Caring for candles is important to ensure their longevity, safety, and optimal performance. Here are some tips on how to care for candles:
-
Trim the Wick: Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) in length. A longer wick can cause the candle to burn unevenly, produce excess smoke, or create a larger flame.
-
Proper Initial Burn: When you light a new candle for the first time, allow it to burn long enough to create a full wax pool that reaches the edges of the container. This helps prevent tunneling, where the candle only burns down the center and leaves unused wax along the sides.
-
Burn in Intervals: It's best to burn candles in intervals of 2-3 hours. Burning candles for too short a time can lead to tunneling, while excessively long burn times can cause overheating and potentially be a fire hazard.
-
Avoid Drafts: Place candles away from drafty areas as drafts can cause uneven burning and lead to soot formation. This includes open windows, air vents, and fans.
-
Use Candle Snuffer: When extinguishing a candle, use a candle snuffer or gently blow it out. Avoid blowing the candle too hard, as it can cause hot wax to splatter.
-
Keep the Wax Pool Clean: Remove any debris, such as wick trimmings or matches, from the wax pool. Foreign objects in the wax can cause the flame to flicker or create soot.
-
Use Candle Accessories: To protect surfaces from heat damage, place candles on a heat-resistant candle holder or coaster. This also helps contain any dripping wax.
-
Store Properly: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as exposure to heat and sunlight can affect their color, scent, and texture.
-
Monitor Burning Candles: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Ensure that pets and children are kept away from candles to prevent accidents.
-
Extinguish with Caution: If a candle starts to smoke excessively, flicker uncontrollably, or if the flame becomes too high, it's best to extinguish it to avoid potential hazards.