Candles (scented or unscented) can be a wonderful experience, but in order to use them effectively and burn them correctly, one needs to know how to take care of them and how to keep them in good shape. Here are some scented candle care tips that can help you understand it better:

1. Trim the wick before each use

The first and most crucial candle care tip you should do before lighting a candle is to always trim the wick to around 1/4 inch. This lessens the chance of soot by keeping the flame from growing too big and promoting even burning of the candle. If the wick of your candle is not cut, soot may form and the flame may grow much larger than it needs to be. Hence, the next time you light a candle, consider cutting the wick about 1/4 inch shorter if you’re wondering why the flame is so big.

2. Let the wax melt evenly 

The second most important candle care tip is to let the wax melt evenly. Because soy wax retains memory, it burns in the same way as it did when you first burned it. When lighting the candle for the first time, make sure it burns long enough for the melted wax to reach the container’s sides. This lessens the chance of “tunneling,” which occurs when the candle melts only in the middle, leaving the sides unmelted. Always burn your candles for the full length of time necessary to reach the edges if you want to avoid “candle tunneling”.

3. Avoid burning candles for too long

If you burn your candles for an extended period of time, some unwanted consequences may happen. The candle container may get overheated. Moreover, the wick may begin to mushrooming. Be careful not to burn a candle for longer than three to four hours at a time to prevent the wick from mushrooming and the container from overheating. Make sure to note this particular candle care tip in your notebook.

4. Keep Candles away from drafts 

It is crucial that you take note of a few things when attempting a careful candle burning. Your candles should be kept out of the way of drafts, fans, and air conditioning vents. Drafts can result in soot, uneven burning, or even excessive flame flicker.

5. Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame 

Another candle care tip is to use a snuffer to put out the flame rather than blowing out the candle. This protects the wick from smoking and lessens the chance of hot wax spattering.

6. Store candles properly 

To extend the life of your candles, it’s important to understand how to store them properly. Keep candles out of direct sunlight and extremely hot or cold environments. Store them in a cool, dry place. This keeps the candle’s color and aroma intact. This tip is really important when it comes to candle care.

7. Protect surfaces 

It is key that you keep your candles away from particular surfaces—we cannot stress this enough. To avoid damaging your furnishings with heat, always set candles on a surface that can withstand high temperatures. Use a plate or candle holder underneath the candle for extra safety. If you place the candle container on a surface that isn’t heat resistant, it may get heated up during the burning process and cause harm to the surface.

8. Avoid Burning Candle All the Way Down 

Some individuals make an attempt to burn their candles all the way down, but it is not the proper method. When there is just approximately 1/2 inch of wax left in the bottom of the container, put out your candle. If you continue to burn the candle after this point, the container may overheat and damage.