FAQs

General Candle Burning tips.
Can I be guaranteed a long burn time?
What affects Burn time?
Which type of candle produces the most fragrance?
Why do candles drip?
What causes a candle to smoke?
Why is the candle flame so high?
Why is the candle flame so low?
How do I get my candle to burn more evenly?
How do I stop my candle’s edges falling in?
How can I stop my votives dripping?
Why do I need to trim the wicks?
What is the best way to store my candles?
How do I polish my candles?
How do I stop my candle fading?
How do I clean my candle?
What causes soot?
How can you get rid of soot?
How do I clean wax off my candleholder?
How do I remove spilt wax from bench tops?
How do I remove wax from wood ?
How to remove candle wax from carpet?
How to get candle wax out of tablecloth?

General Candle Burning tips.

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow all instructions…you may think candles are a cinch and everything is logical and easy but candles are not all the same. The waxes, wicks and additives are very different…and your candle will last longer if you follow the instructions.
  
  
• Always remove labels from the bottom before using votive candles.
  
  
• Never burn a candle directly on or near anything that can catch fire. Furniture with upholstery, Carpets, Drapes, Bedding, Books, Paper, Your hair!
  
  
• Don’t straighten the wick when relighting a taper candle …you might break it off
  
  
• For your safety, don't ever pick up the candle jar when it is lit, especially if it is this low and make sure you place the candle on a heat resistant countertop.

Can I be guaranteed a long burn time? What affects Burn time?

Type of wax, additives to the wax, impurities in the wax, type of wick, location, drafts, air flow, air temperature, closeness to other candles, the amount of time in a continuous burn, wick trimming and the type of holder or container all affect burn time for a candle. Therefore where burn times have been stated, these are approximate only because your actions contribute significantly to the burn time. You can get the best out of your candle by following the information given throughout this section.

Which type of candle produces the most fragrance?

Soy and beeswax emit the most fragrance.
Some candles have 2-5 wicks. This produces a larger pool of melted wax which emits more fragrance. These type of candles can be difficult to light and hard ensure enough air flow. Some candles have 2-3 times more fragrance than others. There is a maximum amount of fragrance that can be added to a candle before it will no longer burn cleanly or properly. So it is about achieving a good balance. Candlelight Solutions has candles to suit a variety of tastes and preferences.

Why do candles drip?

The amount of drip from a candle is mostly related to the type of wax and the additives in the candle. The best quality candles have almost no drip unless of course, the candle is designed to drip. Some customers really like the rustic look that is achieved with a high level of drip.

What causes a candle to smoke?

• A well made candle should not smoke
  
  
• The type of wick can cause smoking
  
  
• Do not buy candles with lead wicks
  
  
• Some paper wicks burn inefficiently and cause smoking. Cotton Wicks are best.
  
  
• The length of the wick
  
  
• Trim the wick to ½ inch (6mm) every time before burning
  
  
• Use a wick trimmer, old fingernail trimmers or small scissors.
  
  
• Trim the wick, relight…if still smoking repeat until not smoking
  
  
• Build-up on the wick
  
  
• Caused by carbon deposits from inefficient burning from impurities in the wax, wick, dye or fragrance used
  
  
• Generally speaking, good quality candles shouldn’t get a build-up
  
  
• Very highly scented candles are more susceptible
  
  
• Fix by extinguishing the flame and trimming the wick
  
  
• Type of fragrance/dye
  
  
• Some fragrances and dyes interfere with the even flow of wax to the wick. This disrupts combustion and carbon is given off
  
  
• Some fragrances particularly in cheaper candles have impurities that give off smoke when burnt
  
  
• The imbalance may be isolated to the top of the candle. Try lighting the candle and as the wax melts pour off some of the wax into a paper towel
  
  
• Lack of oxygen
  
  
• Drafts – flickering disturbs the wick and interferes with the burn
  
  
• Some cheaper candles have dye or fragrance that has not blended with the wax properly.
  
  
• Purchase good quality candles…they may be more expensive initially but they burn slower, safer and last longer and have little to no smoke, therefore they are better value for money and cheaper in the long run

Why is the candle flame so high?

• The wick is too long. Snuff out the flame, trim the wick and relight

Why is the candle flame so low?

• The wick is too short
  
  
• Too much wax around the wick.
  
  
• This sometimes happens when the candle burns for a long time in one burn
  
  
• Blow out the candle, tip out some of the wax onto paper towel, Relight the candle.
  
  
• When other candles close by contribute to the heat build up around the candle resulting in more wax melting than is designed to melt. Wax melts from the sides in to the centre and reduces the amount of wick exposed.
  
  
• Space candles >3 inches (7.5cm) apart. Ensure good air flow around the candles.

How do I get my candle to burn more evenly?

• The first time you burn your pillar candle burn it for one hour for every inch (2.5cm) of its diameter.
  
  
• Keep burning candles out of drafts…not only can the flame blow out or catch something alight, it causes the candle to smoke, splatter and burn unevenly
  
  
• Place lighted candles at least 3 inches apart from one another.

