Back to Basics: Candle Care
They were originally used for light, but now many people use candles for their scent. The candle industry really lit up in the 1990's; people loved their warmth and inviting aroma. Because they are so common, sometimes we overlook simple steps that can increase your burning time and your safety.
October 1st, 2007 @ 11:00am
Becky Anderson, founder and chairman of For Every Body, reviews the basics of candle care.
Most candle lovers don't understand how important it is to burn a candle correctly. There are several things a person should do and should NOT do when burning a candle to get the most enjoyment from their candle. Below is a list of tips to help you get the most from your candle.
CANDLE CARE: Do's
Always trim the wick before lighting each candle to about 1/4 inch in length.
It is important to trim the wick before each lighting to prevent smoking or sooting. Most people who have problems with black soot on their ceilings or too much smoke coming from their candle, forgot to trim the wick first. This is very helpful to help make their candle more environmentally friendly. It also creates cleaner air for their families and friends.
Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch each time the candle is relit to reduce possibility of smoking or sooting. Although the wick was trimmed when the candle lover began using the candle, it is important to trim the wick to 1/4 inch every time the candle is used. This will also keep the candle burning correctly.
Remove all candle toppings, wick trimmings, matches or anything else from wax pool before lighting.
Most of For Every Body's candles have toppings, which are small items on the top of the candle that match the candle. For example, our Gardener Collection has a small rake, shovel, and sand on top. These toppings are cute and decorative, but must be removed before lighting the candle. All other material must also be removed to help the candle burn correctly.
Keep the wick centered. Most people light a candle no matter where the wick is in each candle. It is very important that the wick is centered in each candle to help it burn evenly and cleanly the entire time it is burning.
If flame smokes, extinguish and trim wick before relighting. Soy based candles usually do not smoke if the wick is trimmed, but if there is a problem with smoking, extinguish the candle and trim the wick right away before relighting.
Back to Basics: Candle CareThey were originally used for light, but now many people use candles for their scent. The candle industry really lit up in the 1990's; people loved their warmth and inviting aroma. Because they are so common, sometimes we overlook simple steps that can increase your burning time and your safety.
CANDLE CARE: Dont's
Do not burn the candle if the wick is not centered.
As mentioned above, it is important to keep the wick centered to help the candle burn evenly and cleanly.
Do not allow the flame to touch the side of the jar.
If the wick is centered, this shouldn't be a problem. If the flame touches the side of the jar, it will cause the jar to turn black. It does not make the candle look very nice when this happens.
Do not burn the candle more than 2-3 hours at a time.
Candles can burn for hours, but it doesn't mean each candle should burn all day at one time! It is important to blow the candle out and trim the wick every two to three hours. This will help the candle burn more evenly and cleanly. It will also help the candle from sooting or smoking. The candle can be relit right away after the wick is trimmed, but it must be extinguished every two to three hours.
Don't use your candle when 1/4 inch of wax remains to prevent possible heat damage to the counter/surface or cracking or breaking of the jar.
Watch the candle when it is close to the end. It should not be used if there is 1/4 inch of wax or less. This will help prevent unwanted damages to the jar or the surface the candle is burned.
Avoid glass-to-glass contact when removing or replacing the lid.
Be careful when replacing or removing the lid. The candle is very hot after it has been burned. Avoid glass-to-glass contact.
Do not use candle if the jar is cracked, chipped or scratched.
If there is any problem with the jar do NOT use it. If you burn a candle when the jar is cracked, chipped or scratched it will be a hazard for you or your family. Be very careful with the broken jar and throw it away as soon as possible.
Do not pick up or touch during or shortly after burning
The candle is very hot after it has been burned. Leave it on the surface it was burning for a while to let it cool before picking it up again.
Keep burning candle within sight at all times.
Be in the room with your candle at all times. Never leave the room or your house while burning a candle. Also never leave children or pets in the room alone with a candle burning. This could also cause potential problems.
Becky Anderson started For Every Body in 1995 in her kitchen in Provo, Utah. She had a desire to teach her daughters the value of hard work and began producing lotions and body washes in her home. She grew the company from its early farmhouse days into a the worldwide company it is today. She continues to play a large role in the company by providing innovative ideas, product development and marketing efforts. In 2006, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young and one of the top 30 "Women to Watch" in Utah by Utah Business Magazine.
For Every Body is one of the fastest growing candle and air freshener manufacturers in the United States. Its goal is to make every house a home. It is located in Lindon, Utah. They own and operates one manufacturing plant in the U. S. and an extensive Asian supply chain. It has been named on the MountainWest Capital Network's 100 Fastest Growing Companies list for five years. The company sells products across the U. S. and internationally. It also runs five retail stores in Utah. For Every Body's products include candles, air fresheners, and home décor, bath and body products and scrapbook materials. Products are produced for over 80 retail chains and 6,400 Independent chains including Kohl's, Jo Ann Fabrics and Crafts, Home Depot, Ross, TJ Maxx, Lowe's, and Zellers.
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