Candle Care Tips for the Colder Months
As the temperatures drop and the days become shorter, there's no better way to create a warm and cosy ambiance than by lighting a Rathbornes candle. However, when it comes to candle care, colder months require special attention to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. In this blog, we'll explore essential tips for candle care in colder weather, from trimming the wick to storage.
Trim Your Wick
Cold weather can affect the performance of your candles, as the wax can become less adhesive. This can result in your wick not sticking properly to the sides of the container, and the wick may even start to sink into the wax pool.
Lower temperatures can also make it more challenging for the wax to reach the wick's flame. This might cause the candle to burn unevenly, with some parts of the wax not melting completely.
To counter these issues, it's a good practice to trim your candle wick to around 1/4 inch before each use. This simple step helps your candles burn more efficiently. By maintaining the right wick length, you ensure that the flame doesn't get too large and that it's in close proximity to the wax, promoting a clean and even burn.
Plus, it minimises the risk of smoking, soot, and other undesirable side effects.
Consider Where You Place Your Candles
When winter sets in, draughts and cooler indoor temperatures can impact how your candles perform.
So, here's a friendly tip: pay attention to where you put your candles.
Those sneaky draughts from open windows, vents, or other chilly spots can interfere with your candle's burn. To keep your candle burning bright, try to avoid placing them near these draughty areas.
It's not just about being draught-free; safety is key, too! Make sure your candles rest on a heat-resistant surface, away from anything that could catch fire. This ensures a safe and steady burn while you enjoy the warm and inviting glow.
Achieve a Full Melt Pool
In colder weather, it's extra important to be patient. To create a full melt pool, light your candle and let it burn for at least one hour for every inch of its diameter. It's like giving your candle a little time to warm up and get in the groove.
The magic happens when the wax pool extends all the way to the edges of your candle. This not only prevents that pesky tunnelling but also makes your candle last longer.
Extinguish Candles Carefully
When it's time to extinguish your candles, do so carefully. Using a candle snuffer or gently blowing out the flame can help prevent wax from splattering and extinguishing the candle evenly.
A gentle breath is all you need. Forceful blowing can create draughts that might affect the burn and disturb the tranquillity you've been enjoying.
Storage
Proper storage is essential, especially during colder months when you may not use candles as frequently. Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Extreme cold can affect the composition of the wax, potentially leading to cracks or discoloration. Ensure that the candles are kept upright to maintain their shape and prevent warping.
Stay warm and keep those flames burning brightly!
Candles can add warmth and comfort to your home during the colder months, but they require some extra care to perform their best. By following these candle care tips you can enjoy a safe and cosy candle-lit atmosphere throughout the winter season.
