each time you light it. So, grab a book, make yourself a cup of tea, and let your candle work its magic.

How Long Should You Burn a Candle

To get the most out of your candles, it’s important to consider the optimal burn time, which can vary depending on factors like room size and the candle’s dimensions. Generally, a burn time of 2-4 hours is ideal. This allows the wax to melt evenly, creating a full melt pool that enhances the candle’s fragrance and prevents uneven burning. In smaller rooms, you might find a shorter burn time is sufficient to fill the space with your favorite scent, while larger rooms may benefit from a longer burn. By following this range, you’ll not only enjoy a consistent and delightful aroma but also maximize the life of your cherished candles.

How to Use a Candle Snuffer

It turns out candle snuffers aren’t just for period dramas. As opposed to blowing out a candle, we recommend using a snuffer so pieces of the wick don’t break off and fall into the wax. This technique also keeps hot wax from splattering onto your furniture (or back in your direction). More importantly, it feels very fancy and helps make the ritual of burning a candle truly something to savor.

How to Store Candles

When a candle’s not in use, it needs to be protected from dust and other debris. A cloche – that’s the glass dome we used to think was just for show – will keep the wax pristine so a scented candle’s layers of fragrance don’t become muddled or evaporate, and so flame-adjacent particles don’t grow dangerously hot.

How to Remove Candle Wax from a Jar

Candle jars are often beautiful in their own right (Capri Blue, anyone?), so we love to give them a second life. If you've burned a candle down – about ½ inch of wax remaining is the sweet spot – it’s easy to transform. To clean the candle jar, heat a kettle of water and pour it into the vessel. The wax should float to the top, but let it sit overnight until cool, then remove the wax pieces and any leftover wick from the bottom. Or, if you prefer, you can freeze your vessel (one night should do it!). Gently lift the frozen wax from the container with a butter knife. Wipe it out with a warm, damp cloth, and you’re set to reuse it into a planter, makeup brush holder, pencil cup, or piggy bank.

Candle Safety Tips

As with anything related to fire, there are a few wax melt safety tips to keep in mind when setting the mood (lighting). For starters, place your candle on a stable, uncluttered, heat-resistant surface that's out of reach from children or pets and at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn quickly or easily – such as curtains, clothing, carpets, etc. When you go to light the wick, be careful of any loose hair or sleeves that might get in the way of the flame. Once your candle is lit, you shouldn't leave it unattended or in a place where you might fall asleep, as longer burn times and unmonitored open flames can lead to an increased risk of fire incidents. If you're lighting more than one candle, keep each vessel at least three inches apart. To ensure further safety and longevity, be sure to check the bottom of your candle for additional instructions, including details on when to discontinue use.