Taking care of your candles properly can extend their lifespan and ensure you get the most out of them. Here are some tips for candle care:
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Trim the Wick: Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about ¼ inch (0.6 cm). This helps prevent excessive flickering, smoking, and ensures a clean, even burn.
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First Burn: When lighting a new candle for the first time, allow it to burn until the entire surface becomes liquid. This helps prevent tunneling (when the candle burns straight down the center, leaving wax on the sides).
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Burn Time: Avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Excessive burning can cause the wick to become too long and can lead to uneven burning or smoking.
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Keep Away from Drafts: Drafts can cause uneven burning and can lead to sooting. Place your candles away from open windows, fans, or vents.
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Place on a Heat-Resistant Surface: Always place your candles on a heat-resistant surface to prevent damage to your furniture or accidents.
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Keep the Wax Pool Clean: Remove any debris (like matches or wick trimmings) from the wax pool to prevent the wick from becoming submerged or causing the flame to become too large.
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Use a Snuffer: Rather than blowing out your candle, which can cause wax to splatter and the wick to drift off-center, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.
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Storage: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause candles to fade or change color.
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Avoid Moving While Lit: Try not to move your candle while it's lit or the wax is still liquid. Moving a lit candle can cause the wax to spill and potentially cause a fire hazard.
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Refrain from Burning to the Bottom: Stop burning your candle when about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of wax remains at the bottom. Burning a candle all the way down can cause the container to overheat and potentially crack.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your candles burn cleanly, evenly, and safely, allowing you to enjoy their ambiance and fragrance to the fullest.