How to Get the Most Out of Your Candles

Candles add a cozy ambiance and delightful fragrance to any space, but did you know there are best practices for burning candles to ensure safety, longevity, and the best scent throw? Here are some useful candle burning tips to enhance your candle experience:

1. Trim the Wick Before Lighting: Before lighting your candle for the first time or each time
you burn it, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps reduce soot buildup,
prevents the flame from becoming too large, and ensures an even burn. It also
helps the candle burn more efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.

2. Let the Wax Pool Melt Completely: On your first burn, allow the wax to melt all the way to the
edges of the container. This prevents "tunneling," where the candle
burns down the center, leaving wax on the sides. For an even burn, this step is
crucial during the first use, so you get the maximum fragrance and burn time
from your candle.

3. Burn Candles for 2-4 Hours at a Time: For the best burn, don’t leave your candles burning for more
than 4 hours. Burning them for too long can result in excessive heat and cause
the candle to burn too fast, wasting wax. A burn time of 2 to 4 hours is ideal
for allowing the candle to melt evenly and give off a strong scent.

4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts: Candles should always be placed in a draft-free area. Air
currents from open windows, vents, or fans can cause the flame to flicker or
burn unevenly, leading to wasted wax. A stable flame will burn the wax more
evenly and help your candle last longer.

5. Use Candles on a Heat-Resistant Surface: Always burn candles on a heat-resistant surface. The heat
generated from the flame can cause the container to heat up and potentially
damage surfaces or create a fire hazard. A candle holder or tray will help
protect your furniture.

6. Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended: This is an important safety rule. Always extinguish candles
before leaving the room, especially if you have pets or young children. It's
essential to ensure that candles are out before leaving the house or going to
bed.

7. Store Candles Properly: When not in use, store candles in a cool, dry place away
from direct sunlight or heat. Direct sunlight can cause candles to discolor,
and heat can alter the fragrance. Keep candles covered to prevent dust or
debris from settling on the wax or wick.

8. Extinguish Candles Safely: Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame instead of
blowing it out. Blowing on a candle can cause hot wax to splatter and create
soot. A snuffer helps put out the flame without disturbing the wax pool and
reduces the chances of creating a mess.

9. Reposition the Wick if Necessary: If the wick is leaning to one side, it can affect how your
candle burns. After it has cooled down, reposition the wick so that it stands
straight. This helps the candle burn evenly and safely.

10. Repurpose Candle Jars: Once your candle has burned down to the bottom, don’t throw
away the jar. Many candle jars can be repurposed as decorative storage
containers or used for organizing small items. Simply clean out the wax
remnants with warm water and dish soap, and you’ll have a fresh jar ready for a
new use.

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