Brooke Martin
Candles are a popular choice for adding warmth and style to any space, but they require the right level of care and attention to ensure optimal burning. Proper candle management involves several steps, from correct storage to appropriate burning techniques. This includes trimming the wick, avoiding drafts, and allowing the wax to melt completely to the edges of the container to prevent tunneling. Candles should also be placed on heat-resistant surfaces and stored in cool, dark places to maintain their quality. Additionally, it is important to follow safety precautions, such as not leaving burning candles unattended and keeping them out of the reach of children and pets. With the right candle management techniques, individuals can enhance their candle-burning experience and enjoy the warmth and fragrance that candles offer.
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What You'll Learn
How to store candles
Candles are a popular choice for adding warmth and style to any space. However, to get the most out of them, it's important to store them correctly.
Firstly, temperature and light exposure are key factors in candle degradation. Therefore, it's best to store candles in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cupboard, basement, or anywhere out of direct sunlight. Additionally, if you notice condensation on the surface of your stored candles, wipe them with a paper towel and move them somewhere with a more consistent temperature.
Secondly, to prevent dust from gathering on the surface of your candles, cover them with a paper topper, lid, or cotton bag. Alternatively, you can use the wooden lid as a coaster by placing it underneath the candle to protect the surface from heat.
Thirdly, it's important to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Store them in a safe place, especially if they are within reach of little hands or curious pets.
Lastly, candles should be stored in a stable position to prevent them from knocking over or falling. This will help to avoid any accidental fires or damage to your furniture.
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Trimming candle wicks
It is also important to trim the wick before each burn. This prevents the build-up of black residue around your candle jar and keeps the flame controlled and smokeless. A short wick can be extinguished by melting wax, so be careful not to trim it too short.
When lighting a new candle for the first time, it is recommended to let it burn for a maximum of four hours, allowing the entire upper layer of wax to melt. This ensures that the perfume reaches its optimal diffusion potential and will result in a long and even burn in the future.
After extinguishing the candle, let it cool for at least two hours before relighting it. This allows the wax to solidify and prevents hot wax from splattering. Always use a candle snuffer to put out the candle and hold it over the flame for about 5 seconds to limit excess smoke.
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How to prevent wax tunnelling
Wax tunnelling is a common issue with candles, where a hole forms down the centre, leaving unburnt wax at the edges. This happens when a candle isn't burned carefully or long enough. To prevent wax tunnelling, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you are using the correct size of wick for your candle. If the wick is too small, it may not generate enough heat to melt the wax at the edge of the candle, leading to tunnelling.
Secondly, when lighting your candle for the first time, let it burn for at least one hour per inch in diameter, or until the entire surface of the candle has melted. This usually takes 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the candle. This is important because wax has a 'memory'. If you don't let the entire surface melt, the wax in the centre will continue to melt more quickly than the surrounding wax, leading to tunnelling.
Thirdly, keep your wick trimmed to around 6mm before each burn. This will help your candle burn more evenly and prevent tunnelling.
Finally, avoid exposing your candle to drafts, windows, or air vents, as this can cause the candle to burn unevenly and encourage tunnelling.
By following these steps, you should be able to prevent wax tunnelling and ensure your candles burn evenly and efficiently.
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Candle safety precautions
Storage
Store your candles in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cupboard or basement. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as temperature and light exposure can cause candle degradation and affect their quality. Ensure the storage area has a consistent temperature to prevent condensation on the candles.
Surface Protection
Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface or a candle holder to catch any melted wax and avoid damaging your furniture. For candles in metal containers, use a cork or stone coaster underneath to prevent heat damage to the surface.
Wick Maintenance
Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6mm) using a wick trimmer or scissors. This helps control the flame, reduces smoke, and ensures an even burn. A long or crooked wick can cause dripping, flaring, and sooting. Regularly trim the wick every couple of hours to prolong the life of your candle.
Safe Burning
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Avoid placing candles near flammable objects, fans, air conditioners, open windows, or crowded areas. Burning candles in well-ventilated rooms can help prevent soot buildup. Do not burn candles for longer than 3 to 4 hours at a time to prevent overheating and wax thinning. Allow the candle to solidify before relighting, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.
Extinguishing
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame and limit excess smoke. Hold the snuffer over the flame for a few seconds, then cover the candle with a lid or paper topper to prevent dust from settling on the surface. Allow the candle to cool for at least two hours before relighting.
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How to extinguish a candle
When extinguishing a candle, there are several methods you can use. However, some are better than others.
The first method is blowing out the candle. While this technically works, it is not recommended. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter everywhere, and it can also lead to issues with the wax, such as tunneling and unevenness. Additionally, blowing out a candle causes the wick to emit a lot of smoke, which can reduce the fragrance of the candle.
The second method is to put a lid on the candle. While this does extinguish the flame, it traps the smoke in the candle, which can infuse back into the wax and alter its fragrance.
The third method is to use a wick dipper. Wick dippers usually have a long handle with a hook on one end. To extinguish the candle, use the wick dipper to quickly dip the wick into the melted wax and then lift it back out. This method instantly puts out the candle with very little smoke.
The fourth and final recommended method is to use a candle snuffer. Candle snuffers have a long handle with a bell-shaped end. To extinguish the candle, hold the snuffer over the flame and lower the bell end until it envelops the flame. Hold it there for a moment until the flame goes out completely. This method helps to limit excess smoke and prevent hot wax from splattering.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to burn a new candle for 1-3 hours to allow the entire upper layer of wax to melt. This will prevent tunnelling and ensure an even burn.
Trim the wick to around 6mm or 1/4 inch before each burn to ensure a clean and even burn.
Store candles in a cool, dark, and dry place to protect the wax and fragrance.
Avoid air drafts and burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
Stop using a candle when only 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom.
