Whether you just got your first Paddywax order or have been a long-time fan and just want to make sure you are getting the most out of your favorite scent, candle care is a must every time you burn. Here are a few simple steps to keeping your candle burning:
#1 Trim the Wick / Check the Wax
Before every burn, you should trim your candle’s wick from ⅛ to ¼ inch long. At Paddywax, we use cotton wicks with the exception of wooden wicks in our Parks collection; both are easily trimmed with our brass wick trimmer, scissors, or nail clippers. We recommend scissors or nail clippers if you are in a pinch but for an elegant display, a cleaner cut, and a longer reach into the vessel, the brass wick trimmer is a must-have for the candle collector.
Wick trimming helps your candle have a cleaner, brighter, and longer burn. This practice helps keep the flame in control and prevents smoke stains from forming on the vessel. During trimming, it is a great time to check for debris in the wax pool and remove any fallen wick, matches, or soot. Always remove any debris in the wax to avoid the flame surging and fire hazards.
#2 Location, Location, Location
Finding the best spot to set your candle is an important part of the burn. We recommend avoiding exposing the flame to moving air such as open windows, air conditioning units, heaters, or high-traffic areas - this causes the flame to be disrupted leaving soot and stains on the vessel.
It is always advised to burn your candle away from anything highly flammable. Never leave a burning candle unattended and make sure the flame is completely out before leaving the room. Always let your candle cool after burning and never move your candle while it is lit or the vessel is still hot.
#3 Burn, Baby Burn!
The first burn is crucial for a lasting candle. To avoid tunneling and wasting any wax, you should set aside enough time to let the candle burn to the edge and melt all the way across. Candles typically burn one hour for every inch in diameter. For example, if a candle is 3 inches in diameter, the first burn should be three hours.
#4 Extinguish in Style
Blowing out a candle can be as easy as a big puff of air but doing it the old-fashioned way does lead to soot and ash being stuck in your wax alongside discoloration of the vessel. We recommend using our gold candle snuffer to extinguish your candle and avoid wax splattering.
Back to Basics is an educational series for the Paddywax Weekender blog. This content is meant to answer all your candle questions and help you be the finest candle connoisseur. If you have any questions or requests, please reach out to hello@paddywax.com.