Candles are a great way to create ambiance and add warmth to any space. But to get the most out of your candles, it's important to take good care of them. In this blog post, we'll provide advice on how to care for your candles, including how to trim wicks, store candles, and avoid common issues like tunnelling.
Trim the Wicks
One of the most important things you can do to care for your candles is to keep the wick trimmed. The wick should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each use. If the wick is too long, the candle will burn unevenly and produce black soot. Trimming the wick will also help prevent the flame from getting too large and causing the candle to burn too quickly.
Store Candles Properly
When not in use, candles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can cause candles to melt or fade in colour. However, small yellow-glow in discolouration is normal with Wicks & Co. candles, as we use natural plant derived oils, this is a natural process overtime. Additionally, storing candles in a place with strong odours, such as a kitchen or bathroom, can cause the candle to absorb the odour.
Avoid Tunnelling
Tunnelling is a common issue that occurs when the candle is burned for too short a time, and only the centre of the wax pool melts, leaving a tunnel of wax around the edge. To prevent tunnelling, the candle should be burned long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt and form a full pool of melted wax that reaches the edge of the vessel. This will ensure that the candle burns evenly and lasts longer.
Burn Candles Safely
It's important to burn candles safely to prevent accidents. Candles should never be left unattended, and they should be kept away from flammable objects. Candles should be placed on a heat-resistant surface, such as glass, tile, cement or wood and never burned near curtains, paper, or other flammable materials.
Choose Quality Candles
Choosing high-quality candles is another important part of candle care. High-quality candles are made with premium ingredients and will burn cleaner and last longer than lower-quality candles. Look for candles made with natural ingredients, such as soy wax or beeswax, and avoid candles made with paraffin wax or synthetic fragrances.
In conclusion, proper candle care is essential for getting the most out of your candles. By following these tips, you can keep your candles burning cleanly and evenly, avoid common issues like tunnelling, and ensure that your candles last as long as possible. Remember to always burn candles safely and choose high-quality candles made with natural ingredients.