Candle Care

The Candle Keeper’s Compendium: A Guide to Best Practices

 

Welcome, Candle Keeper. To ensure your handcrafted treasure burns safely, cleanly, and its story lasts as long as possible, please follow this essential guide.

 

The Sacred Rules of the Flame (General Safety)

 

A candle holds a powerful story, but like any great tale, it must be handled with care.

  • A Watched Flame: Never leave a burning candle unattended, for even the most beautiful magic can be unpredictable.

  • Burn Time Limit: Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Burning longer can cause the glass or vessel to overheat, leading to potential cracking or a reduction in scent throw.

  • The Final Page: Extinguish the candle when only ½ inch of wax remains at the bottom of the vessel. Burning past this point can cause the container to heat excessively.

  • Keep it Clear: Always burn your candle on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, fluttering curtains, and anything flammable. Keep away from pets and children.

 

Wick Wisdom: The Secret to a Clean Burn

 

The proper wick length is the key to a long, slow, and enchanting burn.

 

For Cotton Wicks (Jar Candles)

 

Before every single burn, gently trim the wick to ¼ inch (about the length of a pencil eraser).

  • Why? A short, clean wick prevents the flame from growing too large and ensures a slow, clean, and steady burn without soot or smoke.

 

For Wood Wicks (Jar Candles)

 

Before every single burn, gently snap or trim the charred, black tips of the wick until only about ⅛ to ¼ inch of clean wood remains. You can use a dedicated wick trimmer or simply your fingertips once the wax is cool.

  • Why? If the wood wick is too long, the flame may struggle or extinguish itself. A short, clean wood wick produces a soothing, subtle crackle and a beautiful horizontal flame.

 

The First Page & The Final Act

 

 

The First Burn (Jar and Pillar Candles)

 

The very first lighting is the most crucial part of your candle's life.

  • When you first light your candle, allow the entire surface of the wax pool to melt all the way to the edge of the vessel.

  • This creates a "memory pool" and prevents tunneling (leaving wax stuck to the sides).

  • This first burn should typically last 2 to 4 hours.

 

For Pillar Candles (Such as your Hecate or Scribe's Regret)

 

Pillar candles require slightly different care due to their free-standing nature:

  • Catch the Drip: Always place your pillar candle on a large, stable, heat-resistant dish or tray to safely catch any wax drippings as it melts.

  • The Walls of Wax: Pillar candles are designed to burn down the center, leaving a wax "wall" behind. Keep the wax wall trimmed to about ½ inch in height to prevent it from collapsing into the flame.

 

The Nature of Coconut Apricot Soy Wax

 

Your candles are hand-poured with a luxurious, natural blend of coconut, apricot, and soy wax.

  • Natural Beauty: This wax blend is known for its beautiful, creamy texture and superior scent throw. It is a natural product, so it is normal to see a slight "frosting" or "wet spot" appearance on the wax surface. This is a characteristic of natural wax and does not affect the quality or burn of your candle.

  • Clean Ingredients: Enjoy a cleaner burn, knowing your candle is crafted without harmful ingredients.

 

Ritual & Removal (For Topped Candles)

 

If your candle is adorned with decorative toppings (crystals, gemstones, charms, etc.):

  • Clear the Path: Before lighting, remove all decorative items that are near the wick.

  • Scoop Gently: It is safest to gently scoop out the toppings once the candle has burned enough to loosen them, before the first major burn.

  • Repurpose the Treasures: Once clean, these elements are yours to keep! Place them on your altar, in a dish, or carry them as a beautiful, lore-rich keepsake.



A Final Chapter of Thanks

Thank you, Candle Keeper, for not only supporting our small business but for mindfully practicing these safety measures. Your mindful attention ensures a cleaner, longer burn for your candle and keeps the magic safe in your home.

It is our honor to share our Library of Scented Stories with you. We are truly grateful for your continued patronage of Ash & Prose.