Candle care -How to enjoy your hand poured candles
At White Tree Candle Co, we believe that proper candle care is the key to unlocking the full potential of these captivating creations. Whether you're a seasoned candle enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of artisanal candles, understanding the nuances of candle maintenance can make all the difference in your enjoyment.
Understanding Hand Poured Soy Candles
Soy candles have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paraffin candles offer a range of benefits. Soy wax is a renewable, biodegradable resource that burns cleaner and longer than its petroleum-based counterparts. Additionally, the hand-poured process used by White Tree Candle Co ensures that each candle is unique, with its own distinct character and charm.
One of the key advantages of hand-poured soy candles is their ability to provide a more consistent and even burn. Unlike mass-produced candles, which can sometimes suffer from uneven wax pools or tunneling, our hand-crafted candles are designed to deliver a smooth, consistent burn from start to finish. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the candle but also helps to maximize the scent throw and overall burn time.
Proper Wick Maintenance
At the heart of a well-burning candle is the wick. Proper wick maintenance is crucial for ensuring that your candle performs at its best. The ideal wick length for most candles is between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. Trimming the wick before each use helps to prevent excessive sooting, uneven burning, and the formation of a large, unstable flame.
To trim the wick, simply use a pair of sharp scissors or wick trimmers to snip the wick to the recommended length. Be sure to trim the wick after the candle has fully cooled, as attempting to trim a hot wick can be dangerous and may damage the candle.
It's also important to keep an eye out for signs that the wick may need attention. If you notice the wick growing excessively long, or if the flame appears to be flickering or producing a lot of soot, it's time to give the wick a trim.
Creating the Perfect Melt Pool
The melt pool is the area of liquefied wax that forms around the wick as the candle burns. Achieving the ideal melt pool is crucial for ensuring an even, consistent burn. A properly formed melt pool should extend to the edge of the candle container, allowing the wax to fully liquefy and release its fragrance.
To encourage the formation of a perfect melt pool, it's important to allow the candle to burn for 3 to 4 hours or until the liquified wax has reached the edge during each use.
Resist the urge to extinguish the flame before the wax has fully liquefied, as this can lead to uneven burning and the formation of a "tunnel" in the centre of the candle.
The photo below shows the perfect melt pool.
Maximizing Burn Time and Scent Throw
One of the most satisfying aspects of burning a high-quality candle is the ability to enjoy its fragrance for an extended period. To maximize the burn time and scent throw of your White Tree Candle products, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.
First, be mindful of the recommended burn time for your specific candle. Allowing the candle to burn for the full recommended duration helps to ensure that the wax pool reaches the edges of the container, which in turn allows the fragrance to be fully released.
Additionally, be sure to trim the wick before each use, as an overly long wick can lead to a larger, more erratic flame that can diminish the scent throw and shorten the overall burn time.
Storing and Preserving Your Candles
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your hand-poured soy candles. Ideally, candles should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Exposure to excessive heat or humidity can cause the wax to become soft or discolored, while UV light can fade the candle's fragrance over time.
When not in use, be sure to store your candles with the lids on to help preserve the scent and prevent dust or debris from accumulating on the surface of the wax.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best of care, candles can sometimes encounter issues that can affect their performance. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:
Tunneling
Tunneling occurs when the wax in the center of the candle burns down faster than the wax around the edges, creating a deep, narrow well. To prevent tunneling, be sure to allow the candle to burn until the entire surface is liquefied before extinguishing the flame.
Uneven Burning
If you notice that your candle is burning unevenly, with one side burning faster than the other, try trimming the wick to the recommended length and ensuring that the candle is placed on a level surface and away from any draughts.
Conclusion
At White Tree Candle Co, we believe that the joy of burning a beautifully crafted, hand-poured soy candle is only enhanced by understanding the art of proper candle care.
By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure that your candles burn evenly, release their fragrance to the fullest, and provide you with countless moments of relaxation and tranquility.
So, light your favourite White Tree Candle Co creation, sit back, and savour the experience – knowing that with a little bit of care and attention, you can make the most of every flickering flame.