How do I stop my candle’s edges falling in?

• The first time you burn your pillar candle burn it for one hour for every inch (2.5cm) of its diameter. This allows the pool of wax to extend to the outside rim and prevent your candle from forming a "crater" in its center and the edges falling in.

How can I stop my votives dripping everywhere?

• If Votives are burned without a container, they will drip. (They are meant to liquefy during burning.) Be sure your holder is big enough for the votive.

Why do I need to trim the wicks?

• Trimmed candle wicks encourage clean, smoke-free burning.
  
  
• Long, bent wicks cause uneven burning and dripping.
  
  
• A short wick creates a small, more controlled flame
  
  
• A short wick reduces smoking and soot build up

How short do I trim my candle wick?

• Trim candle wicks to ¼ inch before burning

What is the best way to store my candles…preserve scented candles?

• Store your candles in a cool, dry place.
  
  
• Keep away from bright light which can fade candle colors
  
  
• Hot temperatures can melt the wax causing your candles to lean over
  
  
• Tapers and tall candles should lie flat when stored to prevent warping
  
  
• Store different scents away from each other (a separate bag will do)
  
  
• Never leave candles in your car on a hot day (they will melt)

How do I polish my candles?

• An old nylon stocking is great for this…..rub gently

How do I stop my candle fading?

• Keep out of direct sunlight or bright lighting

How do I clean my candle?

• Clean candles with a piece of nylon or a dry or damp soft cloth.
  
  
• Don’t clean candles while still warm.

What causes soot?
Soot is produced when incomplete combustion occurs. The flame does not burn efficiently and carbon particles (soot) are produced. Several factors affect combustion and contribute to this occurrence.

• The length of the wick. Keep your wick short!
  
  
• The wick’s access to oxygen. Jar or container candles can reduce the air flow. Ensure a good air flow around the candle with drafts.
  
  
• Elevate the base of hurricane or lamp globe with a coin or small thin object to allow air flow around the candle from the bottom
  
  
• Clean jars or containers with hot soapy water between uses (orange/citrus cleaners are great)
  
  
• Impurities in the wax. Soy candles generally produce the least soot, beeswax and palm wax also produce little soot if good quality is used. Paraffin commonly causes soot unless highly purified. Choose good quality candles!
  
  
• Impurities in the fragrance/dyes used in the candle. Choose good quality candles!
  
  
• Too much fragrance oil - Good manufacturers have the right balance worked out.
  
  
• Technique & implement used when lighting the wick. When the candle is deep inside the jar, small matches tend to smoke a lot causing soot build-up on the glass…. Dropping matches at the base of the candle that are not retrieved cause result in high level of impurities and uneven burning which causes soot…not to mention destroying the look of the candle. Try long fireplace matches or long handle lighters and work quickly. Extinguish the flame and remove dropped matches.

How can you get rid of soot?
Very hot soapy water…... Natural orange/citrus cleansers are best. If tough, use a mild detergent and scourer.

How do I clean wax off my candleholder?

• Remove wax from holders by running very hot water over them.
  
  
• Try placing the candle holder in the freezer. This will allow the wax to shrink and easily pop off when the candle holder is removed from the freezer. Gently tap the holder.
  
  
• If the holder wont fit in the freezer, take a pack of frozen peas from the freezer and wrap around the holder. The wax should shrink and pop off.
  
  
• Don’t use knives or a sharp objects to remove wax drippings from a glass holder; the glass may get scratched, weakened or broken…. the glass also may break upon subsequent use.
  
  
• Votive candles will clean easily if you add a few drops of water to the glass before inserting the candle.
  
  
• Only add a few drops
  
  
• Only add the water immediately before you intend to burn the candle (otherwise the wick could absorb the moisture and the not burn).

How do I remove spilt wax from bench tops?

• Let the wax cool. Use a plastic spatula to scrape off as much as you can. Then a and a mild abrasive cleaner very gently to remove the rest

How do I remove wax from wood ?

• Use a non sharp implement (soft plastic spatula) to remove the larger pieces of wax. Be careful not to scratch the wood finish. Heat the wax with a hairdryer and cover with paper towel. Press to absorb the wax. Repeat till wax is removed.

How to remove candle wax from carpet?

• Let the wax cool. Carefully remove larger pieces of wax. Place a paper towel over the spill and use an iron (on low setting) to heat and absorb wax (a hairdryer can also work). Change the paper towel repeatedly.
  
  
• Turpentine will dissolve paraffin wax. It also may take the colour from your carpet so be very careful
  
  
• Try the turpentine on a piece of carpet out of main view or in a corner first
  
  
• Place a small amount on a clean rag and gently blot the area
  
  
• Use detergent and water to remove the turpentine

How to get candle wax out of tablecloth?

