How to care for your scented candles

22 April 13
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melt scented candles

We want you to get the most out of your scented candles. From experience, here at Melt, we know how important it is to look after them so they last as long as possible.

Do you have any tricks to make your scented candles last longer? Well, we’re here to offer you some…

Burning your scented candles

It’s so important to get this bit right, not just for the candle’s longevity, but for how it looks when it’s burning.

First, the wick…Trim it to roughly an eighth of an inch. Why? If you don’t, the scented candle might become distorted, because of crystallisation and temperature. A repeated wick trimming, to an eighth of an inch (3-4 mm), will prevent you from having to dig the wax from around the wick.

The first time you light it should only be for about an hour…in order to start melting the wax in an even fashion. After this period, allow the wax to solidify, and, once it has set, light it again for a bit longer. This will prepare your candle to burn evenly.

From there on in, trim your wick after each burn – removing the softened end, although not too much, or else it will be difficult to re-light. Also, don’t leave them in a draft because the direct flow of air may make them burn unevenly.
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Storage

Wrap your scented candles separately in cloths and tissues. Also, wrap them sealed plastic bag to keep the scents in.

Put them in a cool, dark place, but don’t freeze them – they might crack! Long candles may bend, so storing them flat is a good idea. Coloured candles can’t have too much light or they will fade.

Wax removal

We try our best to ensure candle wax doesn’t drip everywhere – but it will still happen occasionally.

Remove any candle wax from unwanted areas like tablecloths by putting either a clean paper bag, a newspaper or kitchen towels over the place you are planning to clean – one underneath if possible too.

Set an iron to an appropriate temperature and press down on the top layer, which will melt the wax. After the wax softens and is absorbed by the paper, you’ll need to repeat it, using fresh paper, until all the wax is absorbed.

Wax buildups in your candleholders can be placed in the freezer until the wax hardens and becomes brittle. You can then chip the hardened wax out, scraping it with a knife.

Use hot water to wash out your candleholders – dishwashers being the easiest method.

To remove wax from hard surfaces or furniture use a blunt knife or plastic spatula in a gentle motion so as not damage the surface. Then, rub the wax with a cloth. Hard surfaces such as worktops will need a surface spray cleaner too.

Why go to all this trouble?

This may seem like a lot of trouble to go to just for a scented candle – but it really will make your candles last longer – much longer.

Remember, there’s nothing more frustrating than candles that don’t burn properly.