6 tips to get more from your candle

Candles are a staple luxury in any home and are more popular than ever. You may be surprised to hear that there is more to candles than just lighting them and letting them burn. We want to provide 6 tips to improve your candle game. Common issues are easily avoided by employing simple tricks to ensure your candles not only smell delightful but also last longer.

Stop candles from spilling and tunnelling

We've all experienced pillar candles overflowing or jar candles forming unused wax walls. It is disheartening to waste such fragrant wax. To maximise the burn duration, especially for pillar and container candles, establishing ‘candle memory’ is crucial.

For pillar candles, let the wax reach 0.5mm to 1cm from the edge before extinguishing it. Doing this builds a memory point (candle memory) for the wax so the next time you burn it, it will tunnel down instead of spilling over.

For jar candles the opposite goes since you want to avoid the wax tunnelling down. You will need to burn the candle long enough for the wax to melt to the edge of the container.

We suggest you adhere to recommended burn times suggested on each candle to prevent excessive heat and unwanted wick 'mushrooming'.

The amount of time you will need to burn your candle will vary depending on the width of the candle, the number of wicks, and the size of the wick.

Trimming your candle wick

Fire is beautiful and the flickering flame is part of what makes candles so alluring. But when it comes to candles, we want a soft flame, not a roaring blaze putting your home insurance to the test.

Trimming your wick not only ensures an aesthetically pleasing flame it also prevents overheating, uneven burning, and smoke.

Before lighting, trim the wick to 5mm, clearing away any debris. Thicker wicks may need a slightly shorter trim.

A wick trimmer is ideal, and make it easy to reach into the jar and already has the correct measurements for the trim. It is possible to pinch off the wick by hand, but you run the risk of causing a sooty mess and snapping the wick too short, which will drown shortly after lighting your candle.  

While your candle is burning, it is normal for the end of the wick to exhibit 'mushrooming'. To ensure the cleanest burn possible, this 'mushrooming' must be removed by trimming the wick before each use and periodically during a burning session if it becomes excessive.

Create the best environment for your candle to thrive

Figuring out where to place your candle is not just about what is most visually appealing, other factors should be considered to get the most out of your candle.

Avoid areas with a draft since this can reduce burn duration, lead to uneven burning, cause smoking, and diminish the overall scent dispersion.

Keep candles away from heat sources like windows, fireplaces, and warm lamps. This ensure even melting, longevity and reduces the risk of the jar overheating which can make it shatter.

Get more burn for your buck

Want to make candles last longer? Candles burn at a slower pace in colder conditions. Wrap your candle in foil or cling wrap and refrigerate for about an hour before lighting. But be prepared to surprise housemates if they find a pack of tealights in the freezer!

Remove wax from burners – A no-mess solution!

If your preferred method of adding fragrance to your home is by using wax melts, we have got just the tip for you! Wax melts are an effective way to fragrance your home, but once all the fragrance is used, how do you get rid of the wax that is still left over?

Once the wax cools and hardens, place the burner in the freezer for an hour. The wax will shrink, making it easy to remove. Allow the burner to return to room temperature before reuse to prevent heat damage.

This method also largely works for a jar candle however the base of the wick will be glued to the jar and will pose an issue when you try to remove the wax after freezing.

Remove wax from burners – Quick!

If patience is not your strong suit, there is a quicker method. Let the wax cool completely, light it for a minute to separate it from the burner, dispose of the wax carefully, and wipe off any warm residue. A quick wash with dish soap ensures a clean burner.

Happy candle lighting

Remember, beyond their aesthetic charm, candles have intricacies that, when attended to, promise an extended lifespan and a cleaner, more delightful experience. So, go ahead, create the perfect ambiance, savor the flickering flames, and relish the moments illuminated by your carefully tended candles. Happy candle lighting, and may your home always be aglow with the magic of well-cared-for candles!