Posted on June 4th, 2024

Candles are more than just sources of light; they add ambiance, fragrance, and warmth to any space. Here at Lovenight Candles in Lawrenceburg, we believe that taking care of your candles is key to getting the most out of them. Whether you’re enjoying our luxurious 13-ounce 3-wick candles, stylish 6-ounce candles in matte black metal containers, or our highly aromatic Premium Wax Melts, proper care can enhance their performance and longevity. In this blog post, we'll share expert tips for maximizing burn time and fragrance to ensure you get the best experience from our products.

The First Burn is Crucial

When lighting a new candle for the first time, it’s important to let it burn long enough for the entire surface to become liquid. This process is called memory burning. Allowing the wax to melt edge-to-edge prevents tunneling, where only the center of the candle melts down, leaving wax around the sides.

To achieve this, burn your candle for at least one hour per inch of its diameter. For instance, if you have a 3-wick candle, allow it to burn for about 3 hours during the initial use. This ensures an even burn for future uses and maximizes the candle’s lifespan.

Trim the Wick

Before lighting your candle each time, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A properly trimmed wick encourages a cleaner, brighter burn and prevents the wick from smoking or creating soot. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping, and flaring.

Use a wick trimmer or scissors to snip the wick. This small step can make a significant difference in how your candle burns and how long it lasts. Plus, it helps maintain the candle’s beautiful appearance.

Avoid Drafts

Candles burn best in still air. If your candle is placed in a drafty area, the flame may flicker excessively, leading to uneven burning and soot formation. Drafts can come from open windows, fans, air conditioners, or even frequent foot traffic.

To prevent this, position your candle away from direct airflow. A stable, draft-free environment allows the flame to burn evenly and consistently, enhancing the fragrance throw and extending the candle’s life.

Burn Candles for Optimal Time

For the best performance, burn your candles for 3–4 hours at a time. This duration allows the wax to melt evenly and release the maximum amount of fragrance. Burning for shorter periods can cause tunneling, while burning for too long can cause the wick to shift or the candle to overheat.

If you need to extinguish your candle before the optimal burn time, try to let it burn long enough to reach a full melt pool. This ensures an even burn the next time you light it.

Extinguish Candles Properly

How you extinguish your candle matters. Blowing out a candle can cause the wick to smoke and may splatter melted wax. Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently put out the flame. This method minimizes smoke and keeps your wick centered, ready for the next burn.

Alternatively, you can dip the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper, then straighten it back up. This technique helps prevent smoldering and smoking, preserving the fragrance for future use.

Store Candles Correctly

Proper storage can extend the life of your candles and maintain their fragrance. Keep your candles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can cause the wax to soften and affect the candle’s shape and scent.

Covering your candles when not in use can also protect them from dust and debris. For our 6 oz. candles in matte black metal containers, simply replace the lid to keep them fresh and ready for the next burn.

Keep the Wax Pool Clean

A clean wax pool is essential for a good burn. Before relighting your candle, check for any debris, such as matchsticks, wick trimmings, or dust. These can interfere with the wick’s ability to burn properly and may affect the scent throw.

If you notice any impurities in the melted wax, carefully remove them with a pair of tweezers. Keeping the wax pool clean ensures a consistent, even burn and prolongs the life of your candle.

Use Candle Accessories

Investing in candle accessories can enhance your candle experience. Wick trimmers, snuffers, and wick dippers are all tools designed to help you care for your candles properly. These accessories make it easier to maintain your candles and ensure they burn evenly and last longer.

Additionally, candle holders and trays can protect your surfaces from heat and wax drips while also adding a decorative touch to your space. Using the right accessories can make candle care simple and enjoyable.

Choose the Right Candle for the Right Space

Selecting the appropriate candle size and fragrance for your space can make a big difference. Our 13-ounce 3-wick candles are perfect for larger rooms where you want a strong, enveloping scent. The 6 oz. candles in matte black metal containers are ideal for smaller areas or as accents in larger spaces.

Consider the fragrance strength as well. For instance, a bold scent like Red Hot Nights can fill a large living room, while a subtler fragrance like Lick Me All Over might be better suited for a bedroom or bathroom. Matching the candle to the space ensures you get the most out of its scent and burn time.

Understanding Wax Melts

Wax melts are a wonderful alternative to traditional candles, offering the same great fragrance without the flame. To use them, place a melt in a warmer and let the heat release the scent. Wax melts are perfect for homes with pets or children where an open flame might not be ideal.

Our Premium Wax Melts come in a variety of scents, just like our candles. They’re a flexible option that allows you to easily switch out fragrances depending on your mood or the season. Plus, they provide a strong, consistent aroma that lasts for hours.

Recycle and Reuse

Once your candle has burned down, don’t throw away the container. Our candles come in recyclable containers, which can be reused in creative ways. Clean out the remaining wax and use the container as a small planter, a pen holder, or a decorative storage jar.

Recycling and reusing candle containers is not only eco-friendly but also a fun way to give a new life to something you love. Share your upcycled creations with us on social media and inspire others to do the same.

Experiment With Fragrance Combinations

One of the joys of candles is experimenting with different scents. Try burning two complementary fragrances together to create a unique atmosphere. For example, combine Magnolia Kiss with Mother’s Love for a sweet, floral blend that fills your home with a cozy, inviting aroma.

Mixing and matching scents can help you discover new favorites and make your space feel fresh and personalized. Our candles and wax melts are designed to blend beautifully, offering endless possibilities for custom fragrances.

Conclusion

Proper candle care is essential for maximizing burn time and fragrance, ensuring you get the most enjoyment from your Lovenight Candles products. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your candles, maintain their quality, and create a beautiful, aromatic environment in your home.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re always here to help you find the perfect candle and provide the best care tips. Enjoy your candles, and may they bring warmth and love to your home!