Dos and Don'ts of Candle Care

Candles have been used for centuries to create a warm and cozy ambiance in our homes. Whether you enjoy their soft glow during a relaxing bath or use them as a centrepiece for your living spaces, candles can add a touch of elegance to your home. However, proper candle care is essential to ensure their longevity and safety. In this blog post, we will explore the dos and don'ts of candle care, helping you get the most out of your candles while maintaining a safe environment.

Dos:

1. Trim the Wick: Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about ¼ inch (5mm) in length. This helps to prevent your candle from burning too quickly excessive smoking, soot buildup, and uneven burning. A trimmed wick ensures a clean and steady flame, promoting a longer and more enjoyable candle experience.

2. Burn Candles for a Sufficient Time: Allow your candle to burn long enough for the entire surface to melt into a pool of liquid wax. This prevents the formation of a "tunnel" and promotes an even burn throughout the candle's lifespan. For larger candles, ensure a burn time of at least 2-3 hours to achieve an optimal wax pool.

3. Place Candles on a Heat-Resistant Surface: Always position your candles on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle holder or a heat-resistant coaster. This prevents heat damage to your furniture and minimizes the risk of accidental fires. Additionally, choose a stable surface that is unlikely to be bumped or knocked over.

4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts: Avoid placing your candles in drafty areas. Air currents can cause an uneven burn and may lead to flickering or excessive smoking. Keep candles away from open windows, fans, air conditioning vents, and high-traffic areas to ensure a steady and controlled burn.

5. Extinguish Candles Safely: When it's time to extinguish your candle, use a candle snuffer or gently blow it out. This helps to avoid hot wax splatters and reduces the risk of accidental fires. Blowing out candles can create smoke and disturb the wick, potentially leading to future burning issues.

Don'ts:

1. Never Leave Burning Candles Unattended: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and it's crucial to prioritize safety. Make it a habit to check and double-check that all candles are properly extinguished.

2. Never Burn Candles Near Flammable Objects: Keep candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, bedding, books, or paper. Ensure a safe distance of at least one foot between candles and any combustible items. This reduces the risk of accidental fires and promotes a safe candle-burning environment.

3. Never Burn Candles in Closed or Confined Spaces: Avoid burning candles in enclosed or small spaces without proper ventilation. Insufficient air circulation can cause the buildup of soot and increase the risk of indoor air pollution. Opt for well-ventilated areas when enjoying your candles.

4. Never Touch or Move Candles While Lit: Never touch or move a candle while it's lit or immediately after extinguishing it. The melted wax and surrounding glass or container can be extremely hot and may cause burns. Allow sufficient time for the candle to cool before handling it.

5. Never Burn Candles to the Bottom: As tempting as it may be, avoid burning candles all the way to the bottom. Leaving a small amount of wax in the container or candle holder prevents heat damage and reduces the risk of fire. Discontinue use when the wax level reaches about 1.5cm to prevent heat damage to the container or candle holder.