TIPS OF THE TRADE

How short should I trim the wick on my candle?

Candle wicks should be trimmed to about 1/4 to 3/8 inch for burning. If the wick on your candle is too long, it may cause the candle to burn faster than normal and unevenly.

What causes a candle to smoke?
If the wick is too long, or an air current disturbs the flame's teardrop shape, a small amount of unburned carbon particles (soot) will escape from the flame as a visible wisp of smoke. Any candle will emit soot if the flame is disturbed by a draft, a well made candle will recover as soon as the draft is removed. To avoid this smoke, always trim the wick to 1/4 or 3/8 inch before every use and place candles away from drafts or vents. If a candle continues to flicker or smoke, extinguish immediately and allow the candle to cool. Trim the wick and make sure the designated area is draft free, and re-light the candle.

Why do some candles crackle and splutter?
Changes in air humidity can cause this to happen, especially when a candle is kept outside overnight and the wick has absorbed moisture.

How to get the longest burn from my candle?
To get the best burn from your candle, when you light your candle the the first time, burn the candle long enough until a wax pool forms to cover the entire top of the candle. Extinguish the candle when it reaches this point.
Each time you light the candle after that, burn it until it reaches the "pool" you created with the first burn. Remember to trim the wick to 1/4" before each burn to ensure a clean, long lasting candle.

What causes my jar candle gets black, and how do I clean it off?
This can be caused by a draft, by not trimming the wick to 1/4", or by the jar neck being too narrow to allow sufficient circulation around the wick (which is one of the reasons we have not used apothecary style jars). The candle jar can be cleaned when the glass and candle are cool. Use a clean damp cloth and wipe the soot off, taking care to completely dry the area before lighting the candle again.  

How to clean wax spills?                                                                    Wax spills can be easily removed from some hard surfaces with the use of a plastic spatula and gently chip it off.

How to remove wax from tablecloths and carpeting?
To remove wax from tablecloths and carpets, you’ll need a household clothing iron, some paper towels, and home dry-cleaning solvent. First, place paper towel across the wax stain and press the heated iron lightly against the top surface. The applied heat will re-melt the wax, and will be absorbed into the paper towel. Do not leave the iron in one place for long, as it can scorch or burn the carpet beneath the paper towel.

How do you get wax out of fabrics?
First consult laundering instructions provided by the manufacturer. For small wax stains, let the wax harden and then scrape it up using the back of a knife. Gently pouring boiling water poured through the cloth can be helpful. Apply mild cleaning fluid to remove any final traces of wax. Use cleaning professionals for expensive linens and fabrics.

How do I remove wax from lacquered furniture?
Take it to a professional in order to protect the varnish finish.
To remove wax from furniture, gently scrape hardened wax away with a plastic spatula. Buff remaining traces of wax with dry cheesecloth. Don't use harsh solvents or fluids. Polish the furniture surface with non solvent based polish or carnauba wax.