Candle Care For Scented Candles

Candle Care For Scented Candles

Trim your wick! Rule number one for any candle addict. Okay, maybe I came on too strong - just like your candle. (Ha, insert dad joke here.) Okay, back to the topic at hand; Rule number one for any candle owner, trim your wick! Trimming the wick to ¼” before lighting will help prevent smoking wicks and your candle will burn evenly. This is essential for a clean, smoke-free burn. Most issues can be eliminated simply by trimming the wicks every time you burn the candle. A great candle experience begins with proper candle care and maintenance. No worries, you'll be a candle connoisseur by the end of this read. 

Preventing Tunneling & Memory Rings

First things first and the first burn is the most important. To prevent tunneling burn your candles one hour for each inch of it’s diameter. This allows the flame time to liquify the top layer of wax evenly to the edge. Burning less time will cause the candle core to burn down the middle and shorten the burn time. Thus, creating memory rings. Once a candle has this memory ring, it will continue to tunnel and to burn that way for the life of the candle. However, when you allow the candle to yield a full wax pool the end result is a jar that burns clean, even, and when used with a well-maintained wick, can prevent excess sooting (black smoky substance). All the while distributing amazing fragrances. 

Mushrooming

When you burn a highly-scented candle, sometimes your candle may develop a fragrance mushroom. Not the kind that gives an extra life like in Mario Bros. but the one in which there is a carbon buildup on the wick. Although, when you think about it the Mario mushrooms sound pretty cool. (Hmm, how would that work for candle?) Any who, The "mushroom" shape, formed at the end of a candle wick after burning, is the result of carbon buildup, where the flame consumes more wax than it can burn. This is because you have purchased a highly-scented candle. The small clump on the tip of the wick is where carbon deposits have built up and are fed by the burning of the wax and the exchange of oxygen. It is very common for the wicks to develop mushrooms, however, bending the wick to the side a bit keeps the mushrooming to a minimum. Trim any mushrooms that develop on the wick. Trimming is always key. 

Know When To Stop

In the words of Usher, "you gotta let in burn!" Keep your burn to about 4-5 hours at time. This will definitely help with the wax pooling and preventing tunnels in your candle. Learning the candle etiquette or learning the tools to properly care for your candles are a great help. When you are done with your candle the first thing that comes to mind is to blow it out. I guess we can blame that on birthday cakes. I mean, who doesn't want to make a wish when they blow out a candle. In this case, DONT! You risk blowing hot wax onto the wick or around the inside of your candle causing it to smoke. You also keep your candle surface free of debris. The most effective way to extinguish the flame of a candle is to use a wick dipping candle snuffer. 

Keep It Moving

Once your candle has only ¼” of wax left in the vessel, it's time to retire it. Move on and buy your next candle. A great place to start looking is LaLaLavished. Among many bath and body products their organic vegan candles are made with superior coconut wax, infused with exotic essential oils and exceptional fragrances. Be sure to check out their collection.

If you've made it this far, congratulations! You are now an official candle connoisseur. Hope these tips helped.