Candle burning isn't just about ambiance; it's an art form that can transform your space into a sanctuary of tranquility. However, to fully enjoy the experience and ensure safety, it's important to understand the nuances of candle burning. In this blog post, we'll share some essential tips to help you master the art of candle burning and create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Choose the Right Candle:
Opt for high-quality candles made from natural materials like coconut wax or other natural wax blend for a clean and long-lasting burn.
Consider the fragrances used and the strength of the scent throw, when choosing a candle to complement the mood you want to create in your space. Sometimes, lightly scented candles are better suited during meal times, so as not to overpower the aroma of the food.
Trim the Wick:
Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch to prevent smoking and ensure an even burn.
Regularly trim the wick throughout the candle's lifespan to maintain optimal burning conditions.
Pay Attention to the Initial Burn:
For the initial burn, allow the candle to burn long enough, ideally 2 - 3 hours, to create a full melt pool across the surface. This helps prevent tunneling and ensures an even burn throughout the candle's life.
Mindful Burning:
Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep it away from flammable objects, drafts, and pets.
Place candles on heat-resistant surfaces and avoid burning them near curtains or other fabrics.
Extinguish Safely:
Use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame to extinguish the candle instead of blowing it out, which can cause splattering.
Avoid moving a candle while it's still burning or the wax is hot to prevent spills and accidents.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, even the most carefully selected candles can encounter burning issues that affect their performance and enjoyment. By understanding and addressing common candle burning issues, you can maximize the enjoyment and longevity of your candles. Whether you're dealing with tunneling, sooting, or uneven burning, there are simple solutions available to help troubleshoot and improve your candle burning experience.
Tunneling: Tunneling occurs when a candle burns down the center, leaving excess wax along the sides and creating a tunnel-like effect.
Solution: To prevent tunneling, always allow your candle to burn long enough to create a full melt pool across the surface during the first burn. Trim the wick before each use and avoid extinguishing the candle too soon.
Sooting: Sooting happens when a candle produces black smoke or soot during burning, which can stain walls, ceilings, and candle containers.
Solution: Trim the wick to a quarter of an inch before lighting the candle and ensure there are no drafts or air currents nearby. Avoid burning candles in confined spaces or for extended periods.
Uneven Burning: Uneven burning occurs when a candle melts unevenly, leaving wax residue along the sides or causing the candle to tilt.
Solution: Rotate the candle periodically while burning to ensure even wax distribution. Place candles on flat, heat-resistant surfaces and avoid burning them near vents or drafts.
Wick Drowning: Wick drowning occurs when excess wax accumulates around the wick, preventing it from receiving enough oxygen to burn properly.
Solution: Trim the wick and gently remove any excess wax buildup around the wick before relighting the candle. Avoid burning candles for extended periods or in overly large containers.
Fragrance Fading: Over time, candles may lose their fragrance potency, resulting in a weaker scent throw.
Solution: Store candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve their fragrance. Consider rotating your candle collection regularly to prevent scent fatigue and enhance fragrance performance.
Large Flame: A candle with a flame that is too large or is flashing can pose a fire hazard, produce excessive soot, and cause uneven burning.
Solution: If you notice that your candle's flame is too large, immediately extinguish it to prevent potential safety hazards. Allow the candle to cool completely before trimming the wick to a shorter length using scissors or a wick trimmer. However, if you trim the wick, and the flame is still too large or is flashing, this might mean that the wick used in the candle is too thick for the container. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done about this.
