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If you experience a problem with your
candle, try the following steps to make better scented candles. Whatever the issue may be
it’s important that you test for only one variable at a time. This enables you
to isolate the cause of your problem. Variables include but are not limited to
the container, wax, dye, fragrance, wick, pour temperature and even
environmental conditions.
First make a candle in the container with only the wick . If it looks good then the wax is performing normally.
Then one at a time change a variable. Try adding the dye without fragrance to
the container, wax and wick. If it looks good and burns well the dye is
compatible with the wax.
Try adding the fragrance without dye to the
container, wax and wick. If it looks good and burns well the fragrance is
compatible with the wax.
Try the dye and fragrance together with the
container, wax and wick. If it looks good and burns well the dye/fragrance
combination is compatible with the wax.
If you are experiencing burn problems, try a
different type or size of wick.
Other variables to try are different pouring and
cooling temperatures and even different containers.
Be sure all equipment and materials are clean and dirt free. This can be
a lot of work but you will find the cause of your problem. Be sure to record
all your testing and results. When you do find the cause, substitute a
different type or manufacturer of that component until you achieve the results
you desire.
Choose a container
that you want to use for your candle. Pick and mix a dye with the wax that
gives you the desired look, use a wick you think will burn well. Confirm that
the combination looks the way you want it to. Then choose a fragrance and add it
to the container, wax, dye and wick combination. Check the look and scent throw
(both cold and hot) of the candle. If the look is off then you may need another
type or manufacturer of dye or fragrance. If the scent throw is not good you
may need another type of wick or a different type or manufacturer of fragrance.
Fragrances vary from company to company; for example, one company may have
hundreds of different vanillas that are different from another company’s
vanillas.
To remove wax, soak the holders in a
container filled with very hot water for a few minutes. You can also put them
facedown on a sturdy paper plate on top of a cookie sheet in a 200° F oven until
the wax softens (keep checking). Use a hot pad or mitt to pick up the holders
and wipe them clean with paper towels. Hint: Pour a bit of water in the bottom
of the votive holder before adding the candle to help prevent melted wax from
sticking.1. KEEP THE
WICK
TRIMMED
One of the best things that you can do for your candles is to keep the wick
trimmed to ¼ of an inch. Wicks that are allowed to get larger than ¼ of an inch
tend to burn faster and smoke. If you are noticing black soot accumulating on
your container candles, the wick is too long. Nail clippers are a great tool for
trimming wicks that can't be reached with scissors.
2. AVOID DRAFTS
Burning candles in drafty areas can cause uneven burning and excessive smoking.
Not to mention that your candle will burn faster. If you notice the flame of the
candle flickering in any direction other than straight up, there is a draft.
Prevent drafts by keeping burning candles away from heating and air-conditioning
vents and open windows.
3. REFRIGERATE THEM
Candles that are cold will burn slower. To cool you candle, first wrap in foil
or cling wrap to prevent the wick from absorbing any moisture. Pop them in the
fridge for about an hour and light! Make sure you don't put them in the freezer
instead. They will break!
4. BURN THEM LONG ENOUGH
Have you ever seen a three-wick candle that looked like Mickey Mouse? For pillar
candles, make sure you burn them for at least one hour for every inch in
diameter. Skip this step and you'll end up burning a tunnel through your candle.
5. EXTINGUISHING THE FLAME
To blow out a candle, a candle snuffer works best. If you don't have a candle
snuffer readily available, you can blowout the candle by placing an index finger
in front of the flame and blowing gently. This causes the air to surround the
flame and minimizes splattering of hot wax from the wax pool.
6. SAFETY FIRST
Keep all lit candles out of the reach of children and pets. Never leave a
burning candle unattended. And always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
7. CLEANUP
If wax has spilled on the carpet the best way to remove it is with paper and an
iron. Place a paper towel or brown grocery bag over the spill. Place a heated
iron over the paper towel. The heat from the iron will cause the wax to melt and
be absorbed into the paper towel. |
