Proper care for scented candles not only prolongs their lifespan but also ensures the best, safest aroma experience every time you light them. Below are some detailed scented candle care guides, covering
everything from first use to daily storage.
Four Core Care Steps: Trimming, Memorizing, Burning Time, and Extinguishing
1. Trim the Wick (Before Each Light)
· Why?
· Control the Flame Size: An overly long wick will produce an excessively high flame, causing the candle to burn too quickly, producing black smoke and potentially blackening the glass container.· Avoid Smoke: A trimmed wick ensures a clean burn, reducing harmful particles and smoke.
· How?
· Allow the candle to cool completely and solidify.
· Use specialized wick cutters (with a special angle that allows for easy insertion into the container) to trim the wick to a length of 5-8 mm.
· After trimming, clean up any trimmings to prevent them from burning in the wax pool.
2. Create a smooth "wax pool" (with each light)
· Why?
· Prevent "tunneling": During the first burn, ensure the top layer of wax melts completely, forming a pool with smooth edges. If the candle is not burned long enough, a deep hole will form in the center,
preventing the surrounding wax from melting, resulting in waste.
· Maximize fragrance diffusion: A smooth pool of wax provides the largest surface area, releasing the most intense aroma.
· How?
· The first burn is crucial! Ensure a long enough burn (usually 1-2 hours, depending on the candle diameter) to allow the entire surface layer to melt into liquid form.
· A simple rule of thumb is: for every 2.5 cm of candle diameter, burn for 1 hour. For example, a 7 cm diameter candle should require at least 2.5-3 hours for its first burn.
3. Control the burn time (with each light)
· Why?
· Safety first: Excessive burn times may cause the container to overheat, posing a safety hazard. Maintain wax stability: Prolonged burning can overheat the wax, affecting the stability of the fragrance oil and
even causing the fragrance to fade.
How?
It is recommended that a single burn time should not exceed four hours.
If you wish to enjoy the fragrance for a longer period, light different candles in stages.
4. Extinguish candles properly (after each use)
Why?
Blowing out candles with your mouth produces a lot of black smoke and a pungent odor, ruining the carefully created fragrance atmosphere.
How?
Using a candle cap or candle extinguisher (candle cover) to isolate the candle from oxygen is the most elegant and effective method.
If you don't have specialized tools, you can use a candle extinguisher hook to dip the wick into the wax and then straighten it, but this method is less aesthetically pleasing.
Never blow with your mouth!
Advanced Care and Troubleshooting
1. Correcting the Candle Wick Position
· If the wick drifts from center after burning, use a candle snuffer or a thin stick to gently return it to the center position before the wax has completely solidified. This will ensure an even burn next time.
2. Cleaning the Container
· Regularly wipe the outside of the candle container and the lid with a soft, damp cloth to maintain its appearance. If the glass interior becomes blackened, wipe it with an alcohol pad after the candle is used
and cleaned.
3. Storage and Storage
· Avoid direct sunlight: Ultraviolet rays can fade the candle's color and potentially deteriorate the essential oils.
· Store in a cool, dry place: High temperatures can cause the candle to soften and warp.
· Store in a sealed container: Keep the lid closed when not in use or store in a sealed bag to prevent the scent from evaporating and preventing ash from collecting.
Common Problems and Solutions
· Problem 1: "Tunneling" (Candle cannot burn through the edges)
· Solution: Use the "tinfoil wrapping method." After lighting a candle, wrap the container with tin foil, leaving a small hole at the top to reflect heat back into the wax pool and help melt any solidified wax around
the edges. This will fix the problem after about an hour.
Problem 2: The wick is too short and won't light.
Solution: Before the next burn, gently pour off any excess wax to expose more of the wick. A preventative measure is to avoid dipping the candle in the water each time you extinguish it.
Problem 3: How do I clean the container after the candle has burned out?
Solution: Pour hot water into the empty container to melt any remaining wax and allow it to float to the surface. Once it cools, the wax can be easily removed. Then, rinse the container with warm, soapy water
for a clean storage container.
Safety Tips (Most Important Care)
1. Always supervise: Never sleep or leave the room with a lit candle.
2. Keep away from flammable objects: Store away from curtains, bedsheets, paper, and other items. 3. Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Avoid drafts to prevent uneven flame fluctuations.
4. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
By following these care steps, your scented candle will become not only a beautiful ambiance enhancer but also a treasured piece of art, offering lasting, pure pleasure.