Safety & Tips

Candle Safety

• As with all fire and flammable products, burning candles may pose a fire hazard if not used properly.
• Do not light misshapen or damaged candles as they will not burn properly and could present a safety hazard.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Always place your candles on a sturdy, non-flammable, holder in sizes appropriate for the candles.
• Keep away from any flammable sources or any type of draft.
• Remove the labels on your candles before you light them.
• Keep burning candles out of reach of children, pets or unsafe situations.
• To prevent any damage to persons, pets or surface discontinue use when 1/2 inch of wax remains.
• Burn candle for at least one hour for every inch of its diameter the first time you light it. This will allow the pool of wax to extend to the outside rim and prevent your candle from forming a "canyon" in its center. (For example, burn a 3-inch diameter candle at least 3 hours. This method is called setting the "Memory" of your candle. Each time you re-light your candle, it will "remember" to burn out to the rim.)
• Trim your wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting. A trimmed wick will ensure a clean, smoke-free burn. It will also stop carbon build-up at the tip of the wick and will extend the life of your candle.
• Do not let wick trimmings, matches or any foreign matter collect inside the wax pool. This might prevent a clean burn and the flammable material could present a fire hazard.
• Never allow candle flame to touch any glass surface. This includes the tops or sides of Jar candles or Vases. (Note: Sides, bottom and tops of containers may become hot while candle is burning. Handle with care. Extinguish candle in container before replacing lid.)

Candle Burning Tips

• Even "Non-Drip" candles may drip under certain circumstances, e.g. being placed in a drafty area. If a candle appears about to drip, extinguish candle and allow to cool for approximately one half hour before re-lighting. If candle drips, try moving to another location or check air movement that may be causing the draft.
• Candles need oxygen. If you burn a candle in a small, confined area it will smoke, so consider the size of your room when you arrange your candles.
• Placing a candle in the freezer for at least 1 hour before you burn it will help the candle burn longer and release more of the fragrance into the room.
• When ready to extinguish the candle, use a candle snuffer. The snuffer helps prevent the wax from spraying and keeps the wick centered as well.

Candle Storage

• Store your candles in a dry, cool and dark place.
• Store your candles away from direct sun light as their colors can fade.
• Tapers and other stick candles should be stored flat to prevent warping.

Cleaning Tips

• Put used votive cups, vases or other containers with melted wax in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Left over wax will fall out very easily.
• You can keep your candles smooth and silky-looking by gently rubbing them with ordinary nylon stockings. This will remove scratches and will also rub off the "bloom" that forms on a beeswax candle.
• Before you slip a votive candle into a votive cup or holder, drop a teaspoon of water into the cup. This way when you want to remove the votive candle to replace it with another, the candle should slide out easily. Plus, you won't have to struggle or run the risk of damaging the holder.

The 10 variables that affect the degree to which we can smell candles

• The specific fragrance - Some scents are stronger by nature than others.
• The size of the room - A smaller room will contain the fragrant vapor in higher concentration, creating a stronger impression.
• Air flow and quality - Since fragrant vapor is carried in the air, factors such as humidity, air conditioning, a fan, an open window, etc. may affect it's movement.
• The size of the wax pool - The greater the surface area of liquid wax, the more fragrance may release into the air.
• The size of the flame - A large flame will burn more of the fragrant vapor before it can escape into the air. (Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch).
• The temperature at which a fragrance vaporizes - Some vaporize more readily, permeating the air to a greater extent.
• Other sources of fragrance - Our fragrance perceptions are easily confused by multiple scents.
• Other burning candles - Their flames may burn off the fragrant vapors.
• Length of exposure - Our noses desensitize to fragrances over time. Leaving and re-entering the room will help you smell again.
• The person smelling the fragrance - The sense of smell varies from person to person, much like eyesight, hearing or taste.

Tip: To sample a scented candle, breathe the fragrance in from the bottom of the candle rather than the top or side. Undisturbed by circulating air, the aroma will be intensely concentrated there, more so than on any other part of the candle.