Burning Candles Do's & Don'ts
Seems simple enough, right? Light the wick, blow out the flame.
Not so fast! There are a few simple tricks to getting the best out of your candles.
Lighting the Wick
DO:
Use a lighter. Yes, matches work and are pretty for pictures, but using a proper lighter is the best way to light that wick. Especially the first time a candle is lit. Have you ever noticed that a wick catches a lot quicker after it’s been burned before? A new wick will take a few more seconds to catch and this is why a lighter that you can hold the flame with is best for lighting your candles. When lighting your candle for the first time, really watch the flame to make sure the wick has caught before taking away the lighter flame.
DON’T:
We really do not encourage you to use an already lit candle to light another. Not only will you get dripping wax on the candle you’re lighting, but it’s not a safe or effective way to light your candles.
Melt Pool
This is one of the most important factors in getting the best life and use out of your candles.
DO:
Always, with each and every use, allow your candle to melt evenly to the edges. This will result in an even “melt pool.” See above for soy candles. Depending on the candle circumference, this time can vary. For pillars and container candles, this can be 2-4 hours. For pillar candles as shown below, carefully “pushing” the sides as the wax softens will help to achieve an even melt pool.
DON’T:
Allow your candle to “tunnel.” This is what happens when you do not allow your candles to evenly melt to all sides with each use. If you light a candle and diffuse it after a short period of time, your candle will melt unevenly and cause a tunnel to form down the centre. This will result in less burn time overall and problems when trying to light your candle next time.
“Pushing” the Sides.
Wick Trimming
DO:
After the initial burn, trim your wick each and every time you light your candle! We recommend trimming to 1/4 of an inch with sharp scissors before you light the wick. Cotton braided wicks (lead-free) can also curl, so trimming will help keep a straight, even burn. Trimming your wick will also result in a cleaner burn and no soot build-up on your container!
DON’T:
Trim while lit or leave trimmed wick debris in candle. Wick debris in the candle can re-catch and cause larger flames.
And because SAFTY FIRST:
Please do not burn down your homes. NEVER leave a candle unattended, always burn on a heat-safe surface away from drafts, flammable materials, children and pets. For candles not in containers, always burn on plate to catch dripping wax. You can read our terms of service here for the full warnings and precautions while using our products.
Now you’re ready for a safe and happy candle season!!