Candle Care
Storing Candles
Always store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Candles are sensitive to temperature and light, which can influence their performance. Additionally, avoid placing them in draughty areas, as this can cause the candles to smoke or burn unevenly.
Candle Memory
To maximize the lifespan of your candle, it's crucial to establish the candle memory. The size of the wax pool formed during the first burn sets this memory for the candle's lifetime. When lighting a candle for the first time, allow it to burn until a uniform wax pool has reached the edges of the container, which typically takes between 3-4 hours. This initial step ensures that the candle burns evenly throughout its use and prevents 'tunnelling', where the candle burns down the middle but not at the edges.
Pull Away
'Pull Away' refers to what may look like air bubbles along the sides of the candle. This occurs because wax naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. Pull away is more likely to happen if candles are stored in a cold environment; however, returning them to a warm environment and lighting the candles can minimize this effect. These 'bubbles' are purely cosmetic and do not impact the candle's burning performance. This phenomenon is a natural characteristic of wax and is unavoidable.
Wick Care
Proper wick maintenance is crucial for optimal candle performance. Before lighting, ensure the wick is trimmed to approximately 6mm. Trimming the wick helps to:
- Remove ‘clubbing’—the build-up of carbon at the wick’s end, which can become visible.
- Prevent sooting, which are the black marks that can appear around the edge of the glass.
- Enhance scent diffusion.
- Avoid high, unsafe flames.
Before Burning
Do not use the candle if the glass is cracked or damaged. Always check that the wax pool is free of debris before lighting the candle.
While Burning
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep the candle out of reach of children and pets.
- Place the candle away from flammable materials.
- Avoid placing the candle near heat sources.
- Ensure the candle is not located near walls, windows, or beneath overhanging objects.
- Allow sufficient overhead clearance for the candle flame.
- Keep the candle upright on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Maintain at least 10cm between burning candles.
- Keep wicks trimmed to 6mm and evenly spaced to minimize smoking.
- Manage excess wax on pillar candles to promote an even burn.
- Prevent the flame from touching the sides of the glass.
- Never move a candle while it is burning; wait until the wax pool has solidified before moving or relighting.
When Extinguishing
- Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame to prevent splattering of molten wax and continued glowing or smoking of the wick.
- Cease burning the candle when there is approximately 10mm of wax left at the bottom.
- Extinguish the flame if it flickers, smokes excessively, or becomes too high.