Beeswax candles are an investment and it can be really disappointing when they don't burn as you are expecting.
Here are three suggestions that will lead to a more satisfactory experience.
- Burn time – on your initial burn, burn for 3 hours. Under 3 hours doesn’t allow your candle enough time to create a wax pool that melts close to the edge of the candle. If the wax around the edge remains hard you won’t be able to “hug” your candle for maximum wax consumption.
- Hug your candle – it might sound silly but the term hugging is used for gently squeezing the soft outer edges of your candle towards the centre. This allows the wax to be consumed fully and evenly while raising the wax pool allowing for a longer burn time. When your candle has been burning for about 3 hours, try gently pushing the sides into the wax pool until the top is level again.
- Blowing out your candle – when you’ve finished enjoying your candle and you are ready to put it out, don’t just blow it out! Blowing out your candle can cause the wick to smolder and smoke which not only unpleasant but can also make it more difficult to relight the next time. Instead, dunk the burning wick into the wax pool and then straighten it again. This will ensure a smokeless finish and will prime your wick with wax for an easy light. If you don’t have a candle snuffer use an unbent paper clip.