With so many sizes, designs, and colors available, candles are a popular choice for adding warmth and style to any space. But to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of them, it’s important to give your candles the right level of care and attention.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much time to show your candles some proper TLC. To help you out, we’ve put together a complete start-to-finish list of simple candle care tips that’ll give you the perfect burn every time.
Let the candle burn allowing the entire surface to become fluid during the first use
Use a candle snuffer
To limit excess smoke and prevent hot wax from splattering, use a candle snuffer when putting out the candle, holding the snuffer over the flame for 5 seconds. Allow the candle to cool before moving and covering it with a lid. Also, ideally. you use a kitchen skewer (metal or wood) to extinguish the flame by dipping the wick into the pool of melted wax and bringing it back up again to straight position. This method will also limit the smoke and coat the wick. Dipping your candle wick is the secret to a cleaner, safer burn.
Put the lid on after each use
Cover your candle with the accompanying wooden lid to prevent dust from gathering on the surface after each use. Keeping your candle clean will help it last longer and ensure scent preservation.
Trim the candle wick
Long candle wicks that had fallen into the molten wax may create an unpleasant smell. Trimming it will help your candle last longer and smell fresh every time, ensuring an even burn. Make sure to keep the candle’s wick at approximately 1/4 inch
How to Store Candles
Most candles stay in good condition for around 12-16 months after purchase. While you can still use old candles, you’ll probably find that the quality of their burn, fragrance, and color has diminished. Knowing how to store candles correctly helps you keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Temperature and light exposure are two key factors in candle degradation. So it’s a good idea to keep yours in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or basement. Some people even place their spare candles under a glass cloche so they can remain on display even during storage.
If you notice condensation on the surface of your stored candles, it means the temperature is changing too frequently. Wipe them with a paper towel and store them somewhere with a more consistent temperature.
Place Your Candle on a Heat-Resistant Surface
Of all our candle care tips, this might seem the most obvious. But you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget.
As your candle melts, a small pool of wax will form at its base. This melted wax still retains a lot of heat, which can damage your furniture. Place your candle on a heat-resistant surface – or better yet, in a candle holder – to avoid unnecessary burn marks.
Get the First Burn Right
The first burn of a new candle is a vital step in how to burn a candle evenly.
When you light it for the first time, be sure to let the surface of the candle melt completely to the edge of container. Putting it out too early can create a rim of hard wax that never melts even as the wick and central wax continue to burn down. This is known as tunneling.
As a standard practice, it’s best to burn a new candle for around 1-3 hours before extinguishing the flame. So don’t start new candles when you don’t have time to enjoy them!
Let Each Burn Last 3-4 Hours
We already mentioned that burning your candle for a short time can cause tunneling. But if you’re using a scented candle, it can also mean that the fragrances don’t have time to release. That’s because those delicious smells don’t come from the candle itself but rather evaporation from the pool of hot wax.
Letting your candle burn for too long can also be problematic. This can lead to your candle overheating, which in turn thins the wax. As well as damaging the fragrance oils and causing your candle to put off soot, your candle may slant and burn unevenly.
Keep it Away from Wind
Of course, a strong breeze can blow your candle out. But even gentle wind from a draft, window, or air vent can cause the candle to burn quickly and unevenly. So if you see the flame flickering, put your candle somewhere else or utilize a hurricane glass container.
Why Reusing Old Candle Jars for Candles Isn’t Ideal:
While repurposing old candle jars in creative ways is encouraged, reusing them to make new candles may not be the best idea. Here are a few reasons why:
Residual Wax and Soot: Even after cleaning, some wax residue may remain in the jar. When reused for new candles, this leftover wax can affect the fragrance, burn time, and overall performance of the new candle. Additionally, soot from previous burns may accumulate on the jar, leading to an unsightly appearance and potential health concerns.
Safety Concerns: Candle jars are often designed to withstand the heat of a candle flame, but with each use, the integrity of the glass may weaken. Reusing old candle jars increases the risk of the jar cracking or shattering during use, posing a safety hazard. It’s safer to use jars specifically designed for candle-making.
Fragrance Contamination: Different candle scents can mix and alter their intended fragrances. Reusing old candle jars may result in an undesirable blend of scents that can diminish the overall aromatic experience. To ensure the best fragrance quality, it’s recommended to use clean, unused candle containers.
Repurposing old candle jars can unleash your creativity and give them a new lease on life. From storage containers to decorative accents, there are numerous ways to repurpose these jars that add both functionality and beauty to your living spaces. However, it’s important to avoid reusing old candle jars for new candles due to potential issues like residual wax, safety concerns, and fragrance contamination. By exploring alternative ideas, you can maximize the value and enjoyment of your old candle jars while prioritizing safety and quality.
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