• Firstly do not rub and pick it out (you may destroy the fibres and get rub marks)

Candle Safety tips

General
Prevent Fires
Prevent Skin Burns
Prevent Damage to Surfaces or Tablecloths
Keep the Air Clean!
Candles as a Main Light Source

General

Prevent Fires

• Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
  
  
• Do not burn a candle for longer than the manufacturer recommends
  
  
• Remove labels and wrapping before lighting candles
  
  
• Lighted candles should always be within sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  
  
• Keep lit candles out of the wind
  
  
• Place lighted candles at least 3 inches apart from one another.
  
  
• Never burn a candle directly on or near anything that can catch fire. …Furniture with upholstery, Carpets, Drapes, Bedding, Books, Paper, Your hair!
  
  
• If the candle hasn’t been used for a while, clean off the dust before you light it
  
  
• Always use a candleholder or tray placed on a stable surface.
  
  
• Make sure your candle holder is stable and not easily knocked over
  
  
• Allow a gap of at least 2 ft (60cm) above a lit candle. A lot of heat can be generated
  
  
• If your candle holder is made from glass, be sure the glass is thick enough to withstand the temperature of a lit candle. Cheap holders have been known to explode resulting in fire.
  
  
• Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over. Keep candles out of the reach of small children and pets
  
  
• If a candle flame becomes too high, smokes or flickers too easily, extinguish the candle and trim the wick.
  
  
• Consider choosing candles predominately made from soy that do not smoke like paraffin candles can do.
  
  
• Wicks should be trimmed before burning…1/4 inch (6mm)
  
  
• Remove wick trimmings and matches from the candle
  
  
• Never use a candle as light when you go into a cupboard or closet to look for things.
  
  
• Don’t use an exposed candle flame near flammable gases or liquids.
  
  
• Avoid using a candle while working under the bonnet of a car
  
  
• Don’t use candles when you are lighting lanterns
  
  
• Be careful of using some cleaning products around lit candles…some are flammable (some will give off toxic odors when near heat)
  
  
• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

Know the emergency number for your area. Make sure the kids know too!
Always have a smoke blanket in your house (alternatively use a drenched wet towel to cover the fire).
It is sensible to have a small fire extinguisher in you home that you know how to use. Make sure your family has a well practiced fire evacuation plan.

Prevent Skin Burns

• Don’t move any candle that is burning as the wax can spill and cause severe burns or fall on to surfaces that can be damaged
  
  
• Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle flame. Blowing a candle can cause hot wax to splutter and burn you.
  
  
• Do not extinguish candles with water. The water can cause the hot wax to spatter and can cause glass containers to break.
  
  
• Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.

If you get a melted wax on your skin, place the burnt part under cold running water for 10 minutes

Prevent Damage to Surfaces or Tablecloths

• If a flame becomes too close to your holder or container, extinguish the flame, trim the wick, and reposition the candle…consider replacing it with a new candle if it has burnt low
  
  
• If your candle holder is made from metal ensure there is a heat resistant surface under it to prevent burning the under surface
  
  
• Long, bent over, or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping. Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning.
  
  
• Keep burning candles away from wind. This will help prevent uneven burning, flickering splattering rapid, smoking and excessive dripping.
  
  
• Extinguish pillar candles before the wax pool reaches the outer edge.
  
  
• Candleholders are best if they are 30-40% bigger at the base with a place for wax to pool if you are using dripping candles. If unsure of the amount of drip you will get place the holder on a large tray the first couple of times you use the candle.
  
  
• Consider using container candles that contain the wax during burning

See our section on cleaning if you do end up with wax on something you really need to remove.

Keep the Air Clean!

• Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
  
  
• Consider soy, palm or beeswax candles that have little to no smoke
  
  
• Avoid cheap paraffin candles. The wax can contain toxins that burn and smoke impurities into the air
  
  
• Steer clear of lead wicks
  
  
• Cotton is the best wick, with paper close behind
  
  
• A good quality scented candle will have the right amount of scent not to burn and smoke
  
  
• Avoid overpowering the house/area with too many scented candles. Sometimes less is more.
  
  
• Use a candle snuffer. Even paraffin candles will smoke less.

Candles as a Main Light Source

• Plan ahead for emergencies
  
  
• Have a good stock of emergency candles
  
  
• Ensure candles have a long burn time…good value for money
  
  
• Choose safe candle holders…hurricanes will protect the flame well
  
  
• Practice using the candle holders with your candle…nothing worse than being in a blackout and the candle doesn’t fit in the holder.
  
  
• Consider wall sconces, which can be a featured decor item for everyday that become your main light source in an emergency blackout
  
  
• Battery-powered lights are much safer light sources than candles during a power failure. The right candle will last longer, though.
  
  
• For lighting as an alternative to electricity, choose wall sconces that both protect the flame and have reflective surfaces that multiply the light given off
  
  
• Wall Sconces are great up stairwells, saving the need to walk with a lit candle and offering light to prevent falls down the stairs in the dark
  
  
• Ensure you have candle lighters with long handles for wall sconces.
  
  
• Make sure you candle holder gives you good, quick easy access to the candle. It is hard enough in the dark without trying to get into tiny spaces to light the candle.