Many factors can influence the burning performance of a candle, especially how it is made and the environment in which the candle is used. To get the most out of your beeswax candles keep the following in mind.
Be sure the holder in which you place your candle is the right size and is clean. The right fixture makes a difference in terms of whether the candle gets enough oxygen to burn cleanly and the light it casts shines brightest.
For votive candles, place a few drops of water in the glass container before burning your candle. After extinguishing the candle let the wax cool then you can easily pop the remaining wax out of the holder.
For taper candles, if the taper is too large for the holder all is not lost! You can soften the end of the taper by placing it in a half inch of hot tap water. Then carefully press the taper into the holder.
Be sure to keep your candle out of drafts. Draft-free burning will prevent drips and increase the burning efficiency of your candle.
The first time you light the candle, allow the candle to burn until the liquid wax covers the entire top of the candle.
For pillar candles, plan on burning the candle for 3-4 hours on the initial lighting. This will get your candle off to the best start for most effective burning through its service period. With subsequent use the candle should remain lit for 2-3 hours at a minimum.
Light your candle by placing the flame at the base of the wick. Hold the match in place until you see the wax start to melt.
Once a candle is burning avoid moving it. Allow the light to burn out completely and without interruption to get maximum service from your candle.
If you move the candle while it is lit you run the risk of the liquid wax drowning the wick and extinguishing the flame. A candle extinguished in this way may cause excess liquid wax to solidify around the wick and impair the capillary function of the wick. Future use of the candle will not be as clean or smokeless.
Avoid dropping objects (matches, lighting tapers) into the well of the candle. These objects can act as a second wick which causes oversized flames, irregular flames and unsafe burning conditions.
Take care extinguishing your candle. Use a candle snuffer. When extinguishing the candle hold the snuffer "bell" over the flame for a few moments - long enough to deprive the flame of oxygen. Don't touch the bell to the wick. If you don't have a snuffer you can use a shot glass as a candle snuffer.
If a wick breaks, trim the head of the candle with a dull knife to expose about a quarter-inch of fresh wick. Remove any excess wick or charred wick. After trimming you can relight it as you would a new candle.
Over time beeswax candles develop a "bloom" on their surface; this is natural. To regain the smooth finish buff the candle with a soft cotton cloth or old nylon stocking to remove dust and restore the candle's sheen.
Thank you for supporting Second Story Honey and the bees!