Simple Tips for Beautifully Burning Candles!

There's nothing quite like the cozy glow and delightful scent of a handmade candle filling your space. Whether you're winding down after a long day or setting the mood for a relaxing evening, your candle is there to bring a touch of peace and warmth. But did you know that with a little bit of love and care, you can make your candles burn even more beautifully and last longer?

Think of it like this: our handcrafted candles are made with care, and just like any precious item, they appreciate a little attention to shine their brightest! So, grab your favorite candle and let's dive into some easy tips to ensure it always brings you joy :)

The First Burn: Setting the Stage for Success

Ever noticed how sometimes a candle burns unevenly? The secret to avoiding this often lies in the very first burn! When you light your brand-new candle, try to let it burn until the entire top layer of wax has melted completely and reached the edges of the container. This usually takes about an hour, depending on the size of your candle. This crucial step helps prevent that dreaded "tunneling" effect, where only the wax in the center melts, leaving a ring of unburnt wax around the edges.

Pacing the Burn: Not a Race, But a Relaxing Stroll

While it's tempting to keep that lovely scent going for hours, it's actually best to not burn your candle for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. This is a safety precaution, as it prevents the container from getting too hot. Plus, giving your candle a little break allows it to cool down, which in turn can help it last longer so you can enjoy its comforting presence on many more occasions.

Trim That Wick: The Key to a Clean and Happy Flame

Think of the wick as the heart of your candle. Keeping it trimmed is essential for a clean and even burn. Before you light your candle each time, take a moment to trim the wick down to about ¼ inch. This will help prevent the flame from getting too large, which can lead to smoking and an uneven burn. You can use special wick trimmers (which have a handy angle for easy access) or even just a pair of sharp scissors.

Snuffing Out the Smoke: Gentle Ways to Say Goodnight

Nobody loves that little puff of smoke when a candle is blown out. If you're not a fan, there are a couple of elegant solutions! A wick snuffer is a stylish tool that you simply place over the flame to extinguish it. Alternatively, a wick dipper, a bent metal tool, allows you to gently dip the lit wick into the pool of melted wax for a smoke-free extinguishing. Just be sure to lift the wick back up right away for the next time you want to light it.

Keeping it Dust-Free: A Little Cover Goes a Long Way

Once your candle has cooled down and you're not using it, it's a great idea to keep it covered to protect it from dust. All of our candles come with a lid, or even a lovely cotton packaging bag will be perfect for this purpose. A little cover helps keep your candle looking and smelling its best!

Safety First, Always!

While enjoying the ambiance of a candle, it's so important to keep a few safety tips in mind:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always make sure it's in your sight.
• Keep it away from flammable items. This includes curtains, paper, and anything else that could easily catch fire.
• Out of reach of little ones and furry friends. Curious hands and paws can easily knock over a burning candle.
• Stable and heat-resistant is the way to go. Always place your candle on a flat, stable surface that can withstand heat. 
• Keep the wax pool clear. Make sure no wick trimmings or debris, like burnt matches, end up in the melted wax.
• Avoid drafts. Breezy spots can cause the flame to flicker and the candle to burn unevenly.
• No dozing off with a flame! As relaxing as it is, never fall asleep with a candle burning. If you love a continuous scent, our Reed Diffusers are a safe and wonderful option for day and night!
• Know when it's time to say farewell. We recommend that you stop using your candle once there's only about ½ inch of wax left at the bottom. But don't worry, you can often find creative ways to repurpose the container!

Taking a few moments to care for your hand-poured candle will not only make it burn more beautifully but also help you enjoy its comforting glow and delightful aroma for much longer. We hope these simple tips help you get the most out of your beloved candles!