If you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you love scented candles and use them a lot. And if you love your scented candles, then you’d obviously want to maximize their lifespan. That way, you get to enjoy your scented candle a lot longer and get the most out of it.
Scented candles made from soy wax candles are a great addition to any house for so many reasons. There are the obvious benefits – your space will smell better, and you’ll feel better as well. In addition, soy wax is great for the environment because it isn’t made from harmful chemicals. Finally, soy wax candles burn cleanly and evenly, allowing you to maximize the great scents you’ll get from your candle.
In this blog post, we’ll give you some great tips on candle care practices, so that you can make the most out of your scented candles. Most candle care revolves around two things. First, you have to take care of your candle wick. A lot of people may overlook this, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to make your candle last longer. This simple step will go a long way to make sure that you can enjoy the benefits of your scented candle for as long as possible. Secondly, storage is important. When you’re not using your candles, make sure to store them properly, as this will also make them last longer.
Now, let’s look at some other, more specific ways you can care for your candle properly and get the most out of it.
Watch the burn time
Soy wax candles have a “memory.” When you burn a soy wax candle for the first time, a wax pool will be created. Every time you use the candle afterwards, it will only burn to the diameter of the wax pool that is created during this first burn.
If you only use your candle for a short time, then a small wax pool will be created. This causes a “tunnel” to form – which is when only a small portion of wax around the wick burns, creating a tunnel, or depression in the centre of the candle. Tunnelling makes your candle look unappealing, and also wastes a lot of wax, as the wax around the edge of the candle – away from the tunnel – will not melt and release its scent. Over time, this also makes the candle harder to light.
Therefore, when you use your candle for the first time, it’s recommended to burn the candle for at least two or three hours. This will melt the top layer of wax on the candle and create a wide wax pool, which ensures an even burn every time you use the candle afterwards.
After the first burn, you should use the candle for a maximum of three to four hours at a time. Again, this ensures a steady and even burn, and prevents tunnelling.
Trim the wick before burning
This step is never required on the very first burn, and it is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your scented candle. The wick is usually made of braided cotton and it’s the part of the candle you light, so a scented candle is only as good as its wick.
If your wick is too long, it may create a large flame. If the flame is too large, then it will excessively melt your candle’s wax, shortening the lifespan of your candle. Thus, it is recommended to trim the wick to 1/4 - 1/8 of an inch (3 – 6 mm) before lighting the candle. You should trim the wick before every lighting, to ensure a clean and steady burn.
Reposition the wick
Sometimes, a wick can become limp and bent, which reduces its efficiency and makes it harder to light the candle. So a little while after you’re done using your candle, the wick should be cool enough to touch but still warm enough to be malleable. At this point, gently reposition the wick to its wax center. This will prevent soot stains forming on the glass container of your candle, and also prolongs the candle’s lifespan.
Use the candle away from drafts
Drafts of air such as wind or air conditioning can cause a candle to burn asymmetrically, which may also lead to tunnelling. In a worst-case scenario, the wind may even extinguish the flame or knock over the candle. Thus, you should keep your soy candles away from open windows, fans, air-conditioning units, and air-conditioning vents.
Store your candles properly
As is the case with anything made of scented wax, storage is very important. Soy wax candles are sensitive to heat and light, so you should store your candles away from direct sunlight to avoid discoloration.
Also, be sure to store your candles away from heat, as excessive heat will cause the wax to melt. Make sure to not store them next to a source of heat in your house, such as next to a heater or above the stove.
Store your candles out of reach of any pets and/or children in your house. This is better for your little ones, as well as for your candle.
Use the right-sized candle
Candles come in various sizes, so when you’re using a scented candle, it’s important to consider the size of the room where you’ll be using the candle, and make sure that the candle is the right size for your room. If you use a small candle in a large room, then the scent will not permeate the space enough. If you use a very large candle in a small room, then you run the risk of creating an overpowering, overwhelming scent.
Use a candle snuffer
If you blow out your candle flame every time you use your candle, that may cause the wick to smoulder and create soot in the process. Both these things inhibit the proper burning of your candle and shorten its lifespan, so you should instead use a candle snuffer to put your flame out. This can go a long way to prolonging the usability of your candle, and it also adds a touch of class and sophistication every time you use your candles.
Clean the candle jar after the candle is used up
After you have used the entire candle, clean its jar or candle holder with soap and water to remove any residual wax. This way, you can reuse or recycle the jar.
This also allows you to use a candle refill. Candle refills are a great way to enjoy your favourite scented candles without worrying about the waste usually generated from candles. They’re sustainable, and they’re a great way to be eco-friendly and environmentally conscious – which is something we at Terradomi consider extremely important.