Why is candle care important? 

Proper candle care…

•     Maximises candle life
•     Prevents candle collapse
•     Reduces the risk of fires 

How to care for your candles 

Trim the wick

Keep your candle wicks trimmed to 0.5 centimetres at all times. It is recommended that you trim your wick every three hours of burn time. Keeping candle wicks short leads to less soot forming while the candle is burning, leading to a more even burn, a steadier flame and a lower risk of fire. 

When trimming a candle wick, make sure the candle is at room temperature. Trimming can be done with a pair of scissors; however, nail clippers may be more practical as the candle burns down and it becomes more difficult to reach the wick. If you are a passionate candle collector, you may want to invest in a specialised wick trimmer. These can be purchased online or from specialty candle stores for around ten dollars.

Avoid Draughts

Burn candles away from breezes, ceiling fans and vents. Candles burn best in still air, and draughts can lead to uneven burning and even cause a candle to collapse. 

Maximum burn time

Try not to burn candles for more than three hours at a time. Make sure you let a candle cool completely before relighting. If a candle is burnt for long periods of time without re-solidifying it can cause the edges to burn. 

Putting out your candle

Use a proper candle snuffer to put out your candle in order to maximise burn time and reduce the risk of personal injury. Blowing out a candle is not recommended, as it can cause wax to splatter and the wick to move off centre.  

Extinguish your candle immediately if it shows signs of an uncontrolled flame, including smoking, flickering, or if the flame becomes too high.  

Choose the correct candle holder

Choosing an appropriate candle holder is vital to ensure safety and prevent wax from spilling onto your furniture. They come in many varieties, from simple dishes to extravagant jars. You should never burn a candle that is not in a holder. 

When selecting a candle holder, it is a good idea to follow the 70/30 rule – 70 percent empty space to 30 percent candle. A holder that is too small can cause a candle to overheat and collapse.

Candle storage

Store your candle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in order to prevent the candle from melting or cracking and protect it from discolouration.  

 

What is a wax pool fire?

Improper candle care increases the risk of wax pool fires. These occur when the candle’s wax pool becomes overheated and bursts into flames. It may also cause the candle holder to shatter.  

If a wax pool fire occurs, do not panic. Ensure there is nothing flammable around the candle and do not move or touch it while it is on fire. Treat a wax pool fire like an oil or grease fire and use a fire blanket or a CO2 or powder extinguisher to put out the flame. Never throw water on the candle or attempt to blow it out.