With autumn on its way, there’s nothing better than cosying up and retreating in the evenings with a new candle. At this time of year, I like to swap out my reed diffusers and opt for a candle instead. I love the warmth and therapeutic benefits of the glow and scent of a candle in my home. For added luxury, my ultimate relaxation is a candlelit bubble bath and a good book. I'm currently loving my En Plein Air Candle - the scent is so intoxicating with bergamot and lemon, and whispers of jasmine and amber. The air fills with dreams of luminescent skies…
If you love having a candle in every room or for every occasion, I'm sure you’ve thought about how you can make the most of your candles. It may be surprising, but there are many ways to make your candle smell stronger and last longer. Here are my top tips and tricks for candle burning the right way.
1. How to Make Candles Last Longer
The physics and chemistry behind a candle fascinate me. Did you know that wax has a memory? This is why it is essential to burn your candle for two hours upon first use - this will allow the wax to melt fully, ensuring an even burn the next time you light it. My top tip for making your candle last longer is to add a pinch of salt to the wax just after you extinguish your candle - this actually slows down the rate at which the wax melts, giving you a more economical burn.
2. How to Avoid Tunnelling
Tunnelling is when your candle burns unevenly, leaving a tunnel-like hole in the middle of your candle. To avoid this, let your candle burn for longer the first time you light it, ensuring the wax is fully melted into a pool rather than just the centre. All of our candles are double-wicked, which alleviates this issue completely, giving you an even burn.
3. How to Clean Your Candle
You might notice your candle occasionally stains black upon lighting, especially if you use a lighter. I recommend using a long matchstick instead. If your candle does get marked, the best way to clean it is to use a cotton pad with some warm soapy water, making sure to gently rub any black stains. Before using your candle again, allow it to fully dry out.
4. How to Reuse Your Candle Jar
All of our candles are made with 100% soy wax and poured into glass, making them perfect for reusing and recycling into something new. Our glass containers are eco-friendly and ideal for storing trinkets and treasures, or even as flower or plant pots. And now, you can extend the life of your favourite candle jar even further with our new candle refills. Here’s how:
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Simply pour boiling water into your used candle jar and let it cool.
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The leftover wax will float to the surface and solidify.
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Once the wax has hardened, pour out the water, wipe away the wax with a paper towel, and discard it (don’t worry, it's 100% plant-based and compostable).
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Now, your jar is ready - just pop in a refill and keep enjoying that wonderful glow.
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5. How to Trim Your Candle Wick
A great tip for making your candles last longer is to trim the wick regularly. Trim your candle after each use - ideally, the wick should be a couple of millimetres in length, the same as when new, to avoid black smoke or the glass overheating.
6. How to Efficiently Extinguish a Candle
Never blow your candle out! It might seem odd, but the best way to extinguish a candle is to use the lid, a glass, or a candle snuffer. Wait until the wax has melted right to the edges of your candle before snuffing it out. This will help the wax distribute evenly, avoid burying the wick, and ensure longevity of use.
I do hope my 6 top tips for making the most of your candle help you to enjoy your candles for longer. Candles are such a relaxing treat, which is why it’s important to me to share my tried and tested tricks to make sure you get the best use out of them.
Talk soon,
Bella x
