Candle Care
Are you struggling with candles that tunnel? What about messy jars getting lined with soot? Are your candles smelling dusty, or looking dirty?
Let’s talk about these issues and how to avoid them moving forward.
1. End Tunneling for Good
What is tunneling?
Tunneling is when the wax burns in a tunnel through the core of the candle. The edges of the candle remain high, while the middle of the candle, closer to the wick, burns down. When this happens, you end up with a lot of wasted wax around the edge of the jar and your candles don’t last nearly as long as they should.
So how do we stop this from happening?
We recommend burning for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours on your first burn. This will ensure the top layer of wax is completely melted. When it comes to the second burn, you’ll notice it takes less time to melt the top layer to the edges. However, it’s still important to make sure you’ve gotten to the edges when you blow out the flame.
2. Wick Care
Before lighting your favourite candle, you need to check the wick length. Make sure you trim the wick to about ¼ of an inch each time you light it. This will give you a cleaner, brighter burn with a controlled flame and less smoke. If you notice “wick clubbing” (a strange mushroom shape) you should trim the wick. This will help avoid unsightly black residue on the jars.
You can use sharp scissors if you don’t own a wick trimmer.
3. The ½ Inch Rule
Discontinue the use of your candle when there is ½ inch of wax left at the bottom. As the flame nears the base of the container and most of the wax has been consumed, it can get very hot. This will prevent possible heat damage not only to surfaces, but also to the container itself. We recommend placing your candles on a heat resistant plate or surface when burning.
4. Keep a Lid on Things
When not burning your candle, be sure to put the lid back on. Dust, debris, pet hair, and more can get into the wax of your candle as it solidifies while cooling. This can interrupt the fragrance and lead to a dusty wax pool.
5. Close the Windows
A drafty room can cause a wobbly flame, which can lead to an uneven burn and more soot on the jar. An open window can also cause more debris to get into the wax while it’s burning. Keeping your candle in a safe, clean spot will help you get the best of the best burns.
