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Burning a beautifully scented candle is the perfect way to set a mood, uplift the vibe of your home and indulge in a little aromatherapy before bed. Affordable and available everywhere, scented candles are the decorative item du jour, however there’s a knack to getting the most out of your candle, and using it right. These are the three mistakes everybody makes when burning candles.
1. Rushing the first burn
If your candles often burn unevenly, it’s probably because you rushed the first burn. Wax has a memory, and if you leave the candle with a small rim of wax, the will only ever burn to this rim. For the first burn, the top of the candle needs to be entirely melted before you extinguish the flame.
2. Leaving the wick too long
Once the first even burn is done, the next ting to keep an eye on is the wick. If your candle produces black smoke wen it’s lit then you need to trim the wick. Leaving the wick too long will result in smoke than can stain walls and furnishing if the candle is left in small rooms or spaces. Wick should be kept to 5mm and cut 2 to 5 times depending on the size of the candle.
3. Buying a candle with synthetic ingredients
The ingredients a candle is made from will affect the strength of the scent. The scent of an unlit candle is called a ‘cold throw’, while the scent it produces while burning is called a ‘hot throw’. A candle made from natural ingredients and essential oils will smell better, stronger and fill a room with the fragrance for longer.
4. Burning the wrong scent at the wrong time
The smell of a candle can affect the relationship you have with food or emotion. For example, burning a floral scent such as rose or lavender around food or when your entertaining can have off-putting effect on your meal. A woody or citrus scent is good for winding down.
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