Have you ever bought a candle only to find that it tunnels, smokes, sweats or it doesn't fill the room with scent?Â
Not all candles are created equal but there are ways which will help combat some of these issues.
Tip #1 - Buy a good quality candle.
A good quality candle is characterised by several key features that enhance its performance and overall experience. Here are some important aspects to consider:
Key Features of a Good Quality Candle
Wax Type: High-quality candles often use natural waxes such as soy, coconut or beeswax which burn cleaner and longer.
Fragrance: Premium candles typically use high-quality fragrance oils that provide a pleasant scent without being overpowering.
Wick Quality: A good wick, often made from cotton or wood, ensures an even burn and minimizes soot production.
Burn Time: Quality candles have a longer burn time, allowing for extended enjoyment.
High-quality candles stand out due to their superior materials and craftsmanship. Characteristics that define high-quality candles are:
Natural Ingredients: High-quality candles are often made from natural ingredients that are eco-friendly and sustainable.
Handcrafted: Many high-quality candles are hand-poured, ensuring attention to detail and uniqueness.
Consistent Scent Throw: They provide a consistent and pleasant scent throw, filling the room without overwhelming it.
Burn Quality: High-quality candles burn evenly and do not tunnel, ensuring that the entire candle is utilised.
Safety Features: These candles often include safety features such as lead-free wicks and non-toxic fragrances.
Tip #2 - Make sure the initial burn reaches the edge of your candle.
This practice ensures an even burn pool and prevents tunnelling, which significantly enhances the candle's lifespan and overall performance.
An even burn pool allows the wax to melt uniformly, maximising the fragrance throw and ensuring that the candle burns down completely without leaving excess wax on the sides of the container.
Tunnelling, on the other hand, occurs when the wick burns down the centre of the candle, leaving the outer wax intact. This not only wastes wax but can also lead to an uneven burn and diminished scent release.
By following proper candle care techniques and allowing the candle to burn long enough for the melt pool to reach the edges, users can enjoy a more efficient and satisfying candle experience.
Tip #3 - Trim Your Wick Between Burns.
Trimming the wick of your candle before each burn is essential for maintaining a clean and efficient burn. Here are some benefits of this practice:
Improved Burn Time: A trimmed wick ensures a more controlled burn, extending the life of your candle.
Reduced Soot: Keeping the wick short minimises soot production, resulting in a cleaner burn and less residue on your candle holder.
Enhanced Fragrance: A properly trimmed wick allows for a better scent throw, maximising the fragrance experience in your space.
Safer Burning: Shorter wicks reduce the risk of excessive flickering or flare-ups, promoting a safer environment.
For optimal results, aim to trim the wick to about 7mm before lighting your candle each time.
Tip #4 - Keep your burning candle away from moving air.
Keeping your burning candle away from moving air is crucial for several reasons:
Safety: Drafts can cause the flame to flicker or flare up, increasing the risk of accidental fires.
Even Burning: A stable environment allows the candle to burn evenly, preventing tunnelling and extending its lifespan.
Reduced Soot Production: Moving air can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in soot buildup and a smoky environment.
Tips for Placement
Choose a sheltered location away from open windows and doors.
Avoid placing candles near fans or air conditioning vents.
Use candle holders with wind guards for outdoor settings.
Tip #5 - Candle sweating? Here's what to do.
Candle sweating occurs when the wax of a candle releases moisture, resulting in a wet or oily appearance on the surface. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, including temperature fluctuations and humidity levels. Here are some steps you can take to address candle sweating:
Store Candles Properly
Keep candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Avoid storing candles near heat sources or in high humidity areas.
Control Temperature
Maintain a consistent temperature in the room where candles are stored.
Avoid exposing candles to sudden temperature changes.
Clean the Surface
If sweating occurs, gently wipe the surface with paper towel or a soft cloth to remove excess moisture.
Ensure the candle is completely dry before lighting it again.
By following these tips, you can minimise the chances of candle sweating and enjoy your candles without any issues.
The Indigo Rose candle collection is made with premium soy wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils, paired with cotton or wooden wicks, and placed in containers tailored for candle use. We perform thorough burn tests on our candles over several months before they are offered for purchase, guaranteeing a high-quality, safe, and exceptional candle experience for you to enjoy.
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