How to Burn Your Handmade Candles Like a Pro
There's nothing quite like the warm glow and comforting scent of a handmade candle from Seeds & Saplings filling your space. To ensure you get the most enjoyment (and the longest burn time!) out of your new favourite, it's all about a little bit of know-how. Let's dive into the secrets of proper candle burning.
The Crucial First Burn (and Beyond!)
You might have seen us mention the importance of the first burn, and for good reason! Think of it as setting the stage for your candle's entire lifespan. When you light your candle for the very first time, aim to let it burn for at least four hours, or until the entire top layer of wax has melted and formed a complete pool that reaches all the way to the edge of the container.
Why is this so important? Well, failing to achieve a full melt pool on the first burn can lead to a dreaded phenomenon called tunnelling. Imagine digging a tunnel straight down the centre of your candle, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edges. This happens because wax has a "memory." It will tend to only melt as far as it did on its previous burn. So, if you extinguish the flame before the entire surface has melted, you're essentially training your candle to only burn in that small central area.
The Importance of a Well-Trimmed Wick
Have you ever noticed a mushroom-like formation at the end of your candle wick? That's carbon buildup, and it's a sign your wick needs a trim! Before each and every burn, make it a habit to trim your wick to about 1/4 inch (approximately 5mm).
Why bother? A long or mushroomed wick can lead to several problems:
- Excessive Smoke: An untrimmed wick often produces black soot that can stain your container and even the surrounding air.
- Large and Unsteady Flame: A large flame consumes wax too quickly, shortening the life of your candle and potentially creating a safety hazard. It can also flicker excessively, which isn't ideal for a relaxing ambiance.
- Poor Hot Throw: We'll get to this aromatic magic in a moment, but a long wick can hinder the release of your candle's lovely scent.
A clean, short wick ensures a steady, controlled flame and a much cleaner burn. You can use special wick trimmers, nail clippers, or even scissors to do the job. Just make sure the candle is completely cool before you trim.
Unlocking the Magic of Hot Throw
Ever walked into a room and been instantly enveloped by the delightful fragrance of a burning candle? That's the power of hot throw – the scent released by the candle when it's burning. A good hot throw means your candle effectively fills your space with its intended aroma.
Here's how proper burning techniques contribute to a fantastic hot throw:
- Full Melt Pool: As mentioned earlier, allowing the wax to fully melt releases the fragrance oils effectively. If only a small area is melting, the scent throw will be much weaker.
- Proper Wick Length: A wick that's the right height allows for optimal heat, which in turn helps to vaporize the fragrance oils and disperse them into the air. A wick that's too long can actually burn off the fragrance oils too quickly without a good throw.
- Quality Ingredients (The Seeds & Saplings Difference!): Of course, the quality of the fragrance oils we use in our handmade candles plays a huge role in the strength and complexity of the scent throw. We carefully select our ingredients to ensure a beautiful aroma experience.
Caring for Your Candle When It's Not Lit
Even when your candle isn't burning, a little care can go a long way:
- Storage: Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This helps to preserve the fragrance oils and prevent the wax from softening or discolouring.
- Keep it Clean: Dust can settle on the surface of your candle. Gently wipe the top with a soft, dry cloth before burning to prevent any debris from interfering with the melt pool or the scent. Or, replace the lid on the candle jar once extinguished and cooled. This is why we supply our candles with lids, as it keep the surface clean and keeps the fragrance strong - in our opinion.
By following these simple tips, you'll not only extend the life of your beloved Seeds & Saplings candles but also enhance their beautiful fragrance and create the perfect cosy atmosphere in your home. Happy burning!