Did you know that our candles need just a little bit of love and attention in order to get the best possible burn? If you've ever had a candle that tunnelled, smoked, sooted or failed to burn fully, then read on. By following our top tips you can ensure a perfect candle burn every time you light one.
Getting The Best From Your Candle
Have you ever wondered why your candle sometimes tunnels, only ever burning down the middle of the wax? This is because wax has a burn memory.
The first burn is the most important one and sets the pattern for future burns. If you only burn for a short period of time on the first burn, then your candle will only ever reach the size of the initial melt pool. So always burn for 3-4 hours on the first burn, depending on the size of your candle, or until a full melt pool is achieved. This will help prevent any future tunnelling and prolong the life of your candle.
Don't confuse a bit of hang-up on the sides of your candle with tunnelling though. A little bit of hang-up on the sides of your candle is perfectly normal, and this will melt away as your candle burns down. The candle vessel will naturally conduct more heat as the candle burns further down and this will dispel any wax build-up. You could also try burning your candle for a slightly longer period, around 3-4 hours, to help it melt.
Before all subsequent burns, it is very important to trim the wick first. If you do this every time, it will prolong the life of your candle by preventing the flame from smoking and sooting, or burning too hot and fast. This can be done by gently pinching the top of the wick with your finger and thumb and twisting, or with a wick-trimmer or scissors. Woodwick candles will need the black burnt part of the wick pinched off before each burn too. This is really important as it will enable you to relight your candle, prolong it's life and prevent the flame from getting too high!
When lighting a candle always use long matches or a candle lighter. This is essential, especially as your candle burns down, in preventing burnt fingers! Do not burn in a draught and keep the candle away from flammable items. Burning in a draught could cause uneven burning and also presents a fire risk. Always keep the top of the candle clear of any debris and matches and burn on a heat resistant surface.
Always burn in 2-3 hour periods, but never longer than 4. This will allow the wax to burn evenly and any hang-up on the sides to melt away as your candle burns. Burning any longer than 4 hours will cause too much carbon to collect on the wick which will cause smoking, sooting and an overly large flame.
It is recommended that you always use a snuffer to extinguish your candle. If you do blow your candle out, do it gently to prevent hot wax from splashing and to stop your wick from blowing into the melt-pool!
Wait until your candle has fully cooled before you replace the lid. Using your lid will keep your candle free from dust and help preserve the fragrance.
Follow these super easy top tips for burning your candles and you should never suffer a tunnelling, sooting or smoking candle again!
