Candles are a wonderful way to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your home. Whether you prefer scented or unscented candles, you probably want them to last as long as possible and smell as good as possible. But did you know that there are some simple mistakes that many people make when burning candles that can affect their performance and longevity? Here are five of them and how to avoid them.
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1. Not Trimming the Wick
The wick is the heart of your candle, and it needs some care before you light it. You should always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each use. This will prevent the wick from splitting, smoking, or creating a large flame that can burn your candle too fast and create a mess in the wax. A trimmed wick will also help create a nice pool of melted wax that releases the fragrance of your candle.
2. Not Burning the Candle to the Edge
The first time you burn your candle is very important, because it sets the memory for how the candle will burn in the future. You want to make sure that you let the candle burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edge of the container. This will ensure an even burn and prevent tunneling, which is when the candle only burns down the center and leaves a lot of wasted wax on the sides. Depending on the size of your candle, this may take several hours, so plan accordingly.
3. Burning the Candle for Too Long
While it may be tempting to keep your candle lit all day long, this is not a good idea for several reasons. First, it can make the container too hot, which can damage your surface or even cause a fire hazard. Second, it can cause the wick to mushroom or bend, which can affect the quality of the flame and the fragrance. Third, it can reduce the lifespan of your candle by using up too much wax at once. The ideal burn time for most candles is about four hours per session.
4. Moving or Blowing Out the Candle While It’s Lit
Another common mistake that many people make is moving or blowing out their candles while they are still lit or have just been extinguished. This can cause several problems, such as spilling hot wax, creating smoke, or affecting the shape of the wax pool. If you need to move or extinguish your candle, you should wait until it has cooled down completely. To put out your candle safely, you can use a snuffer or a wick dipper instead of blowing on it.
5. Not Storing Your Candles Properly
If you want your candles to last longer and smell better, you need to store them properly when not in use. You should keep your candles away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity, which can cause them to fade, melt, or lose their scent. You should also keep your candles covered with a lid or wrapped in plastic or foil to protect them from dust and dirt. This will help preserve their quality and appearance until you are ready to use them again.
