So, you’ve recently invested in a wooden wick candle. If you are anything like us, you have taken it home and are now contemplating your next move.
Option 1 - Light it up right this minute
OR
Option 2 - Save it for the perfect occasion
In our humble opinion, Option 1 all the way. Your life IS the occasion. Don’t save your prized possessions for special occasions—light up your crackling candle and take some time to savor the moment you have now.
If you do want to save it for another time, we’ll understand BUT, we’d really like to set you up for success. Follow these simple tips to ensure your candles burn beautifully and last longer, providing a dreamy and cozy ambiance to your zen den!
#1: Trim the Wick
The first and most important tip is to always keep the wick trimmed. We have trimmed the wick for you for the first burn so you can light it right out of the box. (We meant it when we said, Option 1 all the way!)
However, before relighting for future use, simply use a wick trimmer or even your fingers to pull off any charred or split portions of the wood. The ideal length for a wooden wick is about 1/8 inch so don’t worry if it appears short.
#2: Burn for the Right Amount of Time
This tip is especially important the first time you use your candle! For the initial burn, make sure to allow the candle to burn for 2-4 hours to create a full pool of wax that extends to the edges of the container.
Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time as it may cause the wax to overheat, which can be dangerous and will shorten the life of your candle. To avoid this, extinguish the candle after 4 hours and let it cool down before relighting.
#3: Keep the Wax Pool Clean
Before lighting your wooden wick candle, make sure the wax pool is clean of debris.
Just like a good morning routine starts with a good bedtime routine, take proper care after you have just extinguished your candle.
Once the flame is extinguished, remove the charred bits of debris that fall into the melted pool with a metal spoon or with a paper towel. Dip either the spoon or paper towel gently into the wax to collect any floating pieces. Once the wax has solidified again, you may place a lid or a dust cover back on top to avoid dust accumulation before your next burn.
Keeping the wax pool clean will help the candle burn more evenly and prevent the wick from becoming clogged.
#4: Store Your Candle Properly
Store your wooden wick candle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat and sunlight can cause the wax to melt, which can lead to deformation and a shorter lifespan. Also, make sure to store the candle in an upright position to prevent the wax from spilling or dripping.
#5: Use a Candle Snuffer
Lastly, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame as it is safer and will largely prevent the pesky, smoky-odor to linger after a candle is blown out. The goal is to keep the room smelling like the candle itself (i.e. not smoky) even after it has been put out.
Simply place the snuffer over the candle and let it suffocate the flame. This will prevent the wick from smoking or emitting any unpleasant odors (and as a bonus, will also help avoid charred bits from falling into the pool of wax).
BONUS #6: Placement
Placement is key! Place your candle away from any vents or wherever the flame may flicker dramatically, like outdoors. If you have a drafty room, an A/C vent, or a ceiling fan that blows on the candle while lit, it may cause an inconsistent wax pool which can limit the longevity of the candle.
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All in all, taking care of your wooden wick candles is easy and straightforward, and it can greatly enhance your candle burning experience. Taking care of your treasured belongings is an act of self-love. After all, ‘how you do anything is how you do everything’.
