CARING FOR YOUR CANDLE

We have all seen candles that have not burned properly. Some common sightings are tunneling (when the wax does not burn all the way to the sides of the container) and sooting (when the glass starts to blacken from the flame). Here are some tips to help you avoid those things and get the most life out of your candle. 

THE FIRST BURN

The first burn is the most important. The first time you burn your candle, make sure that your melt pool extends to every side of the container (This can take up to 3 hours). If it does not, 'memory rings' will form. This will cause the candle to tunnel down from there, resulting in leftover wax on the sides of the container. 

SUBSEQUENT BURNS

It is a good habit to burn your candle long enough that the melt pool reaches the sides of the container every time. This will allow you to have the longest candle life and cleanest burn. 

TRIMMING THE WICK

It’s easy to get lazy and forget (avoid) trimming your wick to 1/4" before every burn, but this is of upmost importance. A wick that is not regularly trimmed can result in a flame that is too large, a melt pool that is too deep, excess carbon build-up (mushrooming of the wick), and excess sooting (blackening of container). Buy a wick trimmer here!

TRANSITIONING YOUR CANDLE TO A MINT JULEP CUP

Quit burning your candle when there is 1/2” of wax left at the bottom. 

Stick the candle in your freezer overnight to harden the remaining wax inside the glass. In the morning, run hot water over the wax and use a wooden utensil to scrape it out. 

Pull the wick tabs from the bottom of the glass. 

With warm water and soap, completely rinse and clean your glass till all the wax is removed. Remember to hand wash only, as a dishwasher could cause your stainless steel julep to rust.

Once it’s clean, make a cocktail and put it to good use! Cocktail recipes and other decorating ideas on the blog here.