Candle Burning Tips

Did you know that the first time you light your candle may be the most important? In order for your candle to burn properly, it needs to be allowed to reach a full melt pool on the initial burn. This helps to set the candle's "memory", insuring a full melt pool on subsequent burns, with little to no wax wasted.

Were you also aware of the importance of keeping your wicks trimmed? Trimming to 1/4" before lighting your candle each time helps to reduce smoking and soot. It may be necessary to extinguish the candle at some point to trim the wick because of "mushrooms" forming on the wick's tip. Be sure to allow the wax to set up some before trimming and relighting to keep the melt pool free from debree. Some mushrooming is characteristic of highly scented candles, and simply serves as a reminder to trim.

Container Candles
Burn only on a heat resistant surface, as the container may become hot. Do not move the candle when lit.

Votive Candles
Votive candles are made to liquify, so it is important to burn them in a tight fitting holder. This will keep your fuel source close to the wick and allow for nearly double the burn time that could be expected from a votive left to burn like a pillar.

Pillar Candles
Pillar candles need love and attention...they need to be hugged. A thin shell will form around the outer edge once the melt pool has been established. Upon extinguishing your candle, gently "hug" the shell inward to promote complete wax consumption on subsequent burns. You may also find that your melt pool looks uneven. This happens with most cotton core wicking, and is a result of a slight bend to the wick. The bend allows the tip of the wick to be exposed to the hottest part of the flame, reducing the amount of mushrooming and decreasing the need for frequent wick trimming.

Extinguishing
The very best way to extinguish your candle is by dipping the wick in the melt pool. If you were to blow the candle out, there may still be a spark left at the end of the wick which will cause the candle to smoke excessively. By dipping the wick, the spark is extinguished, you will notice little to no smoke, and the wick will be primed with fuel for the next lighting. Don't forget to trim before you light again!

Soy Potpourri Biscuits
For best results use in a tea light or electric bulb powered warmer. Use of a "crock pot" type warmer is not advised because they can generate too much heat causing the melted wax to smoke and burn off the fragrance too quickly. By using a lower heat source you are insured that your biscuits will retain their fragrance longer. Because the wax of potpourri biscuits will never be consumed by an open flame, you may find it difficult to remove the final product from your warmer. This problem can be alleviated by putting a bit of water in the bottom of your warmer before melting biscuits.

Please remember to burn your candles on heat resistant surfaces. Don't move the candle once it has
been lit. Burns can occur from the melt pool spilling with pillar candles, and the container or holder may become very hot with jar candles and votives. Burn candles away from drafts, especially open windows or ceiling fans.

NEVER leave a burning candle unattended, and keep all lit candles away from children and pets.