A few simple habits make candles burn more evenly, last longer and stay cleaner.
The first burn matters
The first time you light a candle in a pot, let it burn until the melted wax reaches the edges. This usually takes two to three hours. If you blow it out too early, it can tunnel down the middle on every burn after that.
Trim the wick
Before each burn, trim the wick to about 5 mm. A long wick makes a tall, smoky flame and can leave soot on the pot.
Burn for up to four hours
After about four hours, put the candle out and let it cool before relighting. This keeps the flame steady and the wick from mushrooming.
Safety first
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles away from children, pets, draughts and anything that can catch fire.
- Stand candles on a heat-resistant surface, such as a stoneware candle plate.
- Stop burning a container candle when about 1 cm of wax is left.
Reuse the pot
Once a candle is finished, pour a little hot water into the pot, let the wax float up and set, then lift it out. The pot makes a good holder for pens, brushes or a small plant.
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