Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but they require some care to burn effectively and safely. Before lighting a candle, it's important to trim the wick to prevent uneven burning and dripping. The first burn is the most important, as it sets the ''memory'' of the candle. Candles should be burned for one hour per inch of diameter, allowing the wax to melt from edge to edge. Burning a candle for too long can cause the wick to 'mushroom' and produce a dangerously large flame. Candles should be extinguished when 5mm of wax remains and should cool for at least two hours before relighting. Proper candle care can help prolong the life of your candle and improve its performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning time | 4 hours or less |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark, dry place |
| Wick trimming | Trim to 3-5mm or 1/4 inch before each burn |
| Extinguishing | Use a snuffer or blow gently over the flame |
| Wax removal | Run very hot water over the holder |
| Scent throw | A larger melting point reduces the scent throw |
| Burning location | Avoid drafts, fans, open windows |
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What You'll Learn
How to trim a wick
Trimming a candle wick is a crucial step in candle care. It ensures your candle burns efficiently, maximises its longevity, and improves its overall performance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to trim a candle wick:
Before the first burn, ensure the wick is straight and trimmed to between 3-5mm or 1/4 inch. This initial trim is the most important as it sets the tone for the rest of the candle's life. Wax has a memory, so a properly trimmed wick will help the candle burn correctly each time.
After each subsequent burn, remember to trim the wick again. This helps to remove any debris, such as wick trimmings or carbon deposits, that may have accumulated and could interfere with the next burn. Use a candle-snuffing tool or blow gently over the flame to extinguish it, preserving the integrity of the wick for trimming.
When trimming, ensure the length of the wick is consistent all around. Uneven wicks can lead to uneven burning, dripping, and flaring. Aim for a straight, level wick that is neither too long nor too short.
Finally, always allow the candle to cool completely before trimming and relighting. It is recommended that candles cool for at least two hours before being relit, and they should not burn for longer than four hours at a time.
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How to store candles
When storing candles, safety should be the top priority. Ensure that candles are stored away from flammable items and out of the reach of children and pets.
The ideal storage spot for candles is a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat such as radiators, heaters, and kitchen appliances. The consistent temperature of the room should be between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally erring on the cooler side. Basements, linen closets, under-the-stairs closets, and hallway cabinets are all good options.
Pillar candles should be stored upright in a plastic or acrylic bin to protect the shelf from potential melting. For candles in glass jars, cover them with a plastic bag to avoid damage in case of oil seepage. Candles with lids are great for maintaining fragrance, while those without lids can be covered with a bell cloche.
To keep things neat and tidy, store all your candles in one central location. You can use clear stacking bins to separate different types of candles, such as votives, tea lights, tapers, and pillar candles. If you have a lot of jar candles, consider storing them in a cabinet or on a shelf in a guest room.
Finally, if you are storing candles for a long time, you can keep them in the fridge to maintain their scent and prevent wax softening, but never in the freezer, as this may damage the wick and cause the wax to crack.
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How to extinguish a candle
To extinguish a candle, you should do so when approximately 5mm of wax remains. There are two ways to extinguish a candle correctly. The first method is to use a snuffer. To use a snuffer correctly, place the conical hood over the flame to deprive it of oxygen. This is the recommended method as it will keep the wick intact. Alternatively, if you do not have a snuffer, blow gently over the flame to avoid disturbing the melt pool. If your candle has a lid, put it on to contain any smoke from the wick.
Before extinguishing, take note of the following:
- Avoid burning a candle for longer than four hours to prevent the container from becoming very hot, mushrooming, sooting, and reduced scent-throw.
- Do not allow the flame to touch the side of the glass or container. If the wick is curving inwards, extinguish the flame and trim the wick.
- Do not move a lit candle, as this may cause the wick to dislodge.
- Do not place a candle near a draft, as this will cause the flame to flicker.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended or within reach of children or pets.
- Always burn a candle on a level, heat-resistant surface.
After extinguishing the candle, there are a few more steps to take care of your candle:
- Always trim the wick after each use.
- Remove debris and mushrooms from the wick and around it.
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How to prevent dripping
One of the main causes of dripping is a wick that is too long, causing a large, flickering, and unstable flame. The ideal length for a candlestick wick is about 1/2 inch. If you notice your candle has started dripping, extinguish the flame, let the candle cool, trim the wick down to 6mm or 1/4 inch, and then relight it. Wicks that are left long or crooked can cause uneven burning, dripping, flaring, and sooting. Trimming wicks will help prolong the life of your candle.
Another common cause of dripping is a draft, which can cause the flame to lean towards the edge of the candle, melting the rim that holds the wax pool and allowing it to spill. A stronger draft can blow molten wax from the wax pool over the rim of the candle. To prevent this, eliminate the source of the draft, move the candle out of the draft, or shield the candle from the draft. Drafts can be hard to spot, so look for a flickering, unstable flame.
Additionally, if the wick is too short, it can cause dripping as the size of the flame may not be large enough to consume the fuel as it melts, causing it to build up and spill over the edge. In this case, you can try pouring some of the melted wax off the top to increase the wick length.
To prevent wax from sticking to a candle holder, you can also try rubbing a thin coat of olive oil on the base of the holder before lighting the candle.
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How to remove wax from surfaces
Candle wax can be a challenging mess to deal with, but it's pretty easy to remove from most surfaces using common household items. Here are some tips on how to remove wax from various surfaces:
Fabric
If you've spilled wax on fabric, the first step is always to let the wax harden. Place the fabric in the freezer until the wax is completely solidified. Then, gently chip away at the wax with your fingernail or a butter knife. Be careful not to scrape too vigorously, as this can spread the wax deeper into the fabric fibres. Once you've removed as much wax as possible, use an iron on a low heat setting to melt the remaining wax into paper towels or a clean cloth. Change the paper towels as needed until no more wax is absorbed. Finally, wash the fabric according to its care instructions.
Carpet
Removing wax from carpet fibres can be tricky, but there's an effective solution. First, harden the wax by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and laying it over the wax. After a few minutes, use a butter knife to gently lift the hardened wax away from the carpet. Vacuum up any small, hard bits of wax left behind. If any wax remains, use an iron on a low setting to melt the wax into paper towels, as described above.
Glass
To remove wax from glass, start by softening the wax with a hairdryer set to low or medium heat. Hold the hairdryer about 6 inches away from the wax to avoid damaging the glass. Once the wax is softened, blot up as much as you can with a dry, soft cloth. Finish by using a glass cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water to wipe away any remaining wax residue.
Metal
To remove wax from metal, simply boil a pot of water and place the metal item into the water. As the water cools, the wax will slide off. Once the water has returned to room temperature, remove the item and wipe away any residual wax with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can use a blow dryer to melt the wax off, being sure to place a cloth underneath to catch the wax.
Wood
For wood surfaces, it's important to avoid using a metal scraper, as this can scratch the finish. Instead, soften the wax with a hairdryer set to medium heat. As the wax softens, dab it with a white paper towel, continuing until no more wax transfers to the towel. Then, wipe the area with hot water and a clean cloth. You can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water to prevent staining.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal length of the wick varies from 3-5mm to 1/4 inch.
It is recommended that candles are not burned for longer than four hours and cooled for at least two hours before relighting.
Store candles in a cool, dark, dry place.
You can extinguish your candle with a snuffer, by blowing gently over the flame, or by putting a lid on it.
