As Autumn approaches and the evenings get darker and colder, we’ll all no doubt be lighting more scented candles around the house.
Candle care and safety is our top priority here at Shearer Candles, so we thought it would be a good time for a little update about candle burning tips and safety. We also want you to get the most out of our products so you can enjoy them for as long as possible, so here are our top tips:
- Read the packaging carefully
You can find safety information on each of our products which instructs you on how to burn a candle safely. This includes the products ingredients and allergens if applicable.
- Keep candles away from draughts
We want your candle to burn evenly throughout its lifetime. If it’s sat on a windowsill, near a doorway or fireplace, it may be sat in a draught. This will affect the direction of the flame and could mean your wax melts unevenly. If draughts can’t be avoided, ensure you turn your candle regularly.
- Always trim the wick
Always trim the candle wick to approximately 1cm long. This should avoid any smoking and the wick bending over whilst it burns, meaning one side of the candle will burn more quickly than the other.
- Burn Time
Try to burn your candles for 3-4 hours at a time, or until the surface is liquefied. This will avoid tunnelling and ensure an even burn.
- Avoid secondary wicks
Never leave foreign objects in your candles, e.g. matchsticks or insects if you have burnt it outside. These can act as secondary wicks, and can cause danger if allowed to burn.
- Avoid flooding
If the flame is burning really small, your candle may be flooding with wax. If this is the case, it’s best to extinguish the flame and carefully pour some of the wax out of the candle.
- Never move a burning candle
Some candle containers become very hot when lit. Never attempt to move a candle when it is lit or the wax has liquefied. Wait until the container has cooled enough to handle before moving your candle.
- Remove packaging
Remember to remove all packaging before you light your candle. Paper or plastic wraps that are in contact with the wax could come into contact with the flame when lit and catch fire.
- Pillar candles and lanterns Avoid placing scented pillar candles in glass lanterns; the environment is too hot for the softer wax used in scented candle products. Instead, opt for unscented pillar candles or container candles, i.e. jars or tea lights.
