Candle Care Myths Debunked: What You Really Need to Know

Candles add warmth and ambiance to any space, but there's a lot of misinformation out there about how to properly care for them. Believing in these myths can affect the longevity and performance of your candles. Today, we're debunking some of the most common candle care myths to help you get the most out of your candles.

Myth 1: Letting a Candle Burn All the Way Down Is Fine

Truth: Allowing a candle to burn completely down can be dangerous. When a candle burns too low, the heat can cause the container to break, or it can overheat the surface it's sitting on, potentially causing a fire hazard. Always extinguish your candle when there is about 2cm of wax left.

Myth 2: Trimming the Wick Is Unnecessary

Truth: Trimming the wick to about a 0.5cm before each burn is crucial for a clean and even burn. Long wicks can cause the candle to burn too hot, creating excessive smoke, soot, and an uneven wax pool. Regular trimming ensures a safer, longer-lasting, and more pleasant candle experience.

Myth 3: Freezing Candles Makes Them Last Longer

Truth: While freezing your candles might seem like a clever hack, it can actually damage the wax and cause it to crack. Additionally, frozen wax can affect how the candle burns, often leading to uneven melting. The best way to ensure a long burn time is to follow proper burning practices, such as allowing the candle to burn long enough to create an even melt pool on the first use.

Myth 4: Blowing Out a Candle Is the Best Way to Extinguish It

Truth: Blowing out a candle can create smoke and can even cause hot wax to splatter. Instead, use a snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame. This method minimizes smoke and helps maintain the wick's quality for the next use.

Myth 5: All Candles Burn the Same Way

Truth: The type of wax, wick, and fragrance load all affect how a candle burns. Coconut wax, for example, burns longer and cleaner than paraffin wax. Natural wicks like cotton or wood have different burning characteristics than synthetic wicks. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right candle for your needs and ensure you're using it correctly.

Myth 6: Leaving Candles Unattended Is Safe If They're in a Safe Holder

Truth: Never leave a burning candle unattended, even if it's in a sturdy holder. Accidents can happen, and a small oversight can lead to a fire hazard. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

Myth 7: Scented Candles Are Harmful to Your Health

Truth: Quality scented candles made with non-toxic ingredients and natural essential oils are generally safe for use. However, it's important to ensure good ventilation and avoid burning candles for extended periods in small, enclosed spaces. Choosing candles made from natural waxes and lead-free wicks can also reduce any potential health risks.

Myth 8: Burning Multiple Candles Together Is Fine

Truth: While burning multiple candles can enhance ambiance, placing them too close together can create a single large flame, which can be a fire hazard. Maintain a safe distance (at least 8cm) between burning candles to ensure they burn correctly and safely.

Concluding Candle Care Myths

Understanding the facts about candle care ensures that you can enjoy their beauty and ambiance safely and effectively. By debunking these common myths, you're now equipped with the knowledge to take better care of your candles, making them last longer and burn more efficiently. Happy candle burning!