Expert Advice
Candle Care Guide
Get the most from your candles with these essential tips
Safety First
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Keep away from children, pets, and flammable materials
- Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface
- Keep out of draughts
- Do not burn for more than 4 hours at a time
- Stop burning when 1cm of wax remains
The First Burn
The first burn is crucial for candle performance. Allow the candle to burn until the wax melts all the way to the edge of the container. This usually takes 2-3 hours depending on the candle size.
Why this matters: Wax has "memory". If you extinguish the candle before the wax pool reaches the edges, it will tunnel down the centre on future burns, wasting wax and reducing scent throw.
Wick Care
Trimming
Trim the wick to approximately 5mm before each burn. This helps prevent:
- Smoking and soot
- Uneven burning
- Excessive flame height
- Mushrooming at the wick tip
Mushrooming
Sometimes you'll see a small "mushroom" of carbon form at the wick tip. This is normal - simply allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, and remove any debris from the wax pool before relighting.
Burning Tips
Duration
- Burn for at least 1 hour per inch of diameter
- Don't burn for more than 4 hours at a time
- Allow the candle to cool completely before relighting
Placement
- Keep away from draughts, which can cause uneven burning
- Place on a level, heat-resistant surface
- Keep away from walls and curtains
- Don't place candles too close together
Extinguishing
Use a candle snuffer or carefully blow out the flame. Avoid blowing too hard, which can spray hot wax. Never use water to extinguish a candle.
Getting the Best Scent
For optimal fragrance "throw" (how well the scent fills a room):
- Choose the right size candle for your space - too small won't scent a large room effectively
- Allow the full wax pool to form for maximum scent release
- Keep doors closed to allow fragrance to build
- Burn for 2-3 hours for best results
Nose blindness: If you can no longer smell your candle, you've likely become accustomed to the scent. Leave the room for 15-20 minutes and you'll notice it again when you return.
Storage
- Store candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
- Keep lids on when not in use to preserve the fragrance
- Store upright to prevent warping
- Use within 12-18 months for best fragrance performance
Troubleshooting
Tunnelling
If your candle has started to tunnel, you can sometimes fix it by wrapping aluminium foil around the top edge, leaving a hole for the flame. This reflects heat back and can help melt the wax to the edges.
Smoking
Usually caused by a wick that's too long. Extinguish, let cool, trim the wick to 5mm, and relight.
Weak Scent
Ensure you're burning long enough for a full wax pool. The candle may also be too small for your space - try a larger size or multiple candles.
Questions about your candles?
We're happy to help with any candle care questions.