Is there anything more guaranteed to boost your amount of Instagram likes than to stick a couple candles into the frame of your perfectly curated photo? The atmosphere that pretty little flame provides is undeniable, which is why it's key to avoid any candle mistakes you could be making.
Yep, we know. Candles seem pretty straight forward (light the wick and leave it) but there are a couple sneaky tricks to optimize your flame time.
Did you know that the way your candle performs for its entire life all depends on that very first burn?
How to prevent your candle from tunneling.
It is best to burn the candle until the melted wax completely liquifies across the surface and reaches the edge of the vessel, approximately 2-3 hours. This allows the candle to burn evenly and prevents the wax from "tunneling" or melting down the center. This means you'll get that not-so-cute tunneling effect and waste a bunch of precious wax.
If the wax is not allowed to liquefy or to melt from edge to edge of the jar or tumbler, it will create a “memory ring,” especially if this is the first time the candle is lit. Once a candle has this “memory ring,” it will continue to tunnel and to burn that way for the life of the candle.
Keep the wick trimmed to 1/8 inch at all times.
The most crucial step in getting your candle off to a good start? Trim the wick. Prior to lighting, our lead-free cotton wicks must be trimmed to approximately 1/8". Use a wick trimmer for a perfect trim; or a pair of sharp scissors should work in a pinch. As the wick burns it becomes black and sooty by nature. The soot will rise up when you re-light the wick. So to avoid finding yourself in a cloud of black smoke, trim the wick every time you light.
Candles should not be burned for more than four hours at a time.
This one doesn't exactly affect how well your candle works, but it will be good news for anyone who's become addicted to candles that cost more than a fancy dinner (guilty). In order to keep your home smelling great, there's no need to keep the candle lit all day long. A high quality candle will release a scent that will easily diffuse and richly fill your space after just an hour or two.
It is recommended that after burning for four hours, candles be extinguished, allowed to cool for two hours, and trimmed before relighting. A Wicked Good candle's average burn time is up to 55 hours. That means your candle should last for several months if you follow to this method!
Follow the half inch rule.
Discontinue use of a candle when ½” of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. This will prevent possible heat damage to the counter/surface or container itself. The glass can get hot on the bottom as the flame nears the base of the jar and most of the wax has been consumed. By following this instruction, the glass will not get too hot. It is for this same reason that Wicked Good does not endorse the use of heating surfaces or “candle warmers.”
Don't use the same scent in every room.
Although scent is a personal choice, if you want to get really advanced with your candle-ing, we recommend giving each room in your house a different aroma. Certain scents fit the bedroom better than others, and the same can be said for the entry, living area and even bathroom. We love sexier, woodier candles in the bedroom and scent like tobacco and vanilla to cozy up a living room. If you do opt to mix it up, avoid mingling scents by lighting them at different times (remember, it only needs to be lit for an hour) or keeping the doors shut.
Keep the lid for a clean burn.
If you're buying a candle that comes with a lid, use it to cover your candle when it's not being used. This way, you protect it from dust and you preserve the wax and its scent nicely. When you are burning the candle, the lid can also be used as a little elevation for you to place the candle on top, protecting the surface of your tabletop and adding a little finishing touch to the decor.
For safety’s sake.
Always burn candles well away from drafts, other heat sources, and anything flammable. Make sure burning candles are out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Now that your candle woes are properly sorted, don't be surprised if your friends start begging you to come over and relax more often.
Keep our planet beautiful. Please reuse and recycle.
Our empty candle vessels can be repurposed to store a variety of treasured items. We use ours as flower vases and containers to hold such items as pens and pens and makeup brushes.
To clean the glass vessel, scoop out and remaining wax. It may help to warm the glass slightly by filling it with warm water. Do not pout melted wax down the drain. Dispose of wax and wick in the trash and wipe out remaining wax with a paper towel. Wash container with dish soap and warm water.
We'd love to see how you repurpose your empty Wicked Good candle containers. Tag us at #SmellWickedGood on social media.
How to LOVE a Wicked Good Candle
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FIND YOUR FAVORITE. There are hundreds of choices.
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TRIM THE WICK. Keep your wick trimmed to 1/8" at all times.
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LET THE WAX POOL. Each time you burn your candle, allow the entire top layer to become a fragrant pool of liquid wax and you'll get the biggest, boldest scent possible.
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BURN IT SAFELY. Always burn your candle on a heat resistant surface, keep it out of drafts and NEVER leave it unattended while lit.
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KNOW WHEN TO SAY GOODBYE. When only 1/2" of wax remains, it's time to let your candle go.
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REPEAT STEPS 1 THROUGH 5. Keep going until you've tried them all!
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