Want to make your candles last even longer? With a few simple techniques, you can extend the life of your scented candles and enjoy their beautiful fragrance for longer.
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Trim the Wick
Before lighting your scented candle, ensure that the wick is trimmed to approximately half a cm (0.5 cm) in height. A longer wick can cause the flame to burn hotter, leading to faster and uneven melting of the wax. By keeping the wick short, you promote a controlled burn and extend the overall burn time of the candle.
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The first burn is key
During the first lighting, allow your scented candle to burn long enough for the entire surface, edge to edge, to melt. This process helps prevent "tunnelling," where the wax only melts around the centre, leaving a rim of unmelted wax along the sides.
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Avoid Drafts
Place your scented candle in an area where it's protected from drafts. Air currents can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, resulting in faster consumption of the wax. Keep doors and windows closed, and avoid placing candles near fans or vents to maintain a steady burn.
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Opt for Longer Burning Sessions
Allow your scented candle to burn for at least two to three hours each time you light it or until the melt pool reaches the edge of the glass on the first burn. Candles have a "memory" and tend to continue burning in the same pattern as the previous burn. Longer sessions help prevent the candle from forming a narrow burn tunnel, ensuring an even burn and maximising the candle's lifespan.
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Use Candle Snuffers
Avoid blowing out your scented candle, as this can create smoke and disturb the wax pool. Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame.
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Keep the Candle Clean
Maintaining a clean candle is essential for optimal burn performance. Regularly remove any debris, such as wick trimmings or matches, from the wax pool to prevent them from interfering with the flame. A clean candle burns more efficiently, ensuring a longer-lasting and consistent scent experience. -
Store them properly
When your scented candle is not in use, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can soften the wax and cause the fragrance to evaporate faster. By storing your candles properly, you preserve their scent and maintain their quality, ensuring a longer burn time.
With these simple yet effective tips, you can make the most out of your scented candles and enjoy their captivating fragrances for extended periods. By trimming the wick, allowing for sufficient initial burns, avoiding drafts, opting for longer burning sessions, using candle snuffers, keeping the candle clean, and storing them properly, you'll maximise the lifespan of your candles.