Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but it's important to know how to load a candle properly to ensure an even burn and get the most out of your purchase. The first step is to trim the wick to a certain length, which will help prolong the life of your candle and prevent excessive smoke. The next step is to light the candle and burn it for a certain amount of time, which will depend on the size of the candle. It's also important to keep the candle away from moving air to avoid disturbing the flame. Finally, when it comes time to put out the candle, it's best to use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to preserve the quality of the wax and fragrance.
How to Load a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax |
| Wax weight | Depends on the container; use a kitchen scale |
| Scent oil | 6% to 10% of wax weight; 1 ounce per 1 pound of wax |
| Container | Glass, porcelain, old jars, teacups, tins |
| Wick | Braided cotton, wood |
| Wick length | Trim between ⅛ to ¼ inches long before burning |
| Burning time | 1 hour for every 1 inch in diameter of the candle size |
| Cooling time | At least 2 hours before relighting |
| Storage | Cool, dark, dry place with the lid on |
| Putting it out | Wick dipper, candle snuffer, blowing out, putting a lid on it |
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What You'll Learn
How to trim the wick
Trimming the wick of a candle is an important step in candle care. It is recommended to trim the wick before every burn to ensure the candle burns evenly and to prevent "tunneling". Tunneling occurs when a hole forms in the middle of the wax due to uneven burning. Trimming the wick also helps to prolong the life of the candle, with candles burning up to 25% longer if the wick is trimmed regularly.
To trim the wick, use a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick to a length of between ⅛ to ¼ inches long. This should be done before every burn to ensure the candle burns evenly and to prevent the wick from becoming unstable and producing a dangerously large flame.
It is important to remove any debris from the wax pool, such as wick trimmings or matches, as this can add more fuel to the candle and cause the flame to flare up or start a small fire. Long or crooked wicks can also cause uneven burning, dripping, flaring, and sooting.
Trimming the wick before lighting the candle also helps to prevent excessive smoke and wasted wax. By trimming the wick, you can also avoid the build-up of carbon on the wick, which can cause it to mushroom and become unstable.
Overall, trimming the wick is a crucial step in candle care to ensure the candle burns evenly, safely, and efficiently.
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How to prevent wax tunneling
Candle tunneling is a common issue that occurs when a candle burns down the middle, leaving unburned wax around the edges. This happens when the candle isn't burned long enough on its first use, or if the wick is too small for the container. To prevent wax tunneling, follow these steps:
Choose the Right Wick Size
Before lighting your candle for the first time, ensure that the wick is the correct size for the candle's diameter. The wick should be large enough to generate enough heat to melt the wax at the edge of the candle. If the wick is too small, the candle will tunnel, even if you give it enough time on the first burn.
Burn for Long Enough
On the first burn, let the candle burn for long enough to melt the entire surface of the candle. This usually takes around one hour per inch in diameter, or two to three hours, depending on the size of the candle. This will prevent the wax from hardening unevenly and reduce the likelihood of tunneling.
Use a Candle Topper or Aluminum Foil
If your candle has tunneled, you can use a candle topper or aluminum foil to help redirect the heat back to the wax. Candle toppers are open metal lids with holes that stabilize the flame and distribute the heat evenly across the candle's surface. Alternatively, you can wrap aluminum foil around the edges of the candle, ensuring that it reaches over the tunneled wax and leaving an opening in the center for the wick.
Melt the Wax Evenly
If your candle has already tunneled, you can try to melt the wax evenly by using a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting. Place the candle on a heat-proof surface and gently heat the top surface until the wax melts and evens out. You can also place the candle in a low oven to melt the wax evenly.
Replace the Wick
If the tunneling is severe and the wick is buried in wax, you may need to replace it. Remove the wax with a spoon or an apple corer, then pull out the old wick. Insert a new wick and trim it to the correct length.
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How to extinguish a candle
There are several ways to extinguish a candle flame, but some are better than others.
Using a candle snuffer
A candle snuffer is a metal tool with a long handle and a bell shape at one end. Place the bell of the snuffer over the wick and lower it onto the flame. Hold it there until the flame goes out. This method is efficient and creates minimal smoke.
Using a wick dipper
A wick dipper is another long-handled tool with a hook at one end. Use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. The flame will be extinguished instantly, with very little smoke. This method also helps to condition the wick for future use.
Blowing the candle out
You can extinguish a candle by blowing it out, but this is not recommended. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to be blown everywhere and can lead to issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. It also produces a lot of smoke, which can reduce the scent of the candle and linger in the room.
