Candle Care 101: How to Make Your Favorite Candle Last Longer
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You've invested in a beautiful, high-quality candle from Ritter House of Scent. You love the ambiance and the fragrance it brings to your home. Naturally, you want to make it last as long as possible! Proper candle care isn't just about safety; it's about maximizing your candle's lifespan and ensuring you get the best possible experience every time you light it.
Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your favorite candle:
Master the First Burn (It Sets the Stage!)
Why it's crucial: Wax has a "memory." The very first time you light your candle, you need to let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt and form a liquid pool that reaches the edges of the container.
The Rule: Allow about 1 hour of burn time for every 1 inch of the candle's diameter. For a typical 3-inch diameter candle, aim for about 3 hours on the first burn.
The Payoff: Doing this prevents "tunneling" (where the candle burns down the middle) and ensures an even burn for the rest of the candle's life.
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Trim the Wick Before Every Single Burn
The Tool: Use sharp scissors, nail clippers, or a dedicated wick trimmer.
The Length: Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before you light it, every time.
Why it matters: A trimmed wick creates a cleaner, brighter, and safer flame. It prevents the wick from "mushrooming" (forming a carbon ball), which leads to excessive smoke, soot (black marks on the jar), and a flame that's too large. A properly trimmed wick helps the candle burn more slowly and evenly, significantly extending its life.
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Keep it Steady: Avoid Drafts
The Enemy: Drafts from open windows, fans, air vents, or even just busy walkways are bad news for candles.
The Effect: Drafts cause the flame to flicker, leading to uneven burning, potential sooting, and a faster burn rate.
The Solution: Place your burning candle in a spot with still air.
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Know When to Say When: Limit Burn Time
The Guideline: Don't burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. This is a standard recommendation for safety and performance.
Why: Burning for too long can cause the wick to mushroom, the flame to get too large, and the container to overheat. It also consumes wax faster.
Cool Down: Allow the candle to cool completely (at least 2 hours) before trimming the wick and relighting.
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Extinguish Gently
The Best Way: Use a candle snuffer or a wick dipper (a tool to gently push the lit wick into the wax pool and then lift it back out).
Why: Blowing out your candle can splatter hot wax and creates more smoke and soot. A snuffer or dipper extinguishes the flame gently and cleanly.
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Store it Smart
The Ideal Spot: Keep your candles in a cool, dark, dry place.
Lid On: If your candle has a lid, use it! This protects the wax from dust and debris and helps preserve the fragrance.
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By following these simple candle care steps, you'll not only make your Ritter House of Scent candles last longer but also ensure they burn cleanly, safely, and beautifully every time.