How to look after your candle

​When selling candles to my customers at markets, I was explaining how to get the longest life and burn time from them. I asked for addresses so that I could do a home check to see the candles were being cared for and treated well. Only one person didn’t seem amused and I quickly explained I was joking! But, joking aside, many were surprised to learn a few facts about burning candles:

• The first time you burn a candle, allow it to form a full melt pool (to melt out to the sides of the tin) A candle has a memory and if it doesn’t achieve a full melt pool, it will tunnel, leaving hard wax down the sides of the container.

• The wick is the candle’s engine, so you need to take care of it!

• Before re lighting your candle, trim the wick to 5mm. If a ‘mushroom’ effect occurs, nip off the top of the wick.

• Try to use a snuffer to extinguish the candle, to avoid flying hot wax and bits of the wick falling into the liquid wax.

• Always place the candle on a level, heat resistant surface.

• Keep candles away from draughts, other heat sources, fabrics, children and pets.

• Never leave a candle unattended when lit.

• Finally, put the kettle on and make a cuppa, light your candle, put your feet up, put on some relaxing music and enjoy your fragrance!