These ideas can help you get more enjoyment from having and using your candles.
Pillar Candles
Always burn pillar candles when they are placed on an appropriate plate or holder, as well as on a protected, non-combustible, heat-resistant surface.
Pillar candles are designed to burn cleanly and evenly. If burned properly, the candle should self consume.
P Pillar candles need to burn 3 to 6 hours the first time they are burned. This will allow burning to the edge of the candle and will create an illuminating well. After that, burn for three to four hours at a time. This process allows for an accumulation of heat to melt across the breadth of the candle and provide even burning throughout the life of the candle.
For bell-top pillar candles, burn for only five to ten minutes the first lighting. For the next 4 to 5 lightings, gradually increase the burning time until the bell-top is gone.
Floating Candles
Set your bowl in place first, then fill it with water. Lastly, place the candles on the water.
Be careful not to get the candle wick wet.
Use warm water. It will extend the burn time.
Distilled water eliminates mineral buildup on the side of crystal or glass.
Use clear glass bowls. That way, the light and moving water is reflected on your table
Taper Candles
Make sure the candles are set firmly and upright in their holders.
Sometimes a taper candle has a stem that is too big for its holder. Set the stem of the candle in a half inch of hot tap water to soften the wax. Gently set the candle into the holder letting the stem custom fit to the holder. Repeat as necessary until you have a secure fit. Candle sharpeners can help to eliminate this problem.
Glass Jar Candles
Always burn glass jar candles placed on an appropriate holder and also on a protected, non-combustible, heat-resistant surface.
When burning, handle with care. The container may become very hot.
Never allow the flame to come in direct contact with the side of the container. Always keep the wick trimmed to ¼" and centered. If the wick moves from the center, reposition it by moving it back to the center with a non-flammable instrument.
Avoid glass-to-glass contact when removing or replacing the lid.
Do not burn the candle if the container is cracked, chipped, scratched or damaged in any way. This is a fire hazard.
If the container becomes blackened while burning, wait until after it is extinguished. Then use a dry paper town to clean it. Prevent blackening by keeping the wick trimmed to ¼" while burning.
Discontinue use when ½" of wax remains. This will prevent possible heat damage to the counter surface or the container itself.
Never refill the jar with wax.
To Clean Up Spilled Wax
Let spilled wax solidify so when it hardens it can be removed in pieces. Cover it with several paper towels or a brown paper grocery bag and gently press with a warm iron. The wax will melt and be absorbed into the paper.
Votive Candles
Always use a votive cup to burn votive candles. They are made of a low melt wax.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of water to the candle holder before adding a votive candle. This will help to protect the holder from excessive heat and will make cleaning easier.
These candles are designed to liquefy while burning and must be used in an appropriate sized container. The inside of the container should be a similar size than the votive candle itself. If the container is too wide it will leave the liquid wax too far from the flame and excess wax will remain. The tighter the fit the longer the candle will burn.
Tips for Trimming the Candle Wick:
Never trim a wick when it is cold. Cold, charred wicks are brittle and can break off at the wax surface which will leave nothing to relight.
If the candle is smoking it means the wick needs trimming. Extinguish the candle, trim the wick to ¼", remove any carbon from the wax pool, then relight the candle.
Char your wicks ahead of time when you need to light a number of candles quickly. This is especially helpful when you intend to use candles for a dinner party.
What do you do when you need a extra long match, but don't have any?
Use Spaghetti
Here’s a little hint. Try using a piece of spaghetti to light multiple candles when you don’t have extra-long matches handy.
