A Guide to Candle Care for a Longer, Cleaner Burn

So, you’ve invested in a gorgeous scented candle and are ready to fill your home with a beautiful fragrance. But before you get lost in that blissful aroma, let's talk about candle care. A little TLC goes a long way. Think of it like this: your candle is a high-maintenance friend who, when treated right, will light up your life (literally!). We’re here to give you the insider secrets to ensuring a long-lasting scented candle with a perfect, clean burn every time.

You wouldn’t buy champagne just to shake it up and spill it, right?

The Three Golden Rules

1. The First Burn is the Most Important!

This is probably the most crucial step. The first time you light your candle, you need to let it burn until the melted wax pool reaches the edge of the jar. This can take a few hours - usually 2 to 3 hours, so put on a podcast or book, grab a cuppa, and chill. This "memory burn" prevents tunnelling - that’s where the candle burns straight down the middle, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edges. Nobody wants that - unless it’s a specific type of pillar candle and intentional.

2. Trim the Wick, Every Time!

We know, we know, it sounds a bit fussy, but a trimmed wick is the key to a clean burn. Before each use, trim the wick to about 5mm (or a ¼ inch). This prevents mushrooming, which can cause excessive smoke and soot. A short wick ensures a steady, calm flame that won't release black soot into your beautifully scented air. It's a simple step that makes a world of difference.

3. Don't Burn for Too Long!

As much as you love your luxury candle, don't let it burn for more than four hours at a time. Over-burning can cause the jar to get too hot and may lead to a weaker scent throw over time. Give your candle a break! Let it cool and reset before you light it again for another round of blissful home fragrance.

Burn time matters: Don’t go over 4 hours in one sitting - it makes your candle last longer and keeps the fragrance even.

Extra Tips for a Cleaner Burn

• Mind the Draughts: Keep your candles away from open windows, fans, or air conditioners. A draught can cause an uneven burn and that dreaded tunnelling we just talked about - your flame will dance and tunnel unevenly. Save the dancing for yourself.
• Keep it Clean: Don't forget to remove any wick trimmings or other debris from the wax pool to ensure a pure burn.
• The Snuffer is Your Friend: Avoid blowing out the flame, as this can create a puff of smoke that will ruin the glorious scent. Use a candle snuffer or gently extinguish the flame by dipping the wick into the melted wax and lift it out again. This stops smoke, saves your scent, and makes you look like a candle pro for a clean, smoke-free finish.
• Reuse your jars: Once your candle’s done, clean out the jar and repurpose it as a chic holder for cotton pads, pens, plant pot or save it for a snow wax refil if it’s a large jar

Taking care of your candle is a small effort that pays off in a big way, giving you more hours of beautiful scent and a cleaner, healthier burn. It's the difference between a clean, long-lasting burn and a smoky mess. Your home deserves to smell incredible without the drama.

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