From the first to the last burn, candles should be a wonderful experience.
To ensure you enjoy everything your candle has to offer, we are sharing our 5 hot tips to get the most from your candles.
Tip #1: When you burn your candle, let it burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edge
The first burn of your candle is critical, it's actually a bit of a commitment (in a positive way!).
Most candles will melt completely to the edge between the first and second hour. However, this mostly depends on the size of the candle and the type of wax used. It is critical for the health and life of your candle to allow enough time for your candle to melt all the way to the edge.
After you've done this, your candle should perform well for all subsequent burns once it's "set the candle memory".
Tip #2: After your first burn, enjoy your lit candle for between 1-4 hours.
As each candle maker creates their candle differently, the guidelines for suggested burn times can vary from candle to candle.
Take one of our James Rose Candle Co candles. The general rule is up to four hours.
HOW DO I PUT OUT MY CANDLE?
Due to our luxe candles being supplied with deluxe wooden lids we do not suggest you use the lid to put your candle out. To extinguish the candle, use a wick snuffer to prevent oxygen feeding the flame or a simple gentle breath will do the job.
WHY?
Due to the natural cotton wicks that we use in our James Rose Candles, burning your candle for too long will cause the wick to "mushroom".
This "mushrooming" creates a blob of black carbon at the very top of your wick which greatly affects the performance of your candle.
If you leave the affected wick for too long, the wick will
- burn off and fall into the wax
- contaminate your candle; and
- cause excessive smoke and a dangerous flame.
Now this "mushroom" wick also creates more heat which means the wax melts faster than your candle was designed to, shortening your enjoyment.
By limiting the length of each burn, you avoid overheating the jar (particularly as the candle burns down to the end of the vessel!).
The bottom line is to keep an eye on your candle's burn time if you want it to last longer and burn safely.
Tip #3: Trim your wick before every burn
Best practice is to trim your wick after before every burn. You can use a wick trimming tool to nip it shorter, aim for around 5mm.
To trim wicks without wick trimmers, use tissue paper or paper towel between your fingers and snap it off.
After trimming or shortening the candle, you can relight it and enjoy it again!
In the event that you do not trim your wick.
The inside of your candle will be coated in a powdery black soot due to the smoke created by the wick and the wick will break off and fall into the candle.
Tip #4: Use your lid. Don't chuck it out!
AS pretty and beautiful as our engraved timber lid is, it contributes so much more than just aesthetics.
You can use it to keep dust and bugs out of your candle jar when it isn't burning.
Getting dust or bugs into the candle will compromise its safety and shorten its burn time. Along with the safety issue, keeping the lid on whilst not burning your candle traps the scent into the wax and helping preserve the beautiful aroma.
So keep that lid neatly on top of your candle to make the most of every burn.
Tip #5: Be selective about *where* you burn your candle
It is best to burn your candle away from any breeze or movement to get the optimal results.
It should especially be out of reach of young hands and furry paws.
Breezes and constant movement can affect the burn-time of your candle and certainly the performance. Find a still space to get the most from your candle.
Congratulations, now you're a candle expert, go forth and enjoy your lovely James Rose Candle!
Pete & Nicole x