Candles 101: Tips for Extending the Life of Your Luxury Candles
Candles are more than just a source of light—they’re a luxurious addition to your home, creating ambiance, setting the mood, and adding a touch of elegance to any room. At Pacific Candle Company, we believe in offering candles that stand the test of time. But just like any luxury item, they require a little care to ensure they perform their best. Here are some expert tips for extending the life of your candles, so you can enjoy their beautiful scents and serene glow for as long as possible.
1. Trim Your Wick
One of the most important steps to maintaining a high-quality candle is keeping the wick trimmed. A wick that’s too long can cause your candle to burn too hot, producing excess soot and possibly even shortening the life of the wax. Ideally, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. This helps prevent the flame from flickering or smoking, creating a cleaner, more even burn.
A trimmed wick also helps the candle burn more efficiently, allowing the wax to melt evenly and the scent to be released steadily. Plus, it’s safer for your candle (and your home).
Pro Tip: Always trim the wick after the candle has completely cooled. This ensures you’re not dealing with any hot wax or flames while tending to the wick.
2. Burn Your Candle Long Enough for an Even Pool of Wax
When you first light your candle, allow it to burn long enough for the entire surface of the wax to melt and form a pool. This will help prevent tunneling, which is when the candle burns down the center while leaving wax on the edges. Tunneling can waste wax and shorten the life of your candle, making it difficult to fully enjoy.
For larger candles, it may take a few hours to melt the entire surface, but this extra burn time ensures that the candle burns evenly from the start. If you’re working with smaller candles, 1-2 hours is usually enough.
Pro Tip: If your candle starts to tunnel, you can use a heat gun or a hairdryer on low to help redistribute the melted wax evenly.
3. Store Your Candles in a Cool, Dry Place
To keep your luxury candles in top condition, storage is key. Candles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme heat. Sunlight can cause the wax to discolor and the fragrance to degrade, while heat can affect the wax's consistency, causing it to burn unevenly when lit.
If you're storing your candles for a while (perhaps during the off-season), keep the lid on to protect the scent and prevent dust from settling on the wax. A good storage spot could be inside a cupboard, drawer, or a climate-controlled area where temperature fluctuations are minimal.
Pro Tip: If you’ve bought candles in different collections, consider storing them in their original packaging to help preserve their appearance and scent until you're ready to use them.
4. Let Your Candle Cool Before Relighting
After extinguishing your candle, let it cool completely before relighting it. Lighting a hot candle can create an uneven burn or even cause the wick to smolder. Allowing the candle to cool not only makes it safer but also helps preserve the integrity of the wax and wick.
Pro Tip: When you blow out your candle, use a wick dipper or candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. This prevents hot wax from splattering and ensures the wick stays centered.
5. Keep Your Candle Free of Debris
Before you light your candle, make sure the surface is clean. Dust, dirt, or wick trimmings can fall into the wax and create debris that may affect the candle’s burn. This could cause uneven burning, create black spots in the wax, or even lead to safety issues. Keep the area around the candle clear of clutter, and check the wax surface regularly for any fallen debris.
Pro Tip: If any debris has settled into the wax, gently remove it with a clean cloth or paper towel before lighting your candle.
6. Use Candles in Draft-Free Areas
Candles burn best in calm, draft-free environments. If you place your candle near an open window, air conditioning vent, or fan, it may cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly. Not only can this waste wax, but it can also increase the risk of safety hazards.
Pro Tip: If you like your candles near windows or air circulation, place them in a secure, sheltered spot where the draft won’t disturb the flame.
Final Thoughts
Luxury candles, like those from Pacific Candle Company, are meant to elevate your space and provide long-lasting enjoyment. By following these simple care tips—trimming your wick, burning the candle evenly, storing it properly, and keeping it free from debris—you can maximize the life of your candles and continue enjoying their warmth, scent, and beauty for months to come.
With just a little bit of care, your candles will remain a sophisticated, eco-friendly addition to your home, offering a touch of indulgence whenever you light them.
So go ahead—light that candle and bask in the luxury!