How to Care for Candles

Follow these simple guidelines to maintain the beauty and quality of your candles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Aluminum Foil
• Candleholders
• Candles
• Soft Dry Cloth
• Mineral Spirits
• Scissors

1. Trim the wick to 1/4-inch length before lighting a candle. A long wick can emit smoke and burn faster.
2. Watch to see if smoke comes from the candle while burning. If this happens, blow it out and re-trim the wick, making sure it is 1/4 inch long. If the candle continues to smoke, return it to where you purchased it - quality candles should not smoke as they burn.
3. Avoid placing a candle near a draft, and make sure to place it on a secure candleholder.
4. Burn a pillar candle in such a way as to prevent it from burning straight down the center. The first time you burn a pillar candle, let the pool of wax extend to the outside of it, burning the candle one hour for every inch in diameter.
5. Extinguish the candle when it has burned to about 2 inches from the candleholder's rim.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep a candle looking glossy and new, gently rub its surface with mineral spirits and a soft cloth.
• To extend the life of tapers, wrap them in aluminum foil (to protect against moisture) and place in your refrigerator when not in use.
• Add a small amount of water (about a teaspoon) to the bottom of a votive candleholder to make the holder easier to clean.
• Replace lids on scented candles when not being burned. This will help the candles retain their fragrance.

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