It might not be rocket science but there are some tips and tricks that will ensure you get the very best from your candle. A beautifully scented candle can completely transform a room, but you may be missing out on hours of burn-time by making these common mistakes:
Not burning your candle for long enough. We know that candles are a treat and that you often want to make them last for as long as possible, but by blowing them out too soon you might actually be shortening their life. Candle tunnelling leaves walls of wax that can stifle the candle and can even drown the wick completely. Always light your candles for
between 2-4 hours the first time you burn them, or until you have a full layer of melted wax that goes to the edges of the container.
Not trimming the wick. Wick trimming is absolutely essential. If the wick is too long the flame will be larger than it should be. This means that it will burn through the wax more quickly and may make the vessel hotter. Always trim your wick to 5mm each time you light your candles. You can use a pair of scissors, some nail clippers or if you’re really posh, you can buy a special wick trimmer (try ebay, they’re actually not expensive and they work brilliantly)
Burning candles in a draught. Draughts are the invisible enemy of candles, so if you notice your flame blowing to one side or that you're left with wax on one side of your container, it may be that your candle was in a draught. Keep a close eye on them and if you spot the flame being blown around, extinguish the candle and move it to alternative spot.
Candle care can prolong the life of your candles and result in a safer, cleaner burn. Always follow the above guidelines and if you ever have any questions you can get in touch with us. We're always happy to talk about candles!