Scented candles can enhance your home’s ambiance, but proper care is essential to maximise their lifespan and fragrance quality. Here are some tips to ensure your Helm London candles burn beautifully every time:
Trim the Wick
Before each use, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6mm). This prevents excessive soot and ensures a clean, even burn. A long wick can cause the candle to burn too quickly, creating black smoke and reducing the candle’s lifespan.
Allow the Wax to Pool
When lighting your candle, let it burn until the entire surface of the wax melts. This can take 2-4 hours depending on the size of the candle. Allowing the wax to pool evenly prevents tunnelling, where the candle burns down the centre, wasting wax on the sides.
Avoid Drafts
Keep your candle away from drafts, vents, and fans. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker, leading to uneven burning and soot production. A stable flame helps the candle burn evenly and reduces waste.
Extinguish with Care
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame rather than blowing it out. Blowing can cause hot wax to splatter and may create smoke. A snuffer gently extinguishes the flame, reducing smoke and preserving the fragrance.
Keep the Wax Clean
Ensure the candle wax remains free of debris such as matches or wick trimmings. This helps maintain a clean burn and preserves the quality of the fragrance. Before each use, inspect the wax surface and remove any foreign objects.
Store Properly
Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Excessive heat can cause the wax to soften or melt, while cold can cause it to crack. Proper storage preserves the candle’s integrity and fragrance.
Avoid Burning for Too Long
To preserve the candle’s life, avoid burning it for more than 4 hours at a time. Extended burning can cause the wick to form a mushroom-like shape, leading to uneven burning and excess soot. Allow the candle to cool for at least 2 hours before relighting.
Rotate Usage
If you have multiple candles, rotate their use to ensure even burning and prevent any single candle from becoming depleted too quickly. This also allows you to enjoy different fragrances throughout your home.
By following these care and maintenance tips, you can enjoy the full benefits of your Helm London scented candles. Proper care ensures a clean, even burn, maximises the candle’s lifespan, and maintains the quality of the fragrance, enhancing your home’s atmosphere with delightful scents.