Secret to Properly Burning a Candle

 

Burning a candle may seem like a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you do it correctly and safely as well as a secret to ensure you get the most out of your candle.

A few tips to get you started include:

1. Trim the wick:

Before lighting the candle, always make sure to trim the wick to ¼ inch. This will help allow you to have the perfect sized flame since a long wick can cause the flame to become too large, which can be dangerous.

2. Use a stable surface:

Place the candle on a stable and heat-resistant surface to prevent the candle from tipping over or getting a surface too hot. Avoid placing the candle near flammable objects or in drafty areas.

3. Burn within sight:

Always keep a burning candle within sight and never leave it unattended.  This will allow you to extinguish a flame quickly to avoid a larger fire

4. Avoid touching the wax:

Hot wax can cause painful burns, so avoid touching the wax or moving the candle while it is lit.  Hot wax is very fluid so can easily spill over the edge if moved.

5. Burn for limited time:

Avoid burning a candle for more than 4 hours at a time, as this can cause the wick to become too long and the candle to become unstable.

6. Extinguish properly:

When you're ready to extinguish the candle, use a snuffer or gently blow the flame out. Avoid using water, as this can cause the hot wax to splatter outside of the candle.

Wanna know a secret??

The secret to making sure you get the most out of your candle is to make sure the first time you burn your candle to do a memory burn to avoid candle memory. “Candle memory," refers to the tendency of candles to "remember" the way they were burned in the past.

Candle memory occurs when a candle is burned for a short period of time, causing only a small pool of wax to melt and solidify. When the candle is burned again in the future, it will tend to only melt wax to the point of the previous burn pool, resulting in a smaller and deeper burn pool. This can affect the way the candle burns and its overall appearance as well has how fragrant it is.

To prevent candle memory, it is recommended to do a memory burn the first time you burn a new candle.  You can achieve this by burning the candle for a longer period of time, allowing the entire surface to melt evenly and prevent tunneling. This will help ensure a consistent burn and a better performance of the candle.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the ambiance and fragrance of your candle safely and correctly.

Hi There!
I’m Jolene Oak

Wife, mom of two amazing children, DIY aficionado and lover of all things home and garden. Follow along as I blend my passion for DIY projects with creating cozy spaces indoors and out. Join me on a journey to cultivate wellness and harmony in every aspect of life, from the garden to the heart of the home.

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