The Essence & Light Guide to Candle Care: Making Your Natural Candles Last

Investing in a natural candle is an investment in creating a beautiful and fragrant atmosphere in your home. At Essence & Light, each of our soy and coconut wax candles is hand-poured with care in Jervis Bay, Australia, designed to bring you hours of delightful scent. To ensure you get the most enjoyment and longevity from your beloved Essence & Light candles, follow our simple guide to candle care.

The First Burn: Setting the Stage for Success

The very first time you light your candle is crucial for its future performance. Allow the candle to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt completely and reach the edges of the tin or jar. This "melt pool" is essential for preventing tunneling (where the center burns down, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the sides) and ensures an even burn throughout the life of your candle. For our 100g tins, this might take around 1-2 hours; for larger candles, it could take longer.

Trim Your Wicks: The Golden Rule

Before each and every burn, trim your candle wick to approximately ¼ inch (about 5mm). This simple step is arguably the most important for candle care.

• Why trim? Long wicks can lead to a large, smoky flame, which can cause soot buildup on your container and release unwanted particles into the air. Trimming ensures a clean, steady flame and maximizes the scent throw.
• How to trim: Use wick trimmers, nail clippers, or even your fingers (once the candle is completely cool and the burnt wick is brittle).

Burn Time: Finding the Sweet Spot

While it's tempting to burn your candle for hours on end, it's generally recommended to limit each burn session to around 3-4 hours.

• Why limit burn time? Burning for too long can cause the container to overheat, potentially leading to fragrance loss or even damage to the surface below. It can also contribute to a larger, less controlled flame.

Placement Matters: Avoiding Hazards

Choose a safe location to burn your candle:

• Keep away from drafts, which can cause an uneven burn and excessive flickering.
• Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep away from flammable materials like curtains, paper, and fabrics.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Snuffing Out Safely:

The safest way to extinguish your candle is with a candle snuffer. If you don't have one, gently blow out the flame, being careful to avoid splattering wax. Avoid using the lid to extinguish the flame immediately after burning, as the container will be hot.

Storage: Keeping Your Candle Fresh

When not in use, store your candle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This helps to preserve the fragrance and prevent the wax from melting or discoloring.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Essence & Light natural candles provide you with many hours of beautiful fragrance and a warm, inviting glow. We believe in the quality of our hand-poured creations, and with a little care, you can enjoy their essence for even longer.

Explore our collection of natural candles and find your next long-lasting favorite!

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