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Candle care guide by candle type
Every candle has its own character. Some require little to no care, while others need a bit more attention. In this short guide, we’ll introduce you to the different types of candles and their unique features.
Pillar candle
and other types of candles wider than 4 cm (1.5")
- Remove the label and place the candle on a heat-resistant surface or plate.
- Allow the candle to burn for at least 3 hours per session, until a wide melt pool forms and the outer walls soften. These softened walls are important for the next step.
- Once a deep melt pool has formed and the wax walls are soft and warm, gently press them slightly inward toward the wick while holding the candle with both hands.
- If the wick leans to one side, straighten it so it burns in the center of the candle.
- Do not blow out the candle or smother the flame. Instead, use the wick to dip the flame into the melted wax, then lift and center it again so it is ready for the next burn.
- If the flame becomes too large or a black “mushroom” forms on the wick, extinguish the candle and trim the wick to about 5 mm (¼ inch) before relighting.
Taper candle
and other types of candles smaller than 4 cm (1.5")
- Keep the candle upright. Secure it in a suitable, stable candle holder and trim the wick to about 1 cm (½ inch) before lighting.
- If the flame becomes too large or a black “mushroom” forms on the wick, extinguish the candle, trim the wick, and relight it.
- Drafts may cause smoking, flickering, or dripping. Move the candle to a more suitable location.
- If the candle begins to leak (especially larger-diameter candles), extinguish it and use a small amount of the melted wax to seal the leak.
- In rare cases, carbon buildup from the wick may break off and stick to the edge of the candle. To prevent this, always monitor and maintain the candle while it is burning.
Votive candle
Candle in glass candle holder
- Votive candles are designed to melt completely, so they should always be used in a tightly fitting cup or holder. Using them without a cup may cause the wax to spill.
- Do not trim the wick before lighting the candle for the first time.
- Only trim the wick if the flame flickers excessively or produces smoke, and always do so in a draft-free environment.
- Votive candles should burn for at least per session. They feature a metal wick base that keeps the flame centered and distributes heat for a more even and complete burn.
- Keep in mind that at lower temperatures - especially when placed on thick or cold holders - some heat may be drawn away from the candle, potentially leaving a small amount of wax on the sides of the cup.
- After the candle has burned out, placing the cup in the freezer can make it easier to remove the metal base and any remaining wax.
Tealights and refills
Candles in aluminim cup
- Tea candles are designed to melt completely during burning, so they must be used in suitable aluminum cups, either the ones provided with them or others made specifically for this size.
- It is not necessary to shorten the wick. Tea candles burn best when left to burn with a single lighting.
- If you extinguish the candle when less than half of the wax remains, relighting may be difficult and/or result in uneven burning.
- Keep in mind that at lower temperatures-especially with thick holders or cold surfaces-some of the heat may be drawn away from the candle. This can result in a small amount of wax remaining on the sides of the cup.
- Use a tea candle refill in the special aluminum cups provided for this purpose. This will allow the candle to burn most efficiently and with minimal residue.
Ornamental candles
(decorative candles)
- Always place decorative candles on a pillar candle mat. Due to their complex design, they may require a little more attention while burning.
- Wax may drip onto the mat, but you can slowly and carefully return it to the candle. When burning candles with a variable diameter, you may need to extinguish the flame if it appears that the candle will leak. Allow the wax to cool before relighting.
Floating candles
- Carefully lower the candle into a bowl or vase of still water, making sure that the top does not get flooded.
- Floating candles perform best when burned with a single flame.
- If the candle becomes flooded with water, remove the trapped water and allow the candle to dry completely before relighting.
- Please note that floating candles cannot burn completely and will leave a residue that has been in contact with the water and cooled by it.
