Candle Care 101: Enhancing Your Candle Experience
We love how candles are cherished for their ability to create a warm and cozy ambiance in any space. However, to truly enjoy the benefits of a candle, proper care is absolutely essential. In this guide to candle care, we will explore the key steps to ensuring optimal safety, longevity, and fragrance performance for a better candle experience.
Choosing the Right Candle:
Before diving into candle care, it's important to start with choosing the candle itself! Consider factors such as scent preference, wax type (coconut, paraffin, beeswax, soy, etc.), wick material, and the reputation of the brand. Additionally, make sure to read the candle label to ensure it aligns with your desired burn time and safety specifications. At Love Square One we take pride in using premium ingredients: such as Vegan coconut-soy wax, eco-friendly wood wicks and clean blended essential oil fragrance.
Preparing for the First Burn:
Once you've selected your perfect LSO candle, it's time to prepare it for its first burn. Begin by making sure your wood wick is 1/16” (just a hair above the wax line). This helps prevent excessive flickering, smoking, and sooting. Additionally, ensure that the area around the candle is clear of any flammable objects. Consider using a heat-resistant candle plate/coaster or holder to further protect your surfaces. For an added touch, invest in candle accessories such as wick trimmers and candle coasters to make the process even more enjoyable.
Lighting and Burning the Candle:
When it's time to light the candle, use a long-reach lighter for the first burn! Avoid using short matches, as that can be hazardous. Ensure the flame is lit at the base of the wick and not on top. Once the candle is lit, allow it to burn for a sufficient amount of time to create a full melt pool. This means the melted wax reaches the edges of the container, typically taking one hour for every inch in diameter. (So your LSO candle should take 2.5-3 hours for a full melt pool. This helps prevent tunneling, where the candle burns straight down and creates wasted wax on the sides. Tunneling can lead to uneven burn times and poor fragrance performance.
Extinguishing the Flame:
We recommend gently blowing out the candle and making sure there is no residual smoke or amber color. You can also place a snuffer or lid over the flame until it is entirely extinguished.
Maintenance and Storage:
To keep your candle looking and performing its best, regular maintenance is crucial. After each burn, remove any debris or wick trimmings that may be floating on the wax surface. You can use a wick dipper or a clean cotton swab to do this. For glass or ceramic containers, wipe off any melted wax residue before relighting to prevent soot buildup. When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve their scent and quality.
Troubleshooting Common Candle Care Issues:
Despite your best efforts, issues may still arise with your candles. If you notice a wick mushrooming or producing excessive soot, trim the wick to a shorter length to maintain a better burn. If your candle has burned unevenly or developed a tunnel, try using a candle warmer or placing aluminum foil around the edges to help melt the wax and create an even burn surface.
By following these simple candle care tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while maximizing the lifespan and fragrance performance of your LSO candles. Remember to choose the right candle, prepare it properly for the first burn, and use the correct techniques for lighting, burning, and extinguishing. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting will also help ensure a long-lasting, beautiful experience with your candles. Stay tuned for more helpful tips to elevate your candle game in the second part of our Candle Care 101 guide.