Candle Burning Tips

Candle burning is a science and an art. While most of us just expect to light a match and enjoy the candlelight there is more to it than that. The good news is you don't need to be a rocket scientist to be able to enjoy your candle. Just follow these few simple rules and I know you will have hours of enjoyment from your hand crafted candle.

1. The first time you light a pillar candle, burn it until the wax pool reaches the outside rim (approximately 1 hour for every inch of its diameter). By doing this you are setting the candles memory so each time you re-light your candle it will remember to burn to the rim. This will help the candle from forming a canyon in the center of your candle.

2. Keep your wicks trimmed! This is essential for a clean, smoke free burn. Most smoking candle problems can be corrected by trimming the wicks to ¼" every time you burn your candle.

3. If the candle still smokes even though you have trimmed the wick, check for debris in the melt pool. If there is debris extinguish the flame, remove the debris and allow to cool. It is also worth remembering that scented candles may smoke more than unscented candles. If you are burning a candle in a small room it may smoke more than unscented candles. If you are burning a highly scented candle and the wick mushrooms, treat this as a reminder that the wick needs to be trimmed.

4. Candles need to breathe, so if you are burning a candle in a small room it may smoke. Consider the size of the room when you are burning your candles.

5. Never blow out a candle. Either use a candle snuffer or place your finger in front of the flame before you blow. The trick means the air hits the flame from the sides instead of directly on it. You can also extinguish your candle by dipping the wick in the melted wax.

Now it is time to sit back and enjoy your new candle! Remember - never leave a burning candle unattended.