Hey there, candle lovers! đŻď¸ If you're like me, nothing beats the cozy glow and relaxing vibe of a beautiful, natural wax candle. Whether you're winding down after a long day or setting the mood for a chill night in, candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax are the real deal when it comes to clean, eco-friendly vibes. But did you know that caring for your candles properly makes them last longer and burn better?
Yep, thatâs right! A little candle TLC goes a long way. So, letâs dive into the top 8 things you need to know about candle care (and maybe squeeze a little extra magic out of your favorite candles)! đ
1. Trim That Wick!
Okay, letâs kick things off with the golden rule of candle care: Trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before every burn. Why? A trimmed wick means less soot, no gnarly mushroom-shaped wick ends, and a smoother burn. Plus, it helps your candle burn more evenly, which is a total win-win. Got some scissors or a wick trimmer? Snip snip!
2. Give Your Candle Some "Me Time" on the First Burn
The first time you light your candle, make it count! Let it burn long enough to melt the wax all the way across the surface (we call this a "full melt pool"). Why is this so important? It helps prevent dreaded tunnelingâthat super annoying situation where your candle burns straight down the middle and leaves a wall of wasted wax on the sides. Ugh, no thanks. Aim for about 1 hour of burn time per inch of diameter on that first go.
3. Donât Burn for Too Long (Yes, Thereâs a Limit!)
Love a good long burn session? I get it, but try not to let your candle burn for more than 3-4 hours at a time. If you overdo it, your wick can get wonky, the wax can overheat, and your candle wonât last as long. So, light it, enjoy it, and then let it cool off before relighting.
4. Keep Candles Out of the Draft Zone
Candles love a nice, cozy spot to do their thingâfar away from drafts. Keep them away from windows, fans, or air vents, because even a light breeze can make your flame flicker and cause uneven burning (and letâs be honest, we all want our candles to burn perfectly).
5. Store Your Candles Like the Treasures They Are
Natural wax candles are a bit sensitive to heat and sunlight. So, when your candle isnât on duty, store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight. Sun and heat can cause the wax to soften or even melt, and we definitely donât want that. Treat them like the treasures they are, and theyâll stay fresh and fabulous!
6. Say No to Blowing Out Candles (Snuff âEm Instead!)
When itâs time to say goodnight to your candle, resist the urge to blow it out! Blowing can cause wax splatter and that not-so-nice smoke smell. Instead, grab a candle snuffer (or, if youâre fancy, a cute metal spoon will work too). This way, you avoid the smoke, keep your wick healthy, and your candle will be ready for its next burn without a mess.
7. Recenter That Wick
After youâve snuffed your candle and the wax is still warm, take a second to gently recenter the wick if it has shifted. This is a super simple trick that keeps your candle burning evenly and stops that dreaded tunneling from happening later.
8. Know When to Call It Quits
Hereâs a pro tip: when your candle has about 1/2 inch of wax left at the bottom, itâs time to say goodbye. Burning it down too low can cause the jar to overheat, and we definitely donât want cracked glass or a fire hazard! Instead, clean out that last bit of wax and reuse the jar (hello, cute storage container or plant pot!).
Why Natural Wax Candles Are Worth It
Now, I know natural wax candles (like soy, beeswax, or coconut) can sometimes have a slightly higher price tag, but let me tell youâthey are so worth it. Hereâs why:
- Cleaner burn: They donât fill your space with toxic chemicals, unlike paraffin-based candles.
- Longer lasting: Natural waxes burn slower, so youâre getting more bang for your buck.
- Eco-friendly vibes: Most are biodegradable, sustainably sourced, and a lot better for the planet (and for you!).
A high-quality candle is like the gift that keeps on giving: minimal soot, amazing scent throw, and a long, steady burn. Look for candles with cotton or wood wicks, smooth wax surfaces, and balanced (not overwhelming) scents to make sure youâre getting the best of the best.
Candles are more than just pretty decorationsâthey bring warmth, relaxation, and joy into our homes. And with these simple tips, you can keep your natural wax candles burning brighter, longer, and cleaner.
So, go ahead, light up your next candle, and enjoy that cozy, flickering glow, knowing that youâre taking the best care of it. Happy burning! đĽâ¨