Candles have been used for centuries to add warmth, ambiance, and scent to homes and other spaces. They come in different shapes, sizes, and scents, and are made of various materials such as soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax. We, at City Candle Company, exclusively make soy wax candles for a multitude of reasons. However, the beauty and functionality of all candles can be diminished if they are not cared for properly.
Why is Candle Care Important?
Candles can be potentially dangerous if not used and cared for properly. Untrimmed wicks can lead to large flames, excessive smoking, and uneven burning, which can cause the candle to overheat and potentially cause a fire. In addition, unmelted wax can accumulate around the wick, reducing the candle's burn time and causing the wick to drown. Proper candle care not only ensures the safety of your home and loved ones but also extends the life of your candles.
Candle Care Tips
Trim your wick - The most important part of candle care is trimming the wick before each burn. The wick should be trimmed to about ¼ inch before lighting the candle. This length helps to control the size of the flame and prevent it from smoking or flickering. Trimming your wicks will improve burn time, enhance scent throw, and ensure a safer burn. Pro tip - if you don't have a wick trimmer or pair of scissors handy, use your fingers to pinch excess wick off before burning.
Burn the candle for the recommended time - Each candle comes with instructions on how long it should be burned for optimal performance. Burning a candle for too long can cause the wax to overheat and the wick to drown. Burning a candle for too little time can cause tunneling, which is when wax is left on the sides of the candle jar and the wick is too small to reach the edges. We recommend burning City Candles for a minimum of 2 hours at a time but for no more than 4 hours at a time.
Keep the candle away from drafts - Drafts can cause the flame to flicker and smoke, which can lead to uneven burning and sooting. Keep candles away from open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents.
Use a candle snuffer - Blowing out a candle can cause the wick to move and smoke, which can cause the candle to burn unevenly. Using a candle snuffer helps to extinguish the flame gently and prevents the wick from moving.
To sum it all up, candles are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require proper care to ensure their safety and longevity. Trimming the wick is a simple yet crucial step in candle care that can help to extend the life of your candles and make them safer to burn. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your candles to their fullest potential. Enjoy all our City Candles good company.
