How to Care for Candles

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

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

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.

on 11/22/2005 To remove wax from a votive or other candle holder, just put it in the freezer for an hour or so. Once it's frozen, the wax will literally fall out by itself. No pre-spraying, no washing, and no prying are necessary. Be careful if your votive is metal, use a cloth when removing it from the freezer.

on 11/22/2005 Before putting your votive candle in a holder, spray the inside of the holder with a nonstick cooking spray to make it easier to remove the remains of wax after the candle has burned.

on 12/8/2008 I read you can make dripless candles from any regular candle by soaking it in a solution of water and table salt. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of salt for every 2 cups of water. Soak candle for 24 hours. I did it; it works!!