The Proper Way to Burn Your Candles
- valkyriesbroomclos
- Jul 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Candles are more than just decorative items; they create ambiance, bring light to a room, and can even have therapeutic effects. To get the most out of your candles, it's important to understand how they work and how to care for them properly. This blog post covers essential tips for burning your candles correctly, focusing on the first burn, wick maintenance, and avoiding common mistakes.
How a Candle Works
First, let's understand how a candle actually works. A candle consists of a solid fuel (wax) that liquefies when in contact with a flame. To control the flame, a wick is used to provide an easy path for the flame. A wick should absorb the fuel as it liquefies in order to feed it to the flame. A well-crafted candle balances both the amount of heat produced by the wick and the speed at which the wick can absorb the melted fuel.
Wick Maintenance
To ensure your candle burns correctly, make sure your wick is trimmed to 6mm (1/4 inch). This is the optimal length for any string-type wick as it is close enough for the flame to melt t
he wax but far enough that the flame will not drown.
🕯️ If your candle is flickering or producing smoke, the wick is likely too large or too high.
🕯️ If your candle won't stay lit or drips a lot, the wick is probably too small or too short.
There are tools called wick trimmers which make it easier to trim your wick to the right length.
The Importance of the First Burn
The first time you burn your candle is crucial for its lifespan. This is because the wax develops what's called "burn memory." If you don't let the candle burn long enough during the first use, it won't burn properly in the future. Just like with the wick, the flame follows the easiest path. Since the original melted wax pool is slightly different from the rest of the candle, it will melt faster during subsequent burns. This means the flame won't be able to melt the candle wax beyond the original pool.
On average, a candle's first burn should last 1-2 hours. You'll know it's burned long enough if the melt pool reaches close to the edge of the candle. This ensures an even burn for the life of the candle.
Fixing Burn Memory Mistakes
If you already made this mistake and don't want to cut away the burn memory, you can gently push (or hug) the edges towards the wick. This technique, called "hugging," adds more melted wax to the melt pool, slowing the flame's travel down the wick. However, be cautious not to hug the candle too much, as this can drown the wick. If this happens, you may need to pour out some of the melted wax.
Avoid Over-Burning
Lastly, you should never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Burning longer can cause candles to overheat, potentially leading to explosions or other stability issues. Always keep an eye on your candle, and extinguish it after a few hours to ensure safety.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your candles for a longer time and ensure they burn beautifully each time you light them. Happy candle burning!
With these insights, you'll not only extend the life of your candles but also enhance their performance, ensuring a steady, beautiful flame and a pleasant experience every time.
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