Burning Tips For Candle Care

By Najwa Zulhisham

A bubbly personality with a hint of pseudo-sarcasm, Najwa is a world of creativity on her own. Coming from her failed acting career during her uni days, she started writing for fun, eventually making it her career. Other than having to do her nails every month, she also finds solace in her interior designer alter-ego, redesigning her bedroom whenever life doesn’t feel quite right.   

Candles are an elegant accent that look great in every room of the house. It has a unique odour and the ability to store memories at the same time. When you go into a home that has been delicately scented, you immediately feel more at ease. If you want to get the most use out of candles, there are a few things about them that you should be familiar with. By utilising these strategies, you will be able to get the most out of your favourite candles while avoiding the dreaded uneven burn and soot-covered glass.

The Initial Flame

To avoid tunnelling and ensure an even burn throughout the candle’s “life,” the first light should be burned until the wax melts throughout the entire surface, all the way to the sides of the vessel. It may take two to four hours, but it is guaranteed to extend the life of your candle.

Snip Snip!

For optimal candle performance, a short wick is essential. Every time you light a candle, you should trim the wick. Keeping the wick to a maximum of 6 mm in length will prevent mushrooming, which can lead to excess soot. You may get more use out of your candle by regulating the size of the flame in this way.

Candle Vocab!

Soot, a powdery black substance composed of small carbon particles ejected from the candle flame during incomplete combustion, can accumulate in candle jars and cause them to turn black. 

Soot Management

If soot collects on the interior of the vessel, put out the candle, wait for the vessel to cool, and then wash it down with a clean, moist towel. To relight the candle, trim the wick.

Candle Extinguishing Instructions

Use a snuffer to put out the flame of the candle, or dip the wick into the melted wax and then straighten it out afterwards. This will prevent the candle from smoking and will also keep the wax from splattering. Blowing it out is a big no-no. 

WARNING: Stay Out Of Windy Places

Spotting a well-burning candle

An efficient flame does not flicker, has the shape of a teardrop, and burns straight up. If a candle is smoking, flickering, or has a high flame, put it out. These signs indicate that the candle’s flame is uncontrollable and that it is not burning correctly. Trim the wick and check for draughts before relighting the candle, but only after it has cooled down.

Double The Effect Of Your Scent

The intensity of a smell can be reduced by opening windows and doors. Keep windows and doors shut for at least 30 minutes before entering a room where you’ve been burning candles to maximise the scent.

Tips for Storing Candles

Keep your candles in a dry, cold area. Keeping scented candles under a glass dome not only keeps them dust-free but also adds a decorative touch to your home. Candles should not be placed in direct sunlight or under bright indoor lights like spotlights. You can clean a candle by wiping it gently with a piece of nylon or a soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. You can use the towel dry or damp.

Now that you have these guidelines at the tip of your fingers, it’s time to share them with your friends and family in case you want to surprise them with the aromatic gift of candles. With LVLY, you can send your loved ones candles, flowers, and other customized gifts anywhere in Australia!