Lit candle on wooden ledge with foliage.

Proper Candle Maintenance for a Clean and Even Burn

Candles have been a source of light and ambiance for centuries. Whether you use them for relaxation, decoration, or special occasions, there's something captivating about the soft glow of a burning candle. However, to ensure that your candles burn cleanly and evenly, proper maintenance is essential. In this blog, we'll explore the steps and tips for maintaining your candles, which will not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but also prolong their life.

Trim the Wick

Trimming the wick of your candle is one of the most crucial steps in candle maintenance. A long, untrimmed wick can lead to uneven burning, excess smoke, and soot buildup. To avoid these issues, keep the wick trimmed to around 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) before each burn. You can use a wick trimmer or scissors to do this. Trimming the wick not only ensures a cleaner burn but also prevents the wick from curling and drowning in the wax.

Burn Time and Pool Size

To achieve a clean and even burn, it's important to allow the candle's wax pool to reach the edges of the container. This means you should burn your candle long enough for the entire top layer of wax to become liquid. The general rule of thumb is to burn the candle for one hour for every inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. For example, if you have a 3-inch diameter candle, you should burn it for at least three hours to create an even wax pool.

Avoid Drafts

Candles are sensitive to drafts, as they can cause uneven burning, flickering, and excessive smoking. To maintain a clean and even burn, place your candle away from windows, doors, fans, or vents that might create drafts. A stable, wind-free environment will help your candle burn more consistently and prevent wax from dripping down the sides.

Extinguish Properly

Blowing out a candle may seem like the easiest way to extinguish it, but it can disrupt the wax pool and create soot. Instead, use a candle snuffer or a candle lid to extinguish the flame gently. This method minimizes smoke and maintains the candle's overall integrity for future burns.

Center the Wick

During the cooling process, make sure that the wick remains centered in the candle. If the wick drifts to the side and touches the container's edge, it can cause uneven burning. You can gently adjust the wick's position while the wax is still soft after extinguishing the candle.

Store Candles Properly

Proper storage of your candles is essential to maintain their quality. Keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If candles are exposed to heat, they may warp or develop a cloudy appearance, which can affect the quality of the burn.

Keep the Wax Clean

If you notice any debris or burnt wick fragments in the wax pool, carefully remove them with a wick dipper or a paper towel. Keeping the wax pool clean will prevent any potential obstructions to the flame and ensure a clean burn.

Proper candle maintenance is the key to ensuring a clean and even burn, allowing you to enjoy the full potential of your favorite candles. By following these steps and tips, you can extend the life of your candles and enhance the ambiance they create in your home. Remember to trim the wick, maintain the wax pool, avoid drafts, extinguish candles gently, center the wick, store them properly, and keep the wax clean. With these practices in mind, you can savor the calming, warm glow of your candles for many hours to come.

Back to blog

Leave a comment