How to take care of candles

Not many people know how to properly burn a candle, and I have seen many, many people thow away mostly unburned pillar candles due to ignorance... but no more!
I compiled this from the labels on candles around my house.

TeaLights:
  • In aluminum cups - recommended for "closed-type" holders (eg. Tealight house potpourri burners).
  • In transparent cups - recommended for glass holders.


Votive Candles:
  • Always keep wicks trimmed to 1/4".
  • The metal clip is designed to extinguish the flame when the wick has burned out.
  • Always remove the metal clip from a previous votive before placing a new votive in the holder.
  • While burning votives, be sure the wick is centered.
  • Wicks too close to the side of a votive holder may cause breakage.


Dinner Candles:
  • Always keep wick trimmed to 1/4"
  • Do not place near drafts, fans or air conditioners.
  • If dripping occurs, wait for wax to harden and remove excess.
  • Burning time: approximately 45 minutes per inch.


Pillar Candles:
  • Keep wick centered and trimmed to 1/4"
  • First lighting: burn for 5 - 10 minutes.
  • For the next 4 - 5 lightings gradually increase burning times until the belltop is gone.
  • Once the candle has a flat surface, burn a minimum of 1 hour per inch for each inch of the candle's diameter.
  • Pillars should always have a flat surface, not a deep well.
  • Gently "hug" the soft wax around the well to maintain a flat surface.


3 Wick Candles:
  • NEVER trim the wicks.
  • Burn a minimum of 6 hours at each lighting.
  • Keep wicks pointed towards centre.
  • Gently hug the soft wax around the well to maintain a flat surface.



Important reminders:

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.