Candle care tips

Candle care tips

Although candles are calming, nostalgic, and comforting, an improperly controlled open flame can be dangerous. Please read the instructions we've provided below so that you can burn your candles cheerfully and safely.

Before burning Instruction

 

  • Trim the wick to at least 1/4 inch or 6 mm before lighting your candle.
  • Avoid air currents, vents, and draughts.
  • When you light the candle, let it burn for two to three hours.

 

As it burns

  • Never light a candle while you're sleeping or leave one burning unattended.
  • Never move or touch a candle that is burning.
  • Don't let a candle burn out completely. Stop burning a candle when there is 1/4 inch or 6 mm of wax remaining in the vessel for safety reasons.

 

As you Extinguish

  • The safest method to avoid hot wax splattering when extinguishing a candle is to use a candle snuffer if one is available.
  • Avoid using water to put out a candle.
  • Make sure your candle is fully out and that there is no illumination emanating from the wick ember before you leave the room.

 

 

Some other Common problems of scented candles and how to avoid them

What is tunneling and what steps to avoid them?

Tunneling in scented candles occurs when the candle burns down the middle, creating a tunnel-like hole, while leaving the wax on the sides untouched. This can happen because the wick is too small for the diameter of the candle, the wax is too hard, or the candle is not burned long enough for the wax to melt evenly. 

 

To avoid tunneling, you can:

Use a wick that is the appropriate size for the diameter of the candle. A general rule of thumb is to use a wick that is 1/8 inch wide for every inch of candle diameter.

Use a wax that is formulated for candle making, as it will have the right melting point and will hold fragrance and color well.

Burn the candle for long enough to allow the wax to melt evenly across the top of the candle. This usually takes around 2-4 hours for the first time you light the candle and 30-45 minutes for subsequent burns.

-Trim the wick before each burn to 1/4 inch to avoid the large flame.

It's important to keep an eye on the candle while it is burning and to follow the safety guidelines for candle use.

 

But what if the candle has already tunneled?

If your candle has already tunneled, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:

  1. Extinguish the candle and let it cool completely.
  2. Use a wick dipper or a pair of scissors to carefully trim the wick down to 1/4 inch.
  3. Use a spoon or a butter knife to carefully scoop out any excess wax that has built up around the wick. or use a heat gun/ hair dryer to make the top flat. Make sure the wick is still 1/4 inch high.
  4. Relight the candle and make sure to burn it long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the top.

 

It's important to note that if you have already tunneled the candle, you may not be able to completely fix it and it may not burn as well as it should. In this case, it's best to use the remaining wax for a different purpose like warming oils or melt it down to make new candles.

Why is my candle flame too high?

A candle flame that is too high can be caused by a few different factors, including:

  • A wick that is too long: If the wick is too long, it can create a larger flame and can also cause the candle to burn too quickly. To fix this, you can trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each burn.
  • A drafty environment: If the candle is placed in a drafty area, the flame can be blown larger and higher. To fix this, move the candle to a more sheltered location.

 

It's important to keep an eye on the candle while it is burning and to follow the safety guidelines for candle use. A high flame can create a fire hazard, so it's important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Why is my candle flame too low or it extinguishes?

A candle flame that is too low or extinguished can be caused by a few different factors, including:

  • A wick that is too short: If the wick is too short, it may not be able to draw enough wax to the flame to keep it burning. Make sure the wick is trimmed to 1/4 inch before each burn.
  • A drafty environment: If the candle is placed in a drafty area, the flame can be blown out. To fix this, move the candle to a more sheltered location.

How long to burn the candle?

The ideal burn time is 3-4 hours but it should be based on the size of the jar. Once there is enough melt pool covering the entire top area of the wax, you can blow out the candle.

How to clean the jar after use?

Cleaning a candle jar after use can be done by following these simple steps:

  • Wait for the candle to cool completely and the wax to solidify.
  • Gently remove as much of the solid wax as possible, using a spoon or butter knife. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
  • Fill the jar with warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
  • Use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub the inside of the jar, being sure to remove any remaining wax or wick debris.
  • Rinse the jar thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a towel or let it air dry.
  • If there is still some wax or wick debris left, you can try reheating the jar in the oven or microwave for a couple of minutes to soften the wax, then repeat the cleaning process.

It's also important to keep in mind that candle jars can be recycled or repurposed, you can use it as a pen holder, a small plant pot, or even a tealight holder.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.