Candles are a fantastic way to create a cozy atmosphere in any space. Whether they're used to add a touch of warmth to your living room or to enhance a relaxing bath, candles have the power to transform your home. At CatLady Candle, we want you to enjoy your candles to the fullest. In this blog post, we'll explore ten common candle mistakes and share tips on how to avoid them for a delightful, safe, and fragrant experience.
1. Not Trimming the Wick
A long wick can cause the flame to grow too large, leading to soot and uneven burning. Every time you light your candle, make sure to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This will help your candle burn cleanly and evenly.
2. Forgetting a Container Candle Needs Its First Burn
When you light your candle for the first time, make sure to allow the wax to melt completely to the edges of the container. This "memory burn" helps in preventing "tunneling," where a deep, narrow cavity forms in the wax. The Amber Embrace Handmade Scented Candle is perfect for testing your new-found expertise.
3. Burning a Candle for Too Long
While it might be tempting to keep your candle lit all day, you should avoid burning it for longer than 3-4 hours at a time. This can cause the wick to form a carbon buildup, known as "mushrooming," resulting in uneven burning and soot. The Southern Comforts Handmade Scented Candle offers a lovely fragrance that's perfect for short, cozy burns.
4. Using Candles in Drafty Areas
Placing a candle near an open window or a vent can lead to uneven burning and increased soot. Ensure your candles are positioned in a stable, draft-free location for the best experience.
5. Not Allowing Candles to Cool
After extinguishing a candle, let it cool completely before relighting. This results in a more even surface, promoting a consistent burn. Try this with our Frosted Pines Handmade Scented Candle and enjoy the refreshing scent that lasts.
6. Ignoring Candle Safety Around Pets and Children
Always ensure lit candles are out of reach of pets, children, and flammable materials. Safety should always come first, especially when you're relaxing with scented candles like the soothing Comfort & Chai Handmade Scented Candle.
7. Not Storing Candles Properly
Candles should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. This preserves the fragrance and color of the wax. Our Harvest Trail Handmade Scented Candle stays fresh with proper storage.
8. Lighting a Candle Without a Lighter or Long Match
Reduce the risk of burns by using a lighter or a long match to light your candle. This is especially important for candles with deeper wax pools like the Amber and Ash Handmade Scented Candle.
9. Not Snuffing Out the Flame
Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter and produce smoke. Instead, invest in a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and then straighten it. You'll thank us when your Berrywood Orchard Handmade Scented Candle gives off zero smoke next time.
10. Not Reviving a Tunnelled Candle
If your candle has tunneled, wrap aluminum foil around the edges with an opening at the top and let it burn for several hours. This traps heat and helps to even out the melt pool. Test this technique with a classic like the Apple Blossom Handmade Scented Candle.
Avoid these common pitfalls to get the most out of your candles, ensuring each burn is pleasant and safe. Visit CatLady Candle to discover more about our handmade scented candle collections, fragranced to perfection.