Candle Care

A few small habits make a candle burn cleaner, smell stronger and last longer.

The first burn

Let the first burn run two to three hours, until the melted wax reaches the edge of the jar or tin. Wax has a memory: a short first burn leaves a tunnel that the candle follows for the rest of its life.

Trim the wick every time

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each light. A long wick makes a tall, flickering flame, soot on the glass, and mushrooming at the tip. The Brass Wick Trimmer reaches the bottom of deep jars.

Burn time

• 4 oz travel tin: about 20 hours in total.
• 8 oz amber jar: about 45 hours in total.
• Burn for no more than four hours at a time, then let it cool fully before relighting.

Safety

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep it away from drafts, curtains, children and pets.
• Burn on a heat-safe surface.
• Stop when about 1/2 inch of wax remains.

Reusing the jar

Freeze the empty jar for an hour, pop out the leftover wax, then wash it in warm soapy water. Amber jars make good pencil cups, bud vases and spice jars.