When and How to Burn Candles for Maximum Effect
We believe that candles have the power to transform a space and enhance the ambience of any room. However, to truly experience the full benefits of candles, understanding proper candle etiquette is essential. In this blog post, we will explore when and how to burn candles for maximum effect, so you can get the most out of your Conscious Candle Co experience and create an inviting atmosphere in your home.
1. Choosing the Right Candle:
Before we delve into candle burning etiquette, it's crucial to select the right candle for your needs. Consider the scent, size, and purpose of the candle. Are you looking for a relaxing scent for your bedroom or a refreshing aroma for your living room? Choosing the perfect candle sets the foundation for a delightful candle burning experience.
2. Trim the Wick:
Before lighting your candle, always remember to trim the wick to about 5-7mm. This helps prevent excessive flickering, soot build up, and uneven burning. A trimmed wick ensures a clean and steady flame, optimising the candle's longevity and overall performance. We recommend using our Wick Trimmer that are available in metallic copper or matt black. If the flame is too high, extinguish and trim the wick further before using your wick trimmer.
3. The First Burn:
When you light a new candle for the first time, allow it to burn long enough to create an even wax pool across the entire surface. This is called the "memory burn." It prevents tunnelling, where the candle burns down the centre, leaving wax on the sides untouched. Aim for at least one hour of burning time for every inch in diameter of the candle. This practice ensures an even burn and maximises the candle's fragrance throw.
4. Avoid Burning for Too Long:
As much as we love the cosy glow of candles, it's essential to avoid burning them for excessively long periods, especially if you have multiple candles in one space. Burning a candle for more than 3-4 hours at a time can lead to overheating and diminished scent throw. It's best to extinguish the candle, let it cool for a few hours, then relight it if desired. It is not recommended to pick up and move your candle as the glass will be hot. Transferring a hot candle onto a cold surface can also cause the glassware to crack.
5. One Candle at a Time:
While the idea of creating a beautiful candle arrangement is appealing, burning too many candles at once can overwhelm the senses and diminish each candle's impact. Opt for one or two candles at a time to fully appreciate their scents and create a harmonious atmosphere.
6. Candle Placement:
Strategic candle placement can significantly enhance your candle experience. Consider the size of the room and the purpose of the candle. For example, placing a calming sandalwood scented candle in the bedroom can promote relaxation, while a fresh clean cotton scent in the kitchen can invigorate the space. Additionally, be mindful of not locating your candle in a room with a draft because it can cause the candle to burn only to one side. If that occurs, address the draft by closing windows or doors or by using draft stoppers. Alternatively, you can rotate your candle occasionally during burning to achieve a more balanced and even burn.
7. Extinguish with Care:
Always use a proper candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame to extinguish the candle. Avoid blowing too hard, as this can splatter hot wax. Additionally, extinguishing the candle with a lid can trap smoke and cause an unpleasant odour.
8. The Final Burn:
When your candle's wax level reaches approximately 8-10mm from the bottom, it's time for its final burn. To prevent overheating the glassware, we advise against burning the candle until all the wax is completely used up.
By following these simple candle etiquette guidelines, you can elevate your candle burning experience and create an inviting and soothing ambience in your home. At Conscious Candle Co, we are passionate about providing you with the highest quality candles, and we hope these tips will help you make the most of your candle collection. Happy candle burning!
