Candle Care 101: How to Get the Most Out of Your Candles

Whether you're a candle aficionado or new to the world of scented candles, proper care can make a big difference in both the performance and longevity of your candles. Follow these simple tips to ensure you get the most out of your candle experience.

1. Trim the Wick

Before each use, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps prevent excessive smoke, minimizes soot, and promotes an even burn. A well-trimmed wick also prevents the candle from burning too quickly and helps avoid a flickering flame.  If at any time during the burn time you notice carbon buildup on the wick (also known as mushrooming), blow it out, trim off the carbon build up, then relight the candle. 

2. Burn the Candle Correctly

When lighting your candle, allow it to burn until the wax pool reaches the edges of the container. This ensures an even burn and prevents tunneling (where the candle burns down the middle but leaves wax on the sides). Ideally, the candle should burn for 3 to 4 hours each time to achieve this. Burning time should not exceed 4 hours to prevent overheating and ensure an even burn pool.

3. Keep It Clean

Keep the area around the candle clean and free from dust or debris. Dust can catch fire if it gets too close to the flame, and debris can affect the candle’s performance. If any soot or wax drips on the container, clean it carefully once the candle is completely cooled.

4. Avoid Drafts

Place your candle away from drafts, vents, or fans. Drafts can cause uneven burning and excessive smoking. Keeping your candle in a stable, draft-free area helps it burn more evenly and safely.

5. Store Properly

When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat can cause candles to fade or melt unevenly, affecting their performance and appearance.

To extinguish your candle, use a snuffer, wick dipper or gently blow it out. Avoid blowing too hard as this can cause hot wax to splatter. If you use a snuffer or wick dipper, it helps to reduce smoke and preserves the candle’s fragrance.

Always handle candles with care, especially when they are lit or just extinguished. The wax can remain hot for some time after the flame has been put out. Be cautious to avoid burns or spills.

Don’t let leftover wax go to waste! Once your candle has burned down to ½ inch of wax, you can repurpose it. Simply freeze the remaining wax for 1 hour.  Then pop out frozen wax, wash gently with soap and water, and get creative!  You can put a tea light in the jar, a small kitchen plant, makeup brushes, toiletries and so much more.

By following these simple candle care tips, you can enjoy your Haven Aroma Company candles to their fullest potential. Proper care ensures a longer-lasting candle, a cleaner burn, and an enhanced aromatic experience.

Happy burning!