Brooke Martin
Beeswax pillar candles are designed to burn for long periods, providing a soothing honey aroma and a gentle amber glow. However, if a candle burns for too long, its structure can become compromised. This is where candle hugging comes in—a candle care technique that helps to extend the life of your candle. By gently pushing the tall wax walls towards the middle, you can prevent wax from leaking out and ensure a more even burn. This technique also helps to prevent the formation of a thick mantle, which can restrict oxygen flow to the flame and cause wax spills. So, if you're looking to get the most out of your beeswax pillar candle, candle hugging is a great habit to adopt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Beeswax pillar candle |
| Purpose | To extend the life of the candle, prevent wax from leaking out, and ensure the flame consumes all the wax |
| How to do it | Gently push the tall wax walls towards the middle (towards the wick) after blowing out the candle and while it is still warm and pliable |
| Timing | Wait a few minutes after blowing out the candle; do not hug the candle when the wax is too hot or too cold |
| Precautions | Use caution and the minimum force necessary to avoid burning yourself or pushing in too much wax and drowning the wick |
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What You'll Learn
When to hug your candle
Candle hugging is a traditional candle care technique for beeswax pillar candles. It is a way to ensure that your candle burns evenly and that you make the most of your candle.
So, when is the best time to hug your candle? Well, there are a few different views on this. Some sources suggest that the best time to hug your candle is right after you extinguish it, while the wax is still soft. This can be tricky, as the wax will be hot, and you may cause it to leak if you're not careful. If you choose to hug your candle at this time, be sure to exercise caution and gentleness.
Another option is to wait a few minutes after extinguishing the candle, until the wax has cooled down a bit. This way, you can avoid burning yourself, but you'll need to be mindful of the wax starting to harden.
If you miss these two windows, you can still hug your candle once it has completely cooled. However, this may be more difficult, depending on the thickness of the wax walls and the type of wax.
It's also worth noting that candle hugging is most effective when done continually, making it a habit so that your candles burn optimally each time.
By hugging your candle at the right time, you can ensure that your candle burns evenly, and you get the most out of your beeswax pillar candle.
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How to hug your candle
Hugging a candle is a candle care technique that is suitable for beeswax pillar candles. It is a method that helps to extend the life of your candle and prevent wax from leaking out.
Firstly, it is important to note that pillar candles are designed to be burned for at least 3 hours at a time. This is because they are designed to tunnel, leaving a rigid outer wall. If a candle burns for too long, the outer wall can soften, causing a breakthrough. To avoid this, burn your pillar candle 1 hour for every 25mm of diameter. For example, a 75mm diameter candle should burn for 3 hours.
After blowing out the candle, while the wax is still warm and pliable, gently push the tall wax walls towards the middle, being careful not to push in too much wax and drown the wick. You should leave about 1/4" of the wick remaining. This technique will strengthen and reshape the outer wall, preventing wax spills, and ensuring that all of the wax gets consumed.
It is recommended to make candle hugging a habit, so that your candles burn optimally every time. However, it is important to exercise caution when touching the wax, as it can be very hot. It is also important to continually trim the wick to 1/4" to ensure a clean burn and increase the longevity of your candle.
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Benefits of hugging your candle
Hugging your candle is an effective way to extend its life. This technique is particularly useful for beeswax pillar candles, which are designed to burn for long periods. By hugging your candle, you can ensure that it burns evenly and that the wax is fully consumed without leaving excess wax around the wick.
Pillar candles are designed to tunnel, leaving a rigid outer wall. However, if a candle burns for too long, the outer wall can soften, causing a breakthrough. This results in hot wax spilling down the candle and compromising its structure. By hugging your candle, you can strengthen and reshape the outer wall, preventing this issue and maximising the candle's performance and scent throw.
To hug a candle, gently push the tall wax walls towards the middle, in the direction of the wick. It is important to act quickly after blowing out the candle, as you must do this while the wax is still warm and pliable. Be cautious and use minimal force to avoid burning yourself or causing the candle to leak.
