We often think that buying a candle and lighting it is the whole process of augmenting your home with a candle. But did you know there are certain tips and tricks to get the most from your candle, including extending and maximising their burn times? Get the very best from your Gem Auras and Gemporia at Home candles by following this handy candle care guide - it's everything you could possibly need to know.
Safety First
Before you even light your candle, think about its placement. It should be on a flat, heat-resistant surface or candle tray. Think about any hazards next to or above your candle and move them well out of the way. Please do not place your candle too close to any walls either, and keep them out of draughts. Keep your candles out of reach of children and animals. Some candles come with large decorative elements such as gemstone carvings, so remove these from the candle before igniting. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
The First Burn is the Most Important
When you light your candle for the first time, always allow the wax to burn so that it melts across the entire surface and pools to the edges of the container. This will effectively prevent tunnelling and help promote an even burn for the duration of the candle's life. Aim for a 1cm (0.4in) melt pool. Following this method will help your candle last longer, burn cleaner and smell better. Your first burn should be around one hour per 2.5cm (1in) of candle diameter.
Keep Your Wick Trimmed
Ensure that your wick is always kept to 5mm long. Trim the wick for every three hours of burn time. Avoid burning for more than four hours in one sitting. Extinguish the flame and let the candle cool to room temperature, and allow the candle to cool for at least two hours before relighting. Reposition the wick to keep it centred if needed and to prevent the glass jar from being exposed to excess heat. Remove any wick debris, then trim the wick before relighting. The ideal length for the wick is 6mm (1/4in). Don't allow the wick to 'mushroom', as this could create a fire hazard.
Extinguish with a Snuffer
Try always to use a candle snuffer to extinguish your candles. We have tool kits to help you do this, along with our other candle maintenance tools. Using the snuffer will prevent the wick from moving and the wax from spilling from your candle. This will also assist in maximising your burn times. If you don't have a snuffer, blow the candle out very gently. Before moving the candle, let the wax pool completely cool and solidify. The glass jar can get very hot when the flame is burning and will remain hot for a time after the flame is extinguished.
Between Burns
If your candle comes with a lid, we advise you to replace the lid, once the candle is extinguished and the glass is cool, to protect your candle. Never use the lid while the candle is burning. Store your candle in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. This will help preserve the fragrance oils within the wax.
More Tips
Watch the below video for a complete guide to candle care and getting the most from your candles. All of the points discussed in this blog are shown in the video, should you require more help.
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