Listen, we know this is going to be tough to hear, but you’ve probably been breaking some very important candle-burning rules. We know what you’re thinking... You don’t just light your candle all willy-nilly and just walk away? The simple answer— no. There are actually a variety of things you may be unknowingly doing that are keeping you from really experiencing (and enjoying) the most your candle has to offer.
Are you intrigued yet? Perhaps even a little aghast at your lack of candle burning etiquette thus far? Friends, we’ve got you! Follow these bonafide Kalamazoo Candle-approved tips to get the most out of your favorite home decor item.
Wick Care
One of the most important things to remember when lighting a candle is to trim the wick before lighting it. Keeping a candlewick properly trimmed helps control the amount of melted wax that the candle can reach, which will help cut down the amount of soot it creates. Properly trimming your wick will also help your candle to burn longer, and emit a stronger scent. (and who doesn’t want that?)
Also, quit blowing out those candles when you’re done! When you simply *poof* out a candle, the core of the wick (both wood and cotton) will continue to burn for a little bit, creating a carbon-based ash that is both messy and potentially problematic when you decide to relight. Instead, dip your wick (stop giggling, we’re adults here) into the melted wax of the candle surrounding it to completely snuff out the flame and keep the nasty ash residue at bay.
Room Size & Location
Ever hear about the candle burning golden rule? (okay, we may have made that up, but it’s still important) For every 10 square feet of your home, you need at least 8 ounces of a candle. (yes, math is hard, but stay with us) Small living spaces can be filled with scent with only one or two small candles without an issue. However, if you have a large room or a space with tall ceilings, you’ll need three or four small candles (or one to two large ones) to really fill the room with fragrance.
Something that many people don’t consider is the location of their candles within those rooms. Air vents can take that lovely fragrance and diffuse it, so it’s important to place your candle in a space away from air vents or any breezes flowing through the home (like by open windows or a fan).
Determining the Sensory Experience
Yes, there is actually a science to the scents we should be choosing for each individual area of our homes. The right fragrance in the room can set the correct vibe in that space. For example, fresh, bright scents (like citrus or clean linen) are perfect for areas where freshness is key— like the bathroom. Keeping an area like this smelling tidy will help impress upon occupants of its overall cleanliness outside of just the smell. (akin to spritzing your clothes with Febreeze and calling them “clean”)
Now, for areas like the bedroom, look for scents that promote a sense of calm and peace, like herbal fragrances (lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, etc.). Rich aromas like these can help entice sleep and keep your room smelling fresh, yet cozy. For communal, larger living spaces, the fragrance world is your oyster! (although please don’t burn an oyster-scented candle, we beg you)
And just like that, you’ve completed your candle burning etiquette course! We’re so proud! The last thing we will leave you with is this: remember that candles, like perfume or cologne, are meant to add to a room, not beat you around the nostrils with an overwhelming scent. If you’re wondering if you’ve gone nose-blind to the fragrances within your home, step outside for a bit and breathe some fresh air before going back in and taking a sniff. Trust us, we’re the experts.
From wick dippers to trimmers, warmers to lighters (and obviously, the candles themselves) we’ve got everything you need to enhance your candle experience. Check out our candle Accessories Page or shop any of our Classic Fragrances to really embrace the Kalamazoo Candle Company vibe and wow visitors with all your candle burning knowledge!
