Candle Care

Trimming a wooden wick candle is slightly different from trimming a traditional cotton wick candle, but it's important for maintaining a safe and efficient burn. Here's how to trim a wooden wick candle:

1. Wait for the Candle to Cool: Always trim the wooden wick when the candle has cooled down and the wax has solidified. Attempting to trim the wick while it's still hot or the wax is liquid can be dangerous.
2. Gently Remove Charred Wood: After burning your wooden wick candle, you may notice a small "mushroom" of charred wood at the tip of the wick. This mushroom shape can disrupt the candle's flame and cause excess smoke and soot. Use a wick trimmer, scissors, or clean nail clippers to carefully snip off the charred part of the wick. Aim to remove only the blackened area, leaving a clean, flat, and uncharred surface.
3. Maintain a Short Wick: Wooden wicks tend to perform best when kept relatively short, usually around 4-6 mm in length. A shorter wick helps create a more controlled and even flame.

By regularly trimming the wooden wick to the appropriate length and removing charred portions, you can enjoy a cleaner and more efficient burn from your wooden wick candle while prolonging its lifespan.

Properly storing candles can help preserve their quality and prolong their lifespan. Here are some tips on how to store candles:

1. Keep Them Cool and Dry: Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat can cause candles to soften or warp, and direct sunlight can fade their colors.
2. Use a Container: To protect candles from dust and debris, consider storing them in a container with a lid, such as a plastic bin or a decorative candle box. This will also prevent the wicks from bending or becoming damaged.
3. Store Upright: Whenever possible, store candles upright to prevent them from becoming misshapen. If storing tapered candles, use a dedicated candle holder to keep them straight.
4. Keep Away from Drafts: Store candles away from drafts, as strong air currents can cause uneven burning.
5. Keep Away from Flammable Materials: Ensure candles are stored away from flammable materials like paper, fabric, or curtains to reduce the risk of fire.

The burn time of a candle can vary widely depending on factors such as its size, composition, and wick type but as a general guideline:

1. First Burn: When you first light a new candle, allow it to burn until the entire surface becomes liquid wax. This helps prevent the candle from forming a "tunnel" and ensures even burning in subsequent uses. This can take one to two hours for most candles.
2. Subsequent Burns: For each subsequent use, it's typically recommended to burn the candle for around 2-4 hours at a time. This allows the candle to pool evenly and extends its overall burn time.
3. Avoid Extended Burns: It's important not to burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a stretch to prevent overheating and potential safety hazards. Extinguish the candle and allow it to cool before relighting if you wish to continue using it.
4. Trim the Wick: Before relighting the candle, always trim the wick to about 4-6 mm to ensure a clean and efficient burn.

Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep it away from drafts, flammable materials, and out of the reach of children and pets to ensure safety.