If you’re anything like us, you have a beloved collection of fragrance scented candles at home. Large, small, glass jar, pottery vessel, subtle smelling, strong smelling, insect repelling, sleep inducing, soy wax, blended wax, fragrance scented, essential oil based the list goes on and on and on. We literally have a candle for any occasion! Be it a romantic dinner for two or, an alfresco BBQ with the family. We live and breath candles and, we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

No matter what the candle however, they all have one thing in common. That is, how we care for them and in turn, get the best lifespan for them. As such, today we wanted to share with you are favourite tips for when it comes to caring for your candles.

Keep in mind that these seven top tips are very general candle care tips. Always be sure to read the manufacture guidelines to burning your particular candle as, these can differ from brand to brand and candle type. 

1. Candle Surface

Be sure to place your candle on a stable, heat resistance surface away from children and pets. 

2. Candle Surrounds

Never burn your candle on, or near, anything that could catch fire or leave your candle unattended at any stage.

3. First Candle Burn

When you first burn your candle, it’s very important to allow the wax to pool evenly to the edge of glass as this will optimise the fragrance delivery. This can take some time so be sure to only light your candle for the first time if you know you will be home and as such, it’s not left unattended.

4. Always Trim Your Candle

Trim your candle wick to approximately 5mm before each burn and keep the wax pool clear of matches and debris. A set of sharp scissors will do the job nicely.

5. Burning Your Candle

Do not burn your chosen candle for more than four hours at a time or, move the candle whilst it is burning. It is best to make sure the candle is placed in a safe position on a correct surface where nothing around it is flammable. Furthermore, it’s best to keep the burning candle away from any open windows, under an air conditioner or fan. Moving air can potentially disturb the burning flame of your candle and this can result in staining the vessel your candle is in and give you tunnelling and other issues.

6. Don’t Allow your Candle to Burn Dry

Discontinue burning your candle when the wax level reaches 6mm from the base of jar. This will vary for some candles and, as always, refer to the manufactures guidelines that should be found on the base of the vessle, printed on the box or, on the brands website.

7. Recycle

Most candles these days come in beautiful vessels that can be reused or up-cycled. Place you jar in warm water and gently scrap away the wax residue. Clean with warm soapy water and repurpose wisely.

By following these above candle care tips, you will find you will help preserve the longevity of your candle and therefore achieve the best value from your candle over time.

We are often asked by our customers similar questions when it comes to caring for their candles or, candle terms they have not heard of before. As such, we thought it would be helpful to compile these five most commonly asked questions and, provide you with answers.

Q: What is candle tunnelling?

A: Candle tunnelling is when only a small portion of the candle wax around the candle wick melts whilst the candle is burning. Ideally, the candle’s entire surface of wax should melt evenly. When a candles entire surface does not melt evenly, it appears as though the candle flame is ‘tunnelling’ into the candle and in turn creates this small, vertical tunnel.

Once the candle’s wick descends deeper into the surrounding wax, the flame then is not able to draw upon enough oxygen to sustain itself. This reduction in oxygen results in the candle’s flame burning out and in turn, reducing the total burn time of your candle.

Q: How do I stop my candle from tunnelling? 

A: If you were to leave a candle burning that is tunnelling, you may find sometimes it will correct itself and melt the surrounding wax. However, more often than not, the candle tunnelling will leave a permeant ring of wax around the rim of the container. By far, the easiest way to stop your candle from tunnelling is to prevent it from happening in the first instance. Do this by burning your candle the first time for 3hours or, the time frame recommended by the candle manufacturer. 

Q: Why does my candle look discoloured?

A: The most common reason as to why your candle looks discoloured in its glass jar is most likely a result of ultraviolet light or change in temperature. If a candle is exposed to light and fluctuating temperatures, overtime it may start to go a tinge of yellow or brown. Furthermore, some fragrances and essential oil can react to light and this to can effect the appearance of the wax colour. To prevent this from happening, be sure to store your candles in a cool, dry place away from any direct sunlight. A cupboard in a dark room or closet would be ideal. It’s a good tip to always keep the original box your candle was packaged in. That way, after the candle is blown out and 100% cooled down, you can place it back in its box. This will help prevent discolouration, fading and importantly – collecting any dust that may settle on the candles surface. 

Q: Should you blow out a candle or snuff it out?

A: We always recommend using a snuffer to extinguish your candle. For those who don’t know what they are, they are usually made out of coated metal or silver and are bell in shape. The bell shape is at the end of the stick or handle. You simply place the bell shape over the burning flame and this suffocates the flame and in turn extinguishes it. When you simply blow the candle flame out, you risk polluting the melted wax with soot and, smoke can linger. Some people will use the lid to snuff out the flame however, this is only recommended if the candle manufacturer says it’s safe to do so. Some lids may be flammable so it’s always very important to check prior to using.

Q: Do candles ever expire?

A: Unlike food, candles do not typically ‘expire’. However, over time your candle will possibly degrade. You may find they don’t light as easily and, when they do – they don’t burn as well. If your candle is a scented one, you may also find the fragrance or the essential oil does not throw as well as it once did. It’s always best to follow the care instructions of your candle manufacturer as this will help prolong the lifespan of your candle.

Just remember, candles are not only for special occasions! They should be enjoyed everyday! We hope that you have found these candle care tips and commonly asked questions and answers helpful. Happy candle burning!