El Fuego's Candle Care

Taking good care of your candles helps them burn evenly, last longer, and remain safe to use. Here’s a guide on candle care essentials:

1. Trimming the Wick

• Before Each Use: Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) before lighting. This helps prevent soot and creates a cleaner burn, as a long or crooked wick can cause uneven melting or excessive smoke.
• After Use: If you notice a mushroom-like buildup on the wick after burning, trim it off before the next use to ensure a smooth flame.

2. First Burn: Achieving a Full Melt Pool

• Important for Longevity: The first burn is crucial! Allow the candle to burn for 2-4 hours, or until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. This helps prevent "tunneling," where only the wax around the wick melts, wasting the outer wax.
• Full Melt Pool Every Time: Whenever you burn your candle, try to achieve a full melt pool to maintain an even burn and maximize scent throw.

3. Burn Time Limits

• Avoid Over-Burning: For container candles, it’s best not to burn for more than 4 hours at a time to avoid overheating the glass and to prevent soot and wax discoloration.
• Cool Down Between Burns: Allow the candle to cool and re-solidify before relighting. This helps the wax settle evenly and extends its life.

4. Safety Precautions

• Placement: Always burn candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, flammable objects, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Never Leave Unattended: Extinguish candles when leaving a room, going to sleep, or if they burn too low (about 1/2 inch of wax left in a container).
• Use Candle Accessories: Snuffers and wick dippers can help safely extinguish candles without splattering hot wax or producing smoke.

5. Avoiding Soot and Smoke

• Keep Candles Away from Drafts: Wind or air currents can cause the flame to flicker, leading to uneven burning and soot.
• Use Proper Wick Trimming: A well-trimmed wick reduces smoke and helps candles burn more efficiently.

6. Storing Your Candle

• Protect from Sunlight and Heat: Store candles in a cool, dry place to avoid melting, fading, or warping. Exposure to sunlight can also alter the color and scent of the wax.
• Cover When Not in Use: If possible, keep your candle covered or in a dust-free area to prevent debris from collecting on the wax surface.

7. Extinguishing the Candle Safely

• Snuff Out the Flame: Use a candle snuffer or dip the wick into the melted wax and pull it back up straight. Blowing out candles can cause the wax to splatter and create smoke.
• Avoid Overheated Glass Containers: Extinguish container candles before the wax level is too low to avoid the glass overheating and potentially cracking.

8. Recycling Candle Jars

• Clean and Repurpose: When the candle is done, repurpose the jar! Place it in the freezer for a few hours to help the remaining wax pop out, or pour boiling water into the container to melt residual wax and lift it away. Clean the jar thoroughly and reuse it for storage or decor.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, better-performing candle and a safer experience with every burn. Happy candle burning! 🕯️