Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to add warmth and style to your space, but they require some care to ensure they burn safely and evenly. Proper candle care involves taking steps to prepare your candle for its first burn, maintaining the candle as it burns, and knowing when to retire it. It's also important to store your candles correctly to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
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What You'll Learn
How to store candles to keep them fresh
To keep your candles fresh, it is important to store them properly. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Keep Them in a Cool, Dark Place
Temperature and light exposure are two key factors in candle degradation. Therefore, store your candles in a cool, dry, room-temperature or below, place, like a cupboard or basement. Avoid keeping them near sources of direct heat, such as radiators, space heaters, or kitchen appliances. The ideal temperature to store candles is below 80 °F; the colder the temperature, the better. You can even store them in your fridge, but never in the freezer as that may damage the candle wick and cause the wax to crack or split.
Avoid Areas Prone to Leakage
Do not store candles in areas that are prone to leakage, such as under a bathroom or kitchen sink.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
When a candle is placed under direct sunlight, it causes oxidation and degradation of the dyes and fragrance oils in the wax. As a result, the scent and colour of your candle may fade faster. The same rule applies to other harsh sources of light such as desk lamps and spotlights.
Keep Away from Children and Pets
Candles should be stored away from children and pets, as well as anything that can catch fire easily.
Store Them Flat
Taper candles should be stored flat to prevent them from warping. You can wrap them in tissue paper and keep them in a box or basket. Pillar candles are easier to store and can be kept upright.
Cover Them
Cover your candles when they are not in use to preserve the scent and keep dust out. You can use a paper topper, lid, or cotton bag that may have come with the candle.
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How to avoid damaging surfaces when burning candles
To avoid damaging surfaces when burning candles, always place candles on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle holder, a cork or stone coaster, or a wooden lid. This will protect the surface from heat damage. Additionally, ensure that the candle is placed on a stable and flat surface to avoid any accidental knocks or spills.
It is also important to maintain your candle and its surrounding area to prevent damage. Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, debris, and burnt matches. If debris builds up, it can ignite, causing multiple flames that may lead to overheating and uneven burning. Use tweezers to remove large debris, and then wipe the candle with a dry towel to remove soot, fingerprints, and small particles.
To avoid wax splatter, use a candle snuffer or wick dipper to extinguish the flame. Blowing out the candle may cause wax to splatter and create a mess. If you use the candle lid to extinguish the flame, this may stain the glass and leave smoke marks.
Finally, remember to retire the candle while there is still some wax left at the bottom. Burning a candle all the way down can overheat and damage the container, causing a mess and potentially damaging the surface it is on. It is recommended to stop using the candle when there is about 1/2 inch (or 5mm) of wax remaining.
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How to prevent candles from burning unevenly
To prevent candles from burning unevenly, it is important to take certain precautions and follow some simple tips. Firstly, always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface or a candle holder to avoid any damage to your furniture from the heat of the melted wax.
One of the most important steps to prevent uneven burning is to ensure the first burn of a new candle is long enough for the wax to melt completely across the surface. This is known as the "first burn rule" and helps set the candle's "wax memory". The recommended duration for the first burn is around one hour for every inch of the candle's diameter, or until the wax pool reaches the rim of the jar. Putting out the candle too early can create a rim of hard wax, resulting in a phenomenon known as "tunneling", where the wick and central wax burn down while the surrounding wax remains solid.
To maintain an even burn throughout the life of your candle, keep it away from drafts, air currents, or vents. Air drafts can cause uneven burning and increase the chances of soot accumulation. Additionally, always burn your candle on a level surface to ensure the melt pool remains even. Using a long lighter or long match to light the candle can help prevent accidental spills or burns and preserve the integrity of the candle.
Another way to ensure even burning is to regularly clear the wax pool of wick trimmings, burnt matches, and other debris. This helps prevent multiple flames, which can cause overheating and uneven burning. Finally, consider retiring your candle while it still has some wax left, as burning it all the way down can overheat and damage the container.
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How to extinguish candles without creating smoke or wax splatter
To extinguish a candle without creating smoke or wax splatter, you can use a wick dipper, a wick snuffer, or blow it out.
A wick dipper is a bent tool that allows you to easily dip the lit wick into the wax pool to extinguish the flame. This method prevents smoke and wax splatter, and it also coats the wick with wax, making it easier to light the next time. To use a wick dipper, hold it at an angle, with the curved end near the flame. Then, gently push the wick into the wax pool until the flame is extinguished. Once the flame is out, use the wick dipper to straighten the wick.
A wick snuffer is another popular tool for extinguishing candles safely. It is especially useful for candles in deep containers or lanterns where the wick is hard to reach. A wick snuffer is placed over the flame, depriving it of oxygen and stifling it gradually. This method does not create as much smoke or soot as blowing out a candle. To use a wick snuffer, place the bell (the small metal cup at the end of the long handle) over the wick and hold it in place until the flame goes out completely. You may need to keep the snuffer over the wick for at least one full second to ensure the flame does not reignite.
If you choose to blow out the candle, do so softly to avoid making a mess with the wax. Purse your lips together and blow, creating a thin stream of air that will extinguish the flame in one quick gust. Keep blowing until the flame is completely out. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause wax splatter and even minor burns. Stand clear of the smoke when blowing out a candle, and try to extinguish it in a well-ventilated area to prevent soot from depositing on your skin or clothes.
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How to keep candles out of reach of children and pets
Candles are a great way to add warmth and style to any space, but it's important to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Here are some tips to ensure candles are kept safely away from little hands and curious paws:
Store candles in a safe place:
Keep candles in a cool, dark place, such as a high cupboard or shelf that children and pets cannot access. Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated and away from any heat sources that could melt the wax or ignite the wick.
Use appropriate candle holders:
Place candles in heat-resistant holders or containers, such as those made from glass or metal. This will prevent the candle from melting its surroundings and creating a mess, as well as reducing the risk of fire. Ensure the candle holder is on a stable, flat surface where it cannot be knocked over easily.
Supervise burning candles:
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep an eye on candles when they are lit, and make sure they are placed in a safe location away from anything flammable, such as curtains or paper. Extinguish the candle before leaving the room and allow it to cool completely before moving it.
Consider alternatives:
If you want to enjoy a pleasant scent in a room that children or pets frequent, consider using a reed diffuser or room spray instead of a candle. This will allow you to create a pleasant atmosphere without the risk of an open flame.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that candles are kept out of the reach of children and pets, creating a safer environment for your family and furry friends while still enjoying the benefits of candles.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to burn a new candle for 1-4 hours to let the surface of the candle melt completely. This will prevent the creation of a rim of hard wax that never melts, known as tunneling.
To limit excess smoke, use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to extinguish the candle. Avoid blowing out the candle as this can cause wax splatter.
To prevent wax splatter, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the candle. Alternatively, if you plan on blowing out the candle, blow softly.
To keep your candles fresh for as long as possible, store them in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or basement.
