Making the most of your candle

A quality candle can be an expensive purchase. How you burn your candle can determine the overall burn time, so here are some great tips on getting the most out of your investment.

 
1. When lighting for the first time burn until the wax melts across the entire surface to the sides of the vessel (this prevents tunnelling, and creates an even burn for the duration of the candle’s ‘life’). This may take up to 2-4 hours.

2. Trim wick to 5mm before each lighting to promote an even burn, steady flame and limit sooting/mushrooming of the wick.

3. If soot forms on the inside of the vessel, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, then wipe with a clean damp cloth. Trim wick and relight.

4. Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.

5. Extinguish candle with a snuffer, or dip wick into melted wax and then straighten wick to prevent smoking and also prevent hot wax from splattering. Do not blow out.

6. Draughts decrease burn time, cause uneven burning, smoking and diminished scent throw.

7. Efficient burning means flame is not flickering, teardrop-shaped and upright.

8. Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers or the flame becomes too high. These signs indicate the candle is not burning properly and the flame isn’t controlled. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before re-lighting.

9. Maximizing scent throw – open windows/doors will disperse scent. For maximum fragrance keep closed and burn in desired space for 30 mins before entering.

10. Always store your candles in a cool, dark and dry place. Scented candles also look great stored under a glass cloche, which also protects from dust.

11. Avoid placing your candles where they will be directly exposed to sunlight or harsh indoor lighting, such as spotlights.

12. You can remove dust and fingerprints from a candle by gently rubbing the surface with a soft cloth. The cloth can be dry or slightly dampened with water.

13. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s use and safety instructions carefully. Don’t burn a candle longer than the manufacturer recommends.
 

You can see our range of Boy Smells candles here.

Image by Tracey Creed