Candles are used by households throughout the United States. In fact, statistics from 2013 posted on the National Candle Association’s website estimate the sale of candle products to be $3.14 billion annually. Some safety precautions and other tips you can implement will help you get the most out of your candles.
To help you ensure your candles burn boldly and brightly and bring you the peace and relaxation you deserve, here are six essential candle tips to always remember.
1. Watch Out for Drafts
Placing your candle next to a drafty area can be a recipe for disaster. Flickering flames cause the candle to burn unevenly, resulting in excessive smoking and disproportionate wax distribution that can make future burnings difficult.
To minimize the chances of flickering, place the candle away from open windows, heating vents, and cooling vents. Additionally, if drafts are unavoidable, you can always purchase a lantern to burn the candle in. These handy fixtures provide ample protection and ensure your candle burns evenly throughout its lifespan.
2. Trim Your Wicks
Whether you are burning your candle for the first time or the twentieth time, always make sure to trim your wick anywhere from ⅛ to ¼ of an inch before you light it. If you let the wick get too tall, it can leave burn marks on the side of the glass. If an open flame constantly touches the glass, the glass could crack.
To ensure your wicks remain the appropriate size, consider investing in a wick trimmer. These devices also come in handy for candles in narrow enclosures. If you are in a pinch and unable to find a wick trimmer, you can always use scissors. Just make sure to use caution when handling and storing them.
3. Chill or Cool Your Candles
Did you know that cooling your candle allows it to burn more gradually? To do this, just wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Wrapping is necessary to prevent the wick from absorbing moisture, which could render it unusable.
The candle should only need about an hour in the fridge before it is cold enough to light.
4. Burn Candles to the Edge of the Wax
Most people extinguish their candles whenever they feel like it. This big mistake could cause the candle to burn unevenly and waste a lot of precious wax.
You should wait until the wax melts to the edge of the candle before extinguishing the flame. Blowing the candle out too early can leave a “tunnel” around the wick that makes it difficult to light.
5. Extinguish Candles Correctly
Many people experience problems with their candles because they are not extinguishing the flames correctly. There are three recommended ways to extinguish candles: blowing them out, using a candle snuffer, or using a wick dipper.
If you opt to blow your candles out, make sure you place a finger in front of the flame before blowing so that the force of your breath doesn’t cause the wax to splatter.
When it comes to using a candle snuffer, all you have to do is place the bell over the flame until it is extinguished. This will minimize the amount of smoke that escapes and won’t splatter wax all over the place.
If you opt to use a wick dipper, you simply push the wick down into the pool of melted wax to extinguish it. Once extinguished, you raise the wick back up so that it is ready for the next burn.
6. Proper Ventilation Is Essential
Always make sure you burn your candles in an area with proper ventilation. Failure to do so could result in a fire.
In the unfortunate event of a fire, you should contact a professional commercial cleaning service to help with the cleanup. They will be able to assess the damage, process any necessary removals, and can help you understand how to prevent such damage in the future.
Time to Light a Candle and Relax
Now that you know how to properly care for your candles, you’re ready to prevent any fire damage and adverse effects that can occur when candles are not managed properly. Now all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the scent.
