Yes, there’s a right way to light a candle
Your candle is an investment. A Nomad Noé candle, for example, gets you 55 hours of clean-burning scents to fill your home. That’s a commitment! To make the most of that time, it’s important to take care of the candle, like you would any cherished object. It not only enhances the experience but also ensures the candle burns as long and as safely as it should.
There are three parts to approaching candle care: before, during, and after each burn.
Read Before Burning
- This is the most important step. Trim the wick at least ¼ inch (0.6mm). This prevents a “mushroom wick,” which occurs when the wax doesn’t burn as quickly as the wick. When this happens, the wick absorbs the wax, building up carbon particles and potentially releasing soot.
- The first burn should last 2–4 hours, and you should ensure the wax melts across the entire surface so to prevent tunneling. This way, you’ll get an even burn for the rest of the candle’s life.
- It’s OK to take a lot of time between burns. Just make sure you keep the wax clean of dust and debris before burning. Rub a piece of nylon or soft cloth to remove any dust. Dampen if necessary.
- Location, location. Make sure your candle’s away from drafts, which can decrease burn time and cause smoking and uneven burning. Make sure your candle is on a sturdy and heat-resistant surface.
- Keep windows and doors closed. Again, drafts lessen a scent’s throw and concentration.
During a Burn
- Always keep a candle burning within sight. We don’t play with fire!
- Don’t move a candle container when the wax is liquified.
- If your candle is tunneling, place a piece of tin foil on top, with an opening in the middle for the flame. This helps create a dome of heat around the surface of the candle, cause all the wax on top to liquify. Check the candle every 20 minutes until this happens.
- Don’t burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Any longer can cause the wick to mushroom.
After-Burn Care
- It’s best to keep ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1mm) of wax at the bottom of the candle. This helps avoid overheating the container and the surface below it.
- A candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a flame. Blowing at the wick can cause hot wax to splatter.
- Like oil, wax and water don’t mix. Never use water to extinguish a flame.
- Stick around a few seconds to make sure the wick is completely out and there are no embers. Don’t stick around to touch or move hot wax.
- Follow instructions. Every candlemaker has their own set of instructions. Best to follow their expertise.
