Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to add a cosy, relaxing, and comforting touch to your home. However, they require some care to ensure they burn efficiently and safely. From the first burn to daily maintenance, there are several steps you can take to maintain your candles and make them last longer. This includes keeping the wick trimmed, avoiding drafts, rotating the candle, and discontinuing use when there is still some wax remaining.
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent tunnelling
Candle tunnelling is a common issue that occurs when a hole forms down the centre of the candle, leaving unused wax at the edges. This happens when a candle is not burned carefully and can drastically reduce the total burn time of your candle.
To prevent tunnelling, it is important to ensure that during the first burn, you burn the candle long enough to let the entire surface of the candle melt before blowing it out. This usually takes around 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the candle. This will prevent the wax from hardening and creating a "memory", which is when the wax surrounding the wick becomes harder and requires more heat to melt.
Additionally, trimming the wick to around 5mm before each burn can promote an even burn and a steady flame. Using a wick trimmer is the best way to ensure a clean burn and avoid mushrooming, which can result in unnecessary soot.
If tunnelling does occur, there are a few methods to fix it. One way is to use aluminium foil to reflect heat back down to the candle's edge and aid in melting the wax. Another method is to use a hair dryer on a low setting to carefully melt the wax to the edge of the container, removing the "memory".
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How to extinguish a candle without causing smoke
Maintaining candles involves more than just lighting them and letting them burn. To ensure your candles burn cleanly and safely, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, always trim the wick to around 5mm before lighting to promote an even burn and a steady flame. Keep the wick centred and limit sooting and mushrooming of the wick by preventing wax from splattering. Avoid burning candles in areas with drafts, as this can cause uneven burning, smoking, and a diminished scent. Keep candles away from vents, ceiling fans, and air currents.
When extinguishing a candle without causing smoke, avoid blowing it out. Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter and disrupt the lingering scent. Instead, use a candle snuffer or a special candle extinguisher to prevent smoke. Alternatively, dip the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper or a tool such as a pencil or unfolded paper clip. This method will immediately extinguish the flame without smoke and will make it easier to relight the candle next time. If your candle has a lid, you can also use this method to extinguish the flame without smoke. Simply put the lid on, and the fire will go out as it uses up all the oxygen.
To maintain your candles and ensure they burn properly, it is important to store them correctly. Keep candles in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight or harsh indoor lighting. Before lighting, ensure the surface of the candle is free of dust and fingerprints by gently rubbing it with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and safety, and discontinue burning a candle when there is only around 1/4 inch of wax remaining to prevent excessive sooting or overheating of the jar.
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How to clean a candle
Maintaining candles involves keeping them clean and free of dust and debris. Dust and fingerprints can be removed from a candle by gently rubbing the surface with a soft cloth, which can be dry or slightly dampened with water. An old pair of pantyhose or tights can also be used to gently scrape off and trap dust. If the candle is very dirty, a microfiber cloth can be dampened with lukewarm water and used to wipe the candle in the same direction.
Candles should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as under a glass cloche, to protect them from dust and debris. Candle lids should be kept securely fastened to prevent dust from collecting. Candles should be cleaned regularly, every few weeks, to keep them looking new.
To prevent soot marks, the wick should be kept centred and trimmed to a length of approximately 5-6mm before each lighting. If soot forms, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, then wipe the inside of the vessel with a clean, damp cloth.
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How to store candles
To store candles properly, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, always store candles in a cool, dry, and dark place. Exposure to sunlight or harsh indoor lighting can damage candles over time. Scented candles can be stored under a glass cloche, which not only protects them from dust but also adds an elegant touch to your decor.
Another important factor to consider is air circulation. Keep candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, and air currents. Air movement can cause uneven burning, dripping, and smoking, as well as reduce scent throw. This is especially important for scented candles, as proper storage will help maintain their fragrance.
Additionally, it is recommended to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface, such as a cork or stone coaster, to avoid any accidents or heat damage to surfaces.
Lastly, consider covering your candles when they are cooled and not in use. This will help keep dust and debris from settling on them, ensuring they remain in optimal condition. You can use a paper topper, lid, or cotton bag that may have come with the candle for this purpose.
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How to prevent an uneven burn
To prevent an uneven burn, it is important to ensure that the first burn of a new candle is long enough. This will prevent the candle from tunnelling, as it will establish a "memory burn" that ensures an even and full melt pool in the future. It is recommended to burn a new candle for at least 2-4 hours, or until the wax melts across the entire surface to the sides of the vessel.
Another way to prevent uneven burning is to keep the candle away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, and air currents. Drafts can cause uneven burning, dripping, smoking, and diminished scent throw. Additionally, it is important to keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each use. This will ensure a clean and even burn, and prevent the wick from ""mushrooming" or accumulating soot or debris.
If a candle has already started to tunnel, there are a few methods to fix it. One method is to extinguish the candle and use a hairdryer on low speed to carefully melt the wax to the edge of the container. Another method is to place the candle in an oven-safe holder and put it in an oven set to 175 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until the wax has melted to the edge.
Using a candle warmer is another option to prevent uneven burning. A candle warmer melts the wax evenly without burning the wick, allowing you to enjoy the scent and ambiance of the candle without wasting any wax.
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Frequently asked questions
During the first burn, ensure the candle burns for long enough that the wax melts across the entire surface up to the sides of the vessel. This may take up to 2-4 hours.
Keep the wick centred and trimmed to 5-6mm before each burn to promote an even burn, a steady flame and limit sooting.
To remove dust and fingerprints, gently rub the surface with a piece of nylon or a soft cloth. The cloth can be dry or slightly dampened with water. To remove soot, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, then wipe with a clean damp cloth.
