Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere and fill your home with fragrance. However, they can be dangerous if not handled properly. To ensure your candles burn cleanly and safely, there are several steps you should follow. Firstly, always trim the wick to around 5mm-6mm before lighting, and keep the wax pool clear of any wick trimmings, matches or debris. When lighting your candle for the first time, let it burn for 1-4 hours to allow the entire upper layer of wax to melt, which will ensure an even burn in the future. Always burn your candle in a well-ventilated room, away from draughts, flammable objects, and anything that might catch fire. Never leave a candle unattended, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Burn | Burn for a maximum of 4 hours, allowing the top layer of wax to melt |
| Subsequent Burns | 3-4 hours maximum |
| Extinguishing | Use a candle snuffer to prevent smoke and hot wax splatter |
| Relighting | Allow the candle to cool for at least 2 hours before relighting |
| Wick Length | Keep at 4-6mm |
| Wick Trimming | Trim before each burn, removing excess soot |
| Wick Centering | Keep centred in the wax |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark, dry place |
| Container | Clean away remaining wax from the inner walls |
| Lid | Use the lid to prevent dust and keep the candle scent fresh |
| Disposal | Stop using the candle when 1/2" of wax remains at the bottom |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent tunnelling
Candle tunnelling is when a hole forms down the centre of the candle, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edges. This is often caused by the candle not burning long enough during its first few burns, creating a "memory ring". The wax continues to harden over time, and if it is not allowed to melt to the edge on its first burn, the candle will continue to tunnel in all following burns.
To prevent tunnelling, it is important to ensure the candle burns long enough to let the entire surface melt before blowing it out. This usually takes at least an hour or two, depending on the size of the candle.
If you notice tunnelling starting to form, blow the candle out and try using a hairdryer on a medium setting to melt the top layer of wax and even out the surface. You can also try the aluminium foil trick, where you wrap foil around the outside of the candle, leaving a small opening for the wick and flame. The foil reflects heat back down to the candle's edge, melting the wax and preventing tunnelling.
Another way to prevent tunnelling is to use a candle topper, which stabilises the flame and distributes it uniformly across the surface of the candle. Additionally, trimming the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn can help promote an even burn and prevent tunnelling.
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Trimming the wick
You can use a wick trimmer, which is angled to make the task easy, or a pair of scissors. You can also use clean nail clippers or pinch off the excess with your fingers.
Keeping the wick short controls the size of the flame and will help your candle burn evenly, preventing it from burning too fast and increasing its throw (how the candle scent fills a room). It will also help your candle last longer and smell fresh every time.
Make sure to keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, burnt matches, and other debris.
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How to extinguish a candle
When extinguishing a candle, it is important to avoid blowing it out. Blowing can cause hot wax to splatter and spread. Instead, use a candle snuffer, holding it over the flame for about 5 seconds. Alternatively, use a wick dipper to dip the wick into the wax, then straighten the wick. This method also prevents smoke.
If you do not have a snuffer or wick dipper, you can use a cotton bag or a paper topper to extinguish the flame. Simply place it over the candle to deprive the flame of oxygen.
Always allow the candle to cool before moving it or covering it.
Remember to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
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Where to store candles
When storing candles, it is important to keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Exposure to direct sunlight or harsh indoor lighting can damage candles, so storing them under a glass cloche is ideal. This will also protect them from dust.
It is also recommended to keep candles away from areas that may get hot in the home. This is to prevent the wax from melting and deforming. Additionally, ensure that the storage area is out of reach of children and pets.
Candles should be stored in a stable, horizontal position. Avoid stacking them on top of each other to prevent deformation. If you are storing candles for an extended period, consider covering them with a paper topper, lid, or cotton bag to keep them dust-free.
Lastly, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for storing candles. Different types of candles may have specific storage requirements, so refer to their instructions to ensure optimal care.
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How to clean a candle
To keep your candle in optimal condition, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, always trim the wick before relighting the candle. This ensures a clean and even burn, and prevents the wick from 'mushrooming', which can cause unnecessary soot. The ideal height for the wick is around 4mm to 6mm. Use a wick trimmer, scissors, or even clean nail clippers to trim the wick.
After blowing out the candle, use a candle snuffer or a special candle extinguisher to prevent smoke. You can also dip the wick into the melted wax and then straighten it. This will also prevent hot wax from splattering. Avoid blowing out the candle directly, as this can cause smoke and distribute wax.
To remove dust and fingerprints from the candle's surface, gently rub it with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, slightly dampen the cloth with water. For more stubborn soot marks on the inside of the glass, spritz your favourite fragrance on a cloth and wipe the inside clean.
Additionally, always keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches, and other debris. This ensures that your candle burns cleanly and efficiently, without flickering or producing excessive smoke.
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