Candle Burning Tips
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Please take a moment to read these burning tips and cautions.
Burning candles is not as simple as just lighting it & letting them go.
Some of these tips are not common knowledge and can help prevent disasters!! 

These tips are also intended to help you get the utmost enjoyment from your candles

Please note that ANY candle will possibly soot or smoke (even soy candles) if you do not properly care for wicks and follow proper candle maintenance recommendations...if it involves a flame, there is potential for smoke and danger!  We want our customers to enjoy our items safely and responsibly, so please take the time to read and follow all recommendations.  All of our items do come with usage directions.
  

GENERAL SAFETY FOR ANY CANDLE:
Never leave a burning candle unattended!

Keep burning candles away from children and pets.

Do not place near flammable objects such as curtains, walls, etc.

Place on protected, heat resistant, level surface.

Keep candle free of wick trimmings, matches, or other foreign matter that could be a fire hazard.

Avoid burning in drafts.

Avoid walking with lit candles.

Keep wick trimmed to 1/4 inch at all times to avoid carbon build up on the wick (mushrooming), dark smoking, and soot in the air and on walls or furniture.

Allow candle to cool before trimming wick or relighting.

I've had customers ask about adding tarts, melts or fragrance oils to candles...
I recommend that you NEVER add wax tarts or melts to a candle you intend to burn.  Many people try to do this to add scent to a candle, however tarts and melts are not formulated to be exposed to a direct flame.  Many tarts and melts contain more of a fragrance to wax ratio which could increase the possibility of fire if exposed to direct flame.  A candle is made with a specific type of wax, fragrance oil and wick formulation, and does not take into account any additional wax or fragrance oils a consumer may add.  NEVER add straight fragrance oil or any other type of oil to a candle unless specifically instructed to do so.  Wax can only hold a specific amount of oil, any extra will be extremely flammable.

   
CONTAINER/JAR CANDLES:
To avoid glass containers shattering: Do not burn a candle in a container that is chipped or cracked.

Do not allow candle to burn completely down to the bottom of container, stop about 1/2 inch short. Do not allow flame to touch sides of container.  The glass may get too hot and shatter!

Containers may become very hot, handle with care!

Allow candle to cool before replacing lid on jar.  We never recommend extinguishing the candle by putting on the lid.  This can cause heat and soot build up, and break the jar or damage your candle.

Container candles & votives containers should be set in a wire holder or on a trivet or plate to protect surfaces from heat. Hot candle jars can damage furniture.

All candles, especially highly scented ones, may produce some smoke and soot, but proper burning (keeping wick trimmed and avoiding drafts,etc.) will help eliminate this problem.

GRUBBY/PILLAR CANDLES:
Remember to remove all decorations off of candles before burning..which includes homespun fabric decor, rosehips and cinnamon sticks embellishments should not be near flames. Any cellophane and jute string, tags should be kept away from flames.

Burn only in a suitable holder away from any flammable materials. Protect the surface under your candle with a candle plate or drip pan.
 
To prevent dripping and contain wax pool, hand form edges in towards center while wax is still warm and pliable. This is also referred to has “hugging” your candle:)
 
Any excess drippings, break up and use in your melt burners..NO WASTE! 

TART BURNER & MELTER TIPS
Always protect surfaces under your tart burner or ceramic melter.  Remember, these items are made to conduct heat and will become hot.  Place on a heat proof trivet