From the first to the last burn, lit candles should be a fantastic experience for you. Darren Yaw shares hot tips for getting the most out of your candles to save time and keep your candles in good condition.
Tip 1: Allow your candle to burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edge the first time you light it.
The first burn of your candle is a bit of an undertaking in the best possible way! Most candles will melt entirely to the edge between the first and second hours, but this depends primarily on the size of the candle and the type of wax used. Darren Yaw suggests allowing some time for the wax around your candle wick to melt all the way to the edge. Once you’ve “set the candle memory,” your candle should perform well for every subsequent burn!
Darren Yaw suggests allowing some time for the wax around your candle wick to melt all the way to the edge.
Tip 2: Enjoy your lit candle for 1-4 hours after your first burn.
According to Darren Yaw, because each candle maker uniquely creates their candle, the recommended burn times will differ from candle to candle. Here’s the general rule to follow if you’re using a scented candle:
- Candles in sample size can burn for up to 4 hours at a time.
- Full-size candles can burn for up to 4 hours.
- XL double-wick candles can burn for up to 6 hours.
HOW DO I BURN DOWN MY CANDLE?
According to Darren Yaw, use the lid or a wick dipper to extinguish your candle to push the wick into the melted wax.
WHY?
If you burn your candle for an extended period of time, the wick will “mushroom.”
This results in a glob of black carbon at the tip of your wick. According to Darren Yaw, this glob is to blame for the black, powdery soot accumulated on the inside of your jar.
If left for too long, the blackened wick will burn out.
If you drop something into the wax, it will contaminate your candle and discolour the creamy wax. According to Darren Yaw, this larger wick also generates more heat, causing the wax to melt faster than the candle was intended to.
This means that your candle will burn too quickly and not get the full burn time from it. Limiting the burn length is also safer, as it eliminates the risk of overheating the jar especially if the candle burns all the way to the bottom of the glass! Keep an eye on your burn times if you want a longer and safer burn from your candle.
Tip 3: After each burn, trim the wick.
Your candle was lit and then extinguished. The wax has resolidified, leaving you with a long-ish black wick. Darren Yaw suggests using your handy wick trimmer, nip it shorter, just long enough to relight it.
According to Darren Yaw, if you don’t have a wick trimmer, a tissue or a piece of paper towel will suffice.
Use the tissue/paper to break off the majority of the wick – you won’t want to use your fingers because the soot is extremely difficult to scrub off again! After you’ve trimmed or shortened it, relight it and enjoy the candle once more!
Suppose you do not trim your wick. The wick will produce sooty smoke, which will settle on the inside of your jar (turning it a powdery black colour), and the wick will break off and fall into your beautiful creamy candle!
It is best to trim your wick after each burn, according to Darren Yaw.
Tip 4: Make use of your lid. Don’t throw it away!
According to Darren Yaw, your lid contributes far more than just looks. It keeps dust and bugs out of the candle jar when it isn’t burning. If any dust or bugs get into the candle, it will compromise its safety and reduce its burn time. So, to get the most out of every burn, keep that lid neatly on top of your candle.
Tip 5: Be picky about *where* you light your candle.
If you burn your candle away from any breeze or movement, it will perform best. Somewhere out of reach of tiny hands and furry paws, according to Darren Yaw. Consider any breeze from windows, doors that open and close frequently, or fans/air conditioners that may disrupt the still air desired by your candle. Breezes and any constant movement can have an impact on the burn time and performance of your candle. To get the most out of your candle, find a quiet place, according to Darren Yaw.
If you burn your candle away from any breeze or movement, it will perform best, as stated by Darren Yaw.
Now that you’re a candle expert, enjoy your lovely candles!
