To ensure you get the most out of your candles, proper care is essential. Not only does this prolong their life, but it also ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. Here’s our guide to candle care:
- TRIM YOUR WICK
Trim wick to 1/4 of an inch before each burn to promote an even burn, steady flame and limits sooting. This is important to prevent the candles from smoking or from burning the sides of the container. We recommend trimming the wick every four hours of burn time. When wick-trimming, extinguish the flame and let the candle come to room temperature.
- ENSURE YOUR CANDLES BURN EVENLY
When you light a candle for the first time, let it burn until the entire surface melts. This would prevent tunneling and will create an even burn for the duration of the candle's life. This may take 1-2 hours so try not to light a new candle unless you have a little time to spare.
- LET IT BURN FOR 3-4 HOURS AT A TIME
Candles are made to be burned 3-4 hours at a time. If you burn it too short, your candle may tunnel, or it may not smell very fragrant. Fragrance is emitted via evaporation from the pool of hot wax. The larger the hot wax pool, the more it can emit. However, if you burn it too long, the heat can damage some of the fragrance oils and can also cause the candle to put off soot.
- MAXIMIZE THE SCENT THROW
To enjoy the full aromatic experience, burn your candle in an ideal-sized room. Smaller rooms might be better for smaller candles, while larger spaces can accommodate larger candles or multiple smaller ones.
- KEEP IT CLEAN
Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings and debris at all times. Use a dry towel to wipe away soot, fingerprints, etc. Don't use a wet towel as the water may disrupt the candle's burn.
- BURN IT SAFELY
Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers, or the flame becomes too high. These signs indicate that the candle is not burning properly and the flame isn't controlled. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before re-lighting.
Also, make sure that your candle is on a steady, heat-resistant surface to prevent damage to your furniture. Keep your candle away from flammable objects and away from any kids or pets who might knock it over.
- STORE IT IN A COOL, DARK PLACE
Candles expire over time. It can lose the fragrance, become discolored, or grow stale. Temperature fluctuations and light can speed up the aging process which is why we recommend finding a cool, dark place to store your candles. If possible, try to light your candles within 12 to 16 months after purchase.
- KNOW WHEN TO SAY GOODBYE
Never let your candle burn all the way down as this can damage the container, leading to cracking or spilling of wax. Always leave at least ½ inch of non-molten wax at the bottom.
- REUSING AND RECYCLING
Once your candle has burned completely, consider reusing the container. After cleaning it, it can serve as a plant pot, a holder for pens, or a small storage container for various items. At lily + ellis, we believe in sustainability and encourage creative repurposing of our candle containers.