candles. Gel candles sometimes require
additional attention, so I'll cover that
specifically at a later date when giving
a little more attention to gel candles.
These tips are not only for safety reasons,
but for pleasant burning of your candles!
~~~~~~~~~~
Trim candle wicks to 1/4" prior to each use.
Discontinue use of container, votive, and
gel candles when 1/2" of wax or gel remains.
For pillars and tapers, discontinue use when
candle reaches approx. 2" from its holder.
During burning, some scented oils can sink
and accumulate, depending on the wax and
the scent. In these cases, if a candle is
allowed to burn down too far, it can
become too hot.
Avoid placing candles in the way of drafts to
prevent rapid and uneven burning. This also will
prevent the wick from smoking.
If a candle is smoking, flickers repeatedly, or
if the flame becomes greater than approx. 1",
your candle isn't burning correctly ... snuff out
the candle and trim the wick ... this should
correct the problem. Make sure the candle is
not in the path of a draft.
If burning multiple candles, place them a few
inches apart from one another to keep them
from melting one another, which can cause
uneven burning or melt the sides of the candles.
When lighting a candle for the first time,
allow the candle to burn for about four
hours in order to create a maximum melt pool.
The size of the melt pool of a candle is determined
during its first burn session ... if you only
light the candle for an hour, it will not have
time to create a nice sized melt pool and your
candle will most likely "tunnel" during
subsequent burn sessions.
If you want your candles to "throw" their
scent nicely and melt the wax to the outer rim
(less wasted wax), just pay attention to the
amount of time given the first time you light them.
For better indoor air quality, snuff your
candles out rather than blowing them out.
This is one way to snuff out a candle so
it doesn't smoke ... you can use an old fork
if you don't have a smokeless snuffer ...
place fork or snuffer at the base of the wick
and move it upward against the wick until
the flame is out.
(There are other ways to snuff out a candle ...
but this way works best for me.)
Never extinguish a candle with water, as
it will cause the wax to splatter.
Store your candles in a cool place.
~~~~~~~~~
Happy & Safe Candle Burning!
~~~~~~~~~
For more information, you may visit ...
The National Candle Association -
Candle Safety
Candle Tips
