Candles are a popular way to add ambiance and fragrance to any space, but it's important to follow some basic guidelines for proper candle care to ensure safety and the best possible burn. Here are the do's and don'ts of looking after a candle wick:
DO trim the wick to 0.5cm before lighting
It's important to trim the wick to the proper length before lighting your candle to ensure a safe and even burn. A wick that is too long can cause the candle to burn too hot, which can lead to a dangerous situation such as a fire. On the other hand, a wick that is too short will not burn the candle properly and will result in a poorly performing candle. To trim the wick, simply use a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick to about 0.5cm in length before lighting the candle.
DO keep the wax pool clear of debris
As the candle burns, it will create a pool of molten wax around the wick. It's important to keep this wax pool clear of any debris such as wick trimmings or matches to ensure a clean and even burn. If debris accumulates in the wax pool, it can disrupt the burn and cause the candle to burn poorly. To keep the wax pool clear, simply use a wick dipper or a spoon to remove any debris before lighting the candle.
DO use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame
Blowing out a candle can cause the hot wax to splatter and can also introduce oxygen to the flame, potentially causing the candle to flare up. To properly extinguish a candle, it's best to use a candle snuffer to gently press down on the flame and extinguish it. This will prevent hot wax from splattering and will also prevent the introduction of oxygen to the flame, making it safer to extinguish the candle.
DO use only cotton wicks
Cotton wicks are the preferred choice for candles because they are clean burning and produce minimal smoke. Other types of wicks such as wood or paper can produce more smoke and can also produce an uneven burn. To ensure a clean and even burn, it's best to use only cotton wicks in your candles.
DO keep the wax pool clear of debris
As the candle burns, it will create a pool of molten wax around the wick. It's important to keep this wax pool clear of any debris such as wick trimmings or matches to ensure a clean and even burn. If debris accumulates in the wax pool, it can disrupt the burn and cause the candle to burn poorly. To keep the wax pool clear, simply use a wick dipper or a spoon to remove any debris before lighting the candle.
DON'T burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time
It's important to limit the burn time of your candle to prevent it from overheating and becoming a fire hazard. A general rule of thumb is to burn a candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. This will give you enough time to enjoy the candle's fragrance and ambiance, while also ensuring that it doesn't burn too hot and become a hazard.
DON'T leave a burning candle unattended
Candles should never be left burning unattended. It's important to always keep an eye on a burning candle and to extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed. This will prevent the candle from becoming a fire hazard and will also prevent it from burning down too quickly.
DON'T place a candle in a drafty area
Placing a candle in a drafty area can cause the flame to flicker and can also cause the candle to burn unevenly. To get the best burn from your candle, it's important to place it in a stable and draft-free location. This will ensure that the candle burns evenly and that the flame stays steady.
DON'T use a damaged or cracked candle
If a candle has become damaged or cracked, it's important to stop using it immediately. A damaged candle can be a fire hazard and can also burn poorly. It's always best to discard it to be on the safe side.
DON'T place a candle near flammable materials
It's important to keep your candles away from flammable materials such as curtains, paper, or towels. If a candle is placed too close to these types of materials, it can become a fire hazard. It's always best to place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface to ensure safety.
Following these do's and don'ts of looking after a candle wick will help ensure the safety and proper burn of your candles. Whether you're using fragranced candles or plain ones, it's important to follow proper candle care guidelines to prevent accidents and to get the most out of your candles. Remember to trim the wick to the proper length, keep the wax pool clear of debris, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame, use only cotton wicks, limit the burn time to no more than 4 hours at a time, never leave a burning candle unattended, place the candle in a stable and draft-free location, and avoid using damaged or cracked candles. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the ambiance and fragrance of your candles safely and effectively.
