Get the Most Out of Burning Candles
Here are a few tips and tricks to care for your candles and make them last longer.
1. Always trim your wick! Yes, this is important. The wick should be about 1/4 inch long. Trim your wick before you light it for the first time as well as before every time you light it. But remember – if the wick is too short, it will not produce enough heat to burn the candle correctly and evenly.
2. When trimming the wick of a candle that has already been burned, let it cool enough for the melted wax to harden enough that it won’t drip, but still a little warm. The wick shouldn’t be completely cooled. Then tip the candle upside down when you cut it. This will ensure that none of those messy black pieces get stuck in your candle. Some wax may drip out, and that’s okay.
3. If your candle is in a jar or container that is small and the wick is hard to reach with scissors to trim, use nail clippers.
4. Let the top of the candle melt completely when you light it for the first time. The rule of thumb is 1 hour for 1 inch (the diameter of the candle). So, if you have a 5-inch, burn it for 5 hours. The candle will then remember to burn evenly each time you light it. If you only allow the center of the candle to melt, it will continue to melt only the center of the candle when it burns. You’ll be left with wasted edges of the candle. Note: for pillar candles, the melted wax should not break through the edge.
5. When the wick is slightly cooled, center it. It will keep your candle burning evenly. Don’t try to center it when it is completely cooled or it will break.
6. Refrigerate candles before burning. It will make them burn longer. Wrap the candle in plastic wrap or aluminum foil so that the wick doesn’t absorb any moisture. For bigger, thicker candles, refrigerate for a few hours. For smaller, votive candles, refrigerate for half an hour to an hour depending on thickness.
7. Keep your candle away from the sun. The sun fades candle color, evaporates the fragrance, and can even melt your candle. Even though some candles are made with preservatives, it’s best to keep them out of the sun. They will keep their fragrance longer if candles are not in direct sunlight during the day.
8. Store candles in a dark, cool, dry space. They should lie flat so they don’t warp.
9. Candle looking dull? Wipe it with a lightly dampened cotton or nylon cloth. It will revive the sheen of the candle.
10. Cooled, hardened wax is easy to chip off, but may leave little pieces behind. Dish soap (like Dawn or Joy) with warm water will clean wax off of your candle holders.
11. Put about an 1/8 of an inch (about a teaspoon) of water in a votive glass before putting the candle in. It will make for easier cleaning.
12. If you’re using floating candles, use distilled water instead of regular tap water. It will not leave mineral deposit rings as the water evaporates.
13. When smoke builds up on the candle jar, wait until the candle is completely cooled and use Windex to wipe it away.
14. If your candle dripped wax on fabric, simply cover it with a paper or cloth towel and run a hot iron over it. It will soften the wax and stick to the towel. When you have removed as much wax as possible, run it through the wash with hot water to prevent staining.
15. Don’t let candles get too cold – they will crack.
16. If you’re having a party and want candles, light them before the party and put them out. When the party starts, it will be easier to light them.
17. When pillars are burned about ¼ of the way down, bend the top wax closer to the wick so it will melt and drip inside the candle instead of down the edge. Do this while the outer wax is softened, but not too hot. Do not bend the edges while the candle is burning!
Do you have tips and tricks you use? Let us know. We love hearing from you!
