It’s always candle season somewhere. This is especially true if you’re a candle maker, as the candle-making process easily spans all four seasons: gathering materials in spring and summer, crafting candles in fall, and packaging them for sale during winter. But no matter where you live or what time of year it is, there are a few simple things you can do to make your candles last longer and perform better. In this post, we’ll share some of our best tips for candle care.
Trim the wick
Candle care is important if you want your candle to last. One way to ensure a good candle is to trim the wick before you light it. candlewicks need to be trimmed regularly to ensure a good flame and prevent smoking or soot formation. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before you light the candle. This will also help your candle last longer.
In addition to trimming the wick, you should also keep an eye on the flame. If the flame gets too high, it can cause the candle to smoke or soot. Also, be sure to extinguish the candle when it gets down to about 1/4 inch. This will help your candle last longer and prevent any damage to your surfaces.
Let the candle burn long enough
When you first light a candle, give it plenty of time to create a good wax pool – at least 3 hours. If you extinguish it before that, all the wax will pool in the center and the candle will start to tunnel. Let the candle burn long enough for the wax pool to reach the edge of the container. This will help ensure that your candle burns evenly and slowly. Extinguish the flame when you’re done, and trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before relighting. With proper care, your candle should give you many hours of enjoyment.
How to fix a candle that has started to tunnel
As any candle lover knows, tunneling is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a candle. Not only does it prevent the candle from giving off its full scent, but it also wastes a lot of wax. Fortunately, there is a way to fix a candle that has started to tunnel.
The first step is to trim the wick. This will help the candle to burn more evenly. Then, let the candle burn for a little longer than usual. The heat from the flame will help to melt the wax on the outside of the candle, making it easier for the wax to flow down the wick. With a little care and patience, your candle will be good as new.
Don’t let the candle burn all the way down
Candles are made of wax, which can be flammable. When a candle is burned, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick. The molten wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. If a candle is allowed to burn down, the heat from the flame can melt the entire candle. This can cause the wax to catch fire and produce soot.
In addition, if a candle is left unattended, it could start a house fire. To avoid these hazards, it’s best to extinguish a candle when there’s about a quarter-inch of wax left in the container. Letting a candle cool before reuse will help to prevent soot.
Use a candle snuffer
Candle care is important for many reasons. For one, it helps to keep your candle looking nice. If you just blow it out, the flame can leave soot on the glass or the wick. Second, it’s safer to use a candle snuffer. When you blow out a candle, you never know where the hot wax is going to go. It could splash onto nearby surfaces or even onto your skin. Ouch!
A candle snuffer eliminates this risk by safely extinguishing the flame. candle snuffers also tend to be more effective than blowing out a candle. So, if you want your candle to last longer, use a candle snuffer next time you’re done burning it.
Store your candles
When you’re not using your candles, it’s important to store them in a cool, dark place. This will help them last longer and prevent them from becoming discolored. The best place to store candles is in a cabinet or cupboard, away from any direct sunlight or heat source.
If you’re storing multiple candles, make sure they’re not touching each other, as this can cause them to melt and deform. When storing scented candles, you may also want to keep them in a sealed container to prevent the fragrance from dissipating. With proper storage, your candles will stay looking and smell great for many uses to come.
Don’t leave a candle burning unattended
Unattended candles are one of the leading causes of house fires. Every year, unattended candles cause thousands of dollars in damage and unfortunately, sometimes even loss of life. When you leave a burning candle unattended, it puts your home and family at risk. If you must leave the room for any reason, be sure to blow the candle out first. It only takes a minute for a fire to start, and once it does, it can spread quickly. Don’t take the chance – always keep an eye on candles when they’re burning, and never leave them unattended. Your family will thank you for it!
Avoid drafts and excessive heat
Drafts and excessive heat can both cause candles to burn too quickly or unevenly. Keep your candles away from windows, fans, and other sources of the draft, and make sure they’re not in direct sunlight or near any heat sources.
Avoid moving a lit candle
When you’re dealing with candles, it’s important to be careful. If you need to move a candle, do so before you light it. Never move a candle while it’s burning, as this can cause the wax to spill and the candle to become dangerous. Even if you’re just moving the candle a few inches, it’s best to wait until it’s extinguished first.
In general, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution when it comes to candles. So next time you’re planning on lighting some candles, make sure to keep this safety tip in mind!
How to best reuse glass and metal candle containers
When you’re finished with your candle, don’t just throw the container away. There are a few ways you can reuse it instead.
One way to reuse a candle container is to fill it with flowers or plants. This is a great way to add some decoration to your home and recycle at the same time. You can also use a candle container to store small items like screws and nails, or even jewelry.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can also use a candle container to make your own candles. Make sure to clean out the container thoroughly. Add a wick and just melt some wax and pour it into the container. You can add any scent or color you want, and even include some decorations like beads or shells.
Candle Holder
Pillar candles are a great way to add ambiance to any room, but they can be tricky to keep lit. If you’re finding that your pillar candles are constantly being extinguished by drafts, the solution is simple: use a pillar candle holder. A pillar candle holder is a small dish or platform specifically designed to hold pillar candles. By placing your pillar candle in a holder, you can shield it from drafts and help it burn more evenly. Just make sure that the holder is large enough to accommodate the candle’s width. With a little practice, you’ll be able to keep your pillar candles burning bright all night long.
We hope you enjoyed these tips for getting the most out of your candles! For more candle-related advice and information, be sure to check out our other blog posts. Thanks for reading!
FAQ
Q: How often should I trim the wick of my candle?
A: You should trim the wick of your candle before each use. Trimming the wick helps to ensure that the candle burns evenly and doesn’t produce soot.
Q: What is the best way to extinguish a candle?
A: The best way to extinguish a candle is to use a candle snuffer or to blow it out. Never pour water on a candle, as this can cause the wax to splatter and the candle to become dangerous.
Q: Can I reuse candle containers?
A: It’s best not to reuse candle containers, as the leftover wax can cause the container to become discolored or even start to melt. Instead, recycle the container or discard it in a safe place.
Explore the Warm Glow of Rock Ridge Candles
Discover the perfect ambiance with our unique candle collection at Rock Ridge Candles. Visit us now to illuminate your moments! ✨🕯️