Putting a lid on the candle
You can put a lid on a candle to extinguish it, but this method can trap smoke in the candle, infusing it back into the wax and potentially changing its scent.
Using water
If there is a source of water nearby, you can wet your fingers and use them to pinch and release the wick quickly. The moisture will stifle the flame. However, this method requires you to touch the wick, so there is a risk of burning yourself.
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How to choose the right wax
Choosing the right wax is a crucial step in candle-making, as it affects everything from the appearance and fragrance to the burn time and eco-friendliness of your candles. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right wax for your candle-making projects:
Type of Candle
The type of candle you want to make will determine the kind of wax you should use. For example, pillar candles require a harder wax, such as beeswax or coconut wax, while container candles like jars or teacups are better suited for softer waxes like soy wax.
Budget
Your budget will also play a role in choosing the right wax. Paraffin wax is the most commonly used wax due to its affordability and versatility. It holds colour and fragrance well, making it ideal for scented and decorative candles. However, it may not be the most eco-friendly option as it is derived from the oil industry's by-products. If budget is not a concern, you may opt for more expensive waxes like beeswax or coconut wax, which offer a cleaner burn and are more environmentally friendly.
Fragrance and Colour
If you plan to add fragrance and colour to your candles, consider waxes that hold scent and colour well. Paraffin wax is known for its excellent scent throw and ability to carry strong fragrances, making it a popular choice for scented candles. Soy wax also holds fragrances well and is a good option for scented candles. However, soy wax does not hold pigments well and will result in pastel shades instead of bold colours. If you're looking for colourful candles, blends that combine natural and synthetic waxes may be a better option.
Eco-Friendliness
If sustainability is important to you, there are several eco-friendly wax options available, such as soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, and rapeseed wax. These waxes are natural, renewable, and have a lower environmental impact. They burn cleanly with minimal soot production and are often vegan-friendly.
Burn Time
The burn time of your candles will also depend on the type of wax you choose. Harder waxes like beeswax and coconut wax tend to have longer burn times. Soy wax, known for its slow burn, also contributes to a longer burn time. On the other hand, paraffin wax, while versatile, may burn faster and produce more soot.
Experimenting with different waxes and blends will help you find the right combination that suits your unique needs and preferences for candle-making.
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How to add fragrance
When adding fragrance to your candles, it's important to remember that the amount of fragrance you use can make or break your candle. Firstly, you need to work out how much liquid your jar holds by measuring up to the point it will be filled with wax. Then, fill your container with wax flakes to where you want the candle surface to start. Remember, you can always repurpose an old candle jar and clean out the wax.
Next, pour the wax flakes into a double boiler pot and measure the same amount again. The flakes will reduce when melted, so you'll need two containers' worth of flakes for each candle. If you don't have a double boiler pot, you can place a glass bowl over a pot of water on the stove instead. Once you've measured out the wax flakes, melt them on medium heat using a double boiler.
Now, it's time to add your fragrance. Always use fragrance oils that are designed for candle-making. Make sure you add your fragrance at a temperature high enough for the wax to fully expand but not too high so the fragrance does not degrade and lose its throw. In general, you can add fragrance when the wax is between 175ºF to 185ºF. However, this will vary depending on the wax you are using. For example, if you are using beeswax, you can add fragrances once it is melting, but the results are not guaranteed as beeswax is already naturally scented. As a general rule, regardless of the wax, you should add fragrance oil with a flashpoint under 130ºF to wax at 130ºF. If the flashpoint is between 130ºF and 180ºF, add it to the wax at the fragrance flashpoint. If the flashpoint is above 180ºF, add it to the wax at 180ºF.
Do not add too much fragrance. Each wax has a recommended fragrance oil load, and going beyond this limit can cause the fragrance oil to separate from the wax, creating an ugly, gooey texture and potential fire hazard. Too much fragrance can also cause the wick to clog, resulting in a weak scent throw. Generally, most waxes will not hold more than 12 per cent fragrance. Store-bought candles usually contain an average of about 6 per cent fragrance, while high-quality premium candles contain up to 10 per cent.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax, a container to hold the candle, wax pellets, a kitchen scale, a melting pot, a wick, and scent oil.
Generally, you should use 6% to 10% fragrance oil to wax weight, depending on the wax type and the desired intensity. For a strong scent throw, use one ounce (28 grams) of fragrance oil per pound (454 grams) of wax.
Paraffin wax has the best scent throw, but soy wax is a more natural option.
To prevent tunneling, trim the wick to between ⅛ to ¼ inches long before every burn, burn the candle until the wax is melted evenly across, and keep the candle away from moving air.
