Scented candles can completely transform your space, adding warmth, charm, and delightful scents. Whether you’re lighting scented candles to unwind, create ambiance, or simply make your home feel inviting, taking proper care of them can make a noticeable difference. From getting a cleaner burn to extending their lifespan, here are some practical scented candles care tips to help you get the most out of every candle.

Trim the Wick Before Each Use:

Trimming the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn is a small but essential step in candle care. This helps reduce flickering and prevents soot buildup, allowing the candle to burn more evenly. Keeping the wick at the right length also prevents “mushrooming,” which can cause the wick to burn unevenly and produce smoke.

Burn Until the Top Layer of Wax Melts:

To get the best burn from your scented candle, allow it to burn until the entire top layer of wax has melted across the surface. This prevents “tunneling,” where the wax near the edges of the jar remains unused, shortening the candle’s life. For larger scented candles, this process might take up to two hours, but it’s worth the wait to avoid wasting wax.

Limit Burn Times:

While it can be tempting to let your candle burn all night, it’s best to limit each session to around four hours. Burning for too long can cause the wick to become unstable and produce excess soot. After four hours, extinguish the flame, allow the wax to cool, and relight if you’d like to continue enjoying the scent.

Place Candles on a Stable, Heat-Resistant Surface:

Always set your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, especially if it’s in a glass container. This helps prevent accidents like wax spills or container cracks. Also, keep the candle away from drafts, vents, or fans, as these can cause the flame to flicker and the candle to burn unevenly.

Use a Snuffer to Extinguish the Flame:

Instead of blowing out your candle, which can create smoke and cause hot wax to splatter, use a candle snuffer. This tool extinguishes the flame gently, preserving the scent and helping to keep the wick centered, so your candle will burn more smoothly the next time you light it.

Keep Candles Away from Flammable Objects:

To ensure safety, place candles away from anything that might catch fire, like curtains, books, or wooden surfaces. It’s best to leave ample space around the candle for ventilation and to avoid placing it too close to decor items that could become a hazard.

Store Candles in a Cool, Dark Place:

Sunlight or high temperatures can affect the scent, appearance, and structure of candles. For optimal results, store candles in a cool, dark place. This will keep the wax firm, allowing the candle to burn evenly when lit. Proper storage can also help retain the candle’s fragrance over time.

Know When to Stop Burning:

When your candle reaches about half an inch of wax left at the bottom, it’s time to stop using it. Burning a candle too close to the bottom can overheat the glass container, potentially causing it to crack. Extinguishing the candle at this point minimizes the risk of accidents and helps keep the glass intact.

Enhance Your Space with Premium Scented Candles:

By following these simple tips, you can create a safer and more enjoyable scented candles burning experience. Proper candle care will also help you get the most out of every scented candle, making each one last longer and burn more evenly.

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