Candles add a touch of warmth, elegance, and ambiance to any room. Whether you’re setting the mood for a relaxing evening, adding a cozy touch to your decor, or simply enjoying a favorite fragrance, proper candle care is essential to ensure safety and longevity. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for your candles, from trimming the wicks to enjoying them safely.

1. Trim the Wicks

Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This prevents the flame from getting too large and reduces the risk of black soot marks around the container. A properly trimmed wick also helps your candle burn more evenly and efficiently, extending its life.  And yes, this includes trimming wooden wicks too!

2. The First Burn is Crucial

When you light your candle for the first time, let it burn until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the candle. Creating a full melt pool during the first burn prevents tunneling, where the candle burns down the middle, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edges.  *This sometimes doesn't apply to coconut blended waxes where it may take several burns to develop a full melt pool.  It is a softer wax, with a higher burn temperature and can often take several burns... but usually catches up.

3. Burn in 4-Hour Intervals

For the best results, burn your candle in 4-hour intervals. This practice ensures that the wax melts evenly, maintaining a full melt pool and preventing tunneling. After 4 hours, let the candle cool and solidify before relighting it. This helps maintain the candle’s integrity and prolongs its burn time.

4. Never Leave a Candle Unattended

Safety first! Always keep an eye on your candle while it’s burning. Never leave it unattended, especially if you’re leaving the room or going to bed. A moment of inattention can lead to accidents.

5. Keep Away from Children and Pets

Place your candles out of reach of children and pets. Curious hands and paws can easily knock over a lit candle, causing burns or starting a fire. Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

6. Avoid Drafts and Vents

Keep your candles away from open windows, vents, and fans. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker, leading to uneven burning, soot, and even the risk of the flame catching nearby items. A steady flame ensures an even melt pool and a longer-lasting candle.

7. Never Use Water to Extinguish a Candle

Water and wax don’t mix. Pouring water on a burning candle can cause the hot wax to splatter and the glass container to break. Always use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame. 

8. Enjoy in a Well-Ventilated Area

Burning candles in a well-ventilated space ensures that the fragrance disperses nicely and that there’s enough oxygen to keep the flame steady. However, avoid placing candles directly in front of air conditioners or fans, as this can cause uneven burning.

9. Let It Cool Before Relighting

Allow your candle to cool and the wax to solidify before relighting it. This helps preserve the candle’s structure and prevents it from burning too quickly.

By following these candle care tips, you can safely enjoy the warm glow and delightful scents that candles bring to your home. Remember, a little care goes a long way in ensuring that your candles burn beautifully and last longer.

Happy burning! 🌟