The Art of Burning - Candle Care Essentials

Burn Bright, Burn Right. Learn how to burn your candles properly.

 

First Burn = Forever Burn
Think of your candle’s first burn like a first impression—it sets the tone! Let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt into a smooth pool. This prevents tunneling (aka that annoying wax ring around the edges) and ensures an even burn every time.

Trim That Wick!
Before each burn, give your wick a little trim—1/4 inch is the right height for a wick. A trimmed wick means a cleaner burn, less soot, and no wild, flickering flames. If you spot a “mushroom” shape on the wick, snip it before lighting up again. You don't need special tools, just a small piece of paper towel will work very well. 

Avoid the Drafty Drama
Windy spots? Not your candle’s best friend. Keep it away from fans, vents, and open windows to prevent uneven burning and excessive smoke. Your candle deserves a calm, cozy space to shine. Drafts make your candle burn faster as well. 

The 4-Hour Rule
Love your candle, but don’t overwork it! Burn time should be capped at 4 hours to avoid overheating. Let the wax fully cool before relighting—your jar will thank you. The fragrance will linger long after you've burned your candle, so you can enjoy it for  longer times as well. 

Handle with Care
Hot wax + movement = bad idea. Never relocate a burning candle or one with melted wax. The jar will be hot to handle. The wax could spill and burn you, or damage your surface. So, patience dear friend—wait until it’s cool before giving it a new spot. Also wait for it to cool completely before covering it. You don't want steam to form in the jar and add moisture to your candle. Thant could cause it to sputter the next time you burn it. 

Store Smart
Keep your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and warm spots. Be careful about placement around hot stoves and bright lights. This keeps their fragrance fresh and prevents fading or discoloration over time. Ensure your candle is covered when storing it in bathrooms and around kitchen sinks. Moisture and wax don't mix and can cause sputtering or flashing. 

Fire Hazard
While we test out candles thoroughly, we caution you, that in the rare event (hopefully never), there is a fire, you do not throw water on it to douse it. Typically, if a candle catches fire, it is because the oils and wax have separated and it is the oils which catch fire. Soy Wax itself is made from soy oil, and what you may have is a combination of oils with varying flashpoints. Oil and water do not mix. If you pour or throw water on a burning candle. the oils could get displaced out the container and whatever surface it falls on may catch fire as well. If your candle has caught fire. Try pouring a dry substance that is fire retardant. Common kitchen salt works well for smaller fires. Larger fires may need a fire extinguisher. But a good thing to use is a wet towel, or some sort of a lid. When you cut out the oxygen supply, it puts out the fire. We have never had a fire incident reported to us and are confident that we will not see such a thing with our candles. But this is good information to know and keep in mind. 

Keep the Glow Going
Loving your candle? Don’t wait until the last burn to restock your favorite scent! Shop now and keep the cozy vibes flowing. Your next favorite fragrance is just a click away. www.completegraceco.com