Candle Care: How to Maximize Candle Life

I am unsure if others have noticed this, but I feel like candles are everywhere at the moment. According to IBISWorld, the market value of the Candle Manufacturing industry — measured by revenue — is $1.7 billion in 2021.

New candle brands are blossoming and standard candle brands are revamping. Jackie Aina, an OG YouTuber and beauty guru, released candles as a part of her lifestyle brand in 2020. FORVR is a lifestyle brand that creates luxury self-care at an affordable price.

The Homesick candles that went viral are now a top-selling gift to give friends and family. They create aromas that bring people comfort, reminding them of memories and places through scent. Homesick is another brand that creates scents and comfort through different products.

Think about the candles you may have in your house: the tealight candles in case of power outages, the relaxing candle in your bedroom, the decorative candle with a cool design. No matter the room, a lit candle can improve the ambiance with a custom scent. Here are tips on how to take care of your candles and get the best of them.

Tips on How to Care for Your Candles

Burn Candle for 2 to 4 Hours the First Time

One of the most important things you can do when burning your candle for the first time is to let the wax melt to the brim. Although this may take up to four hours, doing this will prevent your candle wax from tunneling. Hollowed wax will cause the candle to burn unevenly, wasting wax over time.

Trim the Wicks

To prevent ash and soot from a burned wick from falling into the wax, trim your candle wick before lighting it every time. In an article by Homes to Love, Claire Barns — general manager of the candle brand Ecoya — states that trimming your wicks controls the size of the flame, allowing the wax to burn slower and even.

Do Not Blow Out Candles

Instead of blowing out your candle, snuff them. An elegant way to eliminate smoke is by using a candle snuffer to diffuse the flame. This is done by placing a candle snuffer over the flame. By doing this, the smoke is removed from the equation.

Cover Candles Post-Burn

Keep a lid over your candle when not lit. This method protects your candles from collecting dust, keeping the scent strong for every burn. For an elegant and decorative way to keep your candles free of debris is by placing a glass cloche over them.

Do Not Burn a Candle with ¼ Wax Left

I know you want to maximize your candle usage, but burning it with little wax is less effective. It is a safety hazard. The glass will be hot to the touch and can ignite if not on a flame-resistant surface.

Do Not Move a Burning Candle

Hot wax moves at a faster rate than cooled wax, which can cause the wax to dry unevenly. Air bubbles can also form when moved wax tries to dry. Do not move a candle until the wax is completely cooled and hardened.

Size Matters

Burn larger candles, such as 3-wick candles, during the day so they have more time to burn. Save your smaller candles for evenings when there is less time to burn. This tip is important, especially if you are burning your candle for the first time.

Candles are complex home goods used for decor and comfort. To maximize your candle quality and scent and get the most value from your candle, follow these tips before lighting a candle, new or old.

Sources

1. https://www.homestolove.com.au/13-top-candle-care-tips-10417
2. https://homesick.com/pages/candle-care
3. https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/candle-manufacturing-united-states/#:~:text=The%20market%20size%2C%20measured%20by,is%20%241.7bn%20in%202021