Illuminate Your Home with Candle Care: Tips for a Cozier Glow
Candles: More Than Inanimate Décor
When we think of candles, they appear as decorative items, much like lamps or bookends. However, candles are more akin to houseplants. They possess an air of mystery, constantly evolving, and require regular tender loving care (TLC) to live their best life. In this blog post, we'll share some essential candle maintenance tips that will help all types of candles burn better, glow brighter, and create a cozy ambiance in your home.
Get Your Light Right
The initial burn of a new candle is crucial. Allow the wax to melt until it reaches the edges of the vessel. This process might take a few hours, so choose an unscheduled evening for this ritual. Doing so ensures the wax melts evenly, avoiding the formation of a tunnel in the center, which can shorten the candle's lifespan. We recommend using a rechargeable USB lighter for a more eco-friendly and convenient approach. It eliminates the need for matches, lighter refills, butane, or disposable plastic, and there's no open flame involved.
Trim Your Wicks
Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about 1/4–1/2 inch using scissors, nail clippers, or specially designed-wick trimmers. This practice reduces the amount of sooty residue in the air and along the candle's rim, resulting in a cleaner and purer light.
Stay Up to Snuff
Candle snuffers aren't just for period dramas; they serve a practical purpose. Instead of blowing out a candle, use a snuffer to avoid breaking off pieces of the wick that might fall into the wax. This technique also prevents hot wax from splattering onto furniture or back in your direction. It adds a touch of elegance and turns burning a candle into something gratifying.
Candle Safety
Fire-related safety is essential when setting the mood with candles. Place your candle on a stable, uncluttered, heat-resistant surface that's out of reach from children or pets. Ensure it is 12 inches away from flammable materials like curtains, clothing, or carpets. Avoid loose hair or sleeves that might interfere with the flame when lighting the wick. Never leave a burning candle unattended or in a place where you might fall asleep. Extended burn times and unmonitored open flames increase the risk of fire incidents. If you light multiple candles, keep each vessel at least three inches apart. Additionally, check the bottom of your candle for specific instructions on when to discontinue use.
How to Care for Candles
When candles are not being used, they should be protected from dust and debris. A cloche, often mistaken for a mere decorative glass dome, preserves the wax's pristine condition. It prevents scented candles from losing their fragrance layers or evaporating and ensures that particles near the flame don't become dangerously hot.
Repurpose Your Vessels
Candle jars often boast their own beauty, making them perfect for repurposing. Once a candle has burned down, leaving about ½ inch of wax, it's easy to transform the jar. Start by cleaning the candle jar:
Heat a kettle of water and pour it into the vessel. The wax will float to the top.
Let it sit overnight until cool, then remove the wax pieces and any leftover wick from the bottom.
Wipe the jar with a damp cloth, and you can repurpose it into a planter, makeup brush holder, pencil cup, or even a piggy bank.
Illuminate Your Home with Candle Care
Following these candle care tips can enhance your home's ambiance, create a cozy atmosphere, and make the most of your candles. From getting the perfect burn to ensuring safety and giving your vessels a new purpose, these practices will allow your candles to shine brightly and enchant your living space.