We’re all guilty of igniting candles without reading the warning label. Here are 4 reasons you should start this weekend. Warning labels are have instructions that will prolong the life of your candle that will enhance your experience.
- Save Money. The first step to prolonging the life of a candle is to ensure your candle burns long enough the first time you light it. What you’re looking for is an even and full pool of molten wax. To achieve an even burn you have to light the candle for 3-4 hours the first time. The reason for this is wax has a memory that’s imprinted during the first burn. If you’ve ever experienced a candle tunneling it’s likely because you did not let the candle burn long enough during the first burn.
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Maximize the Hot Scent “Throw”. When you purchase a candle and smell it for the first time your expectations are set. No matter how many times you’ve been disappointed with a candle’s performance you continue to buy them because, let’s face it candles are wonderful. They help set intentions and are known to enhance any setting. If you’re lucky enough to never have an unfavorable candle burning experience that’s amazing. For the rest of us, fortunately, the fix is super simple. Trim your wicks 1/4 inch before lighting. We developed a handy Wick Trimming Guide to help you improve your hot “throw” better known as the aroma the candle’s fragrance emits when burning.
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Eliminate Soot. Most candle manufacturers including indie makers all agree that extinguishing a candle with a snuffer or metal candle lid is the number one safety precaution. Hot wax may splash on you and your surroundings if blown out. Best practice is to avoid blowing your candle like a birthday candle.
- Prolong your Burn Time. Paying attention to your candle burn time is also key to having an aromatherapy-like or stress reducing experience with your candle. Never burn your candle for more than 4-5 hours at a time. Doing so may cause the wick to bend over in the molten wax and overheat the vessel. Your candle will also burn unevenly during subsequent lighting. Always keep burning candles within sight.
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Upcycle your Vessel. This tip may seem obvious, however, 34% of waste is recycled in the US. These indie brands pioneered the reusable vessel. Interior Designers and Lifestyle photographers quickly began incorporating this trend in magazines, blogs and social media posts.
Image courtesy of: Thirteen Thoughts
Image courtesy of: Which one of these tips did you resonate with most? We would love to include your response in our newsletter.
Contributor:
LeJeanne is a third generation artisan and founder of Atlas Candle Company, a candle design firm based in Atlanta, Georgia.