Making candle hugging a habit can ensure that your candles burn optimally every time. This technique not only extends the life of your candle but also improves its performance, preventing wax leakage and encouraging the flame to consume all the wax available. By hugging your candle, you can make the most of your beeswax pillar candles and enjoy their soothing aroma and gentle glow for longer.
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Candles suitable for hugging
Hugging a candle is a candle care technique that is suitable for beeswax pillar candles. The aim of this technique is to encourage the flame to consume all the wax available, without leaving a tall wax mantle around the wick. By hugging your candle, you will make the most of your candle, as it will burn more evenly, and you will prevent the wax from leaking out.
Pillar candles are designed to burn for long periods. When burned properly, beeswax pillars will provide hours of soothing honey aroma and a gentle amber glow. The technique of hugging a candle involves gently pushing the tall wax walls towards the middle (towards the wick). This is best done when the wax is warm and pliable, right after the candle has been blown out, or a few minutes after, before the wax becomes too cold and hard.
Beeswax pillar candles are suitable for hugging. For example, Honey Candles Canada offers beeswax pillar candles that, when burned properly, will provide a beautiful subtle natural honey aroma. However, if you are looking for a non-beeswax alternative, soy wax candles are also suitable for hugging. For instance, Amazon offers hugging candles made from natural soy wax and essential oils, which are safe, non-toxic, and long-lasting.
When hugging your candle, it is important to exercise caution. Touch and push the wax gently, using the minimum force necessary, and avoid making any abrupt movements. Experiment with each candle type, as the ideal time to hug your candle depends on the thickness of the wall and the type of wax.
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How to avoid hugging for too long
Hugging a candle is a candle care technique that can extend the life of a beeswax pillar candle. It involves gently pushing the tall wax walls towards the middle, or towards the wick, after the candle has been blown out. This prevents the formation of a thick mantle, which can cause wax spills and an unsteady flame due to restricted oxygen flow.
To avoid hugging a candle for too long, it is important to time your hugging session appropriately. The ideal time to hug a candle is right after it has been blown out, while the wax is still warm and pliable. This ensures that the wax is soft enough to be pushed inwards without being too hot or runny, which can lead to leaks. However, if you wait too long, the wax will harden and become difficult to work with. Therefore, it is crucial to hug your candle within a few minutes of blowing it out.
Additionally, it is important to use the right amount of force when hugging your candle. Apply gentle pressure and use only the minimum force necessary to push the wax inwards. Avoid making abrupt movements, as this can cause the wax to crack or break. Experiment with different levels of pressure to find the right balance for your specific candle.
Another way to avoid over-hugging your candle is to trim the wick before lighting it. By keeping the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch, you can help the candle burn more efficiently and reduce the amount of hugging required. A well-trimmed wick will result in a cleaner and more even burn, minimising the formation of a thick mantle.
Finally, pay attention to the diameter of your candle and the length of your burning sessions. As a general rule, burn your pillar candle for one hour for every 25mm of diameter. For example, a 75mm diameter candle should be burned for approximately three hours. By following this guideline, you can prevent excessive burning and minimise the need for extensive hugging sessions.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle hugging is a candle care technique suitable for beeswax pillar candles. It involves gently pushing the tall wax walls towards the middle to prevent wax from leaking out and to ensure that all the wax is consumed.
Candle hugging helps to extend the life of your candle by preventing wax spillage and ensuring a more even burn. It also helps to prevent the formation of a tall mantle around the wick, which can restrict oxygen flow to the flame and cause it to flicker or smoke.
You should hug your candle after it has been burning for the proper amount of time, which is typically one hour per inch in diameter. You can also hug your candle after each burn session or if you notice a mantle forming.
Your candle needs to be hugged when you notice a tall mantle forming around the wick. A thin edge of wax, or mantle, is normal and can create a warm lantern-like glow. However, if it becomes too tall, it will restrict oxygen flow to the flame and cause issues.
First, extinguish your candle. Then, gently push the tall wax walls towards the middle, being careful not to push in too much wax and drown the wick. Leave about a 1/4-inch wick exposed. If there is still some mantle left, you can hug it in during the next burn session.
