As the autumn and winter months roll in, our home truly comes alive with the soft glow of candlelight. There’s just something magical about that warm, flickering flame on a chilly evening.
Scented candles, in particular, are our favourite go-to for creating that perfect cosy atmosphere in an instant - filling the room with soothing fragrances and setting the mood for relaxation or gatherings with loved ones.
But before you strike that match and light your favourite candle, a little bit of care can make all the difference. With the right know-how, you can enjoy your candles for longer, keep their fragrance fresh, and ensure they burn cleanly and safely.
So, whether you’re curling up with a good book or hosting a cosy evening with friends, here are 5 tips to help keep your candles smelling wonderful, lasting longer, and in tip-top condition throughout the season!
1. Trim the wick to 5mm before lighting your scented candle each time.
If the wick is too long, it creates a larger, stronger flame that burns through your wax much faster than it should. Not only does this shorten your candle's lifespan, but it can also cause the wax to burn unevenly or leave black soot around the edges.
Keeping the wick trimmed will help your candle burn more slowly, evenly, and cleanly, enabling you enjoy its warm glow for much longer.
2. For the best burn, light your scented candle for 2 to 4 hours at a time.
or until a full layer of melted wax forms across the entire surface of the jar. This step is especially important during the very first burn, to preventing tunnelling.
Tunnelling is when the wax just burns in the middle, close to the wick.
Instead of evenly melting across the wax's surface, it will appear as if the flame is carving out a vertical tunnel in the centre of the candle, wasting wax and making it harder for the candle to stay lit.
3. To ensure your scented candles burn evenly, keep them away from draughts.
A breeze can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly. For the best results, choose a sheltered spot for your candles. A cosy reading corner or mantle away from the window is perfect.4. Replace the lid.
When your candle isn't in use, make it a habit to replace the lid to keep dust and debris away from the surface. Dust can settle on the wax, which not only affects the appearance of your candle but can also impact how it burns.5. Once the wax reaches 10mm, it's time to light a new scented candle.
It’s important to avoid relighting your candle when the wax level is less than 10mm. When the wax gets too low, it can become difficult for the wick to maintain a proper flame.
Additionally, a low wax level increases the risk of the wick getting too close to the bottom of the container, which could potentially cause the glass to overheat or crack.
We hope you find these tips helpful in getting the most out of your candles.
And if you're looking for your new favourite scent, be sure to check out our complete collection of soy wax scented candles.
Happy burning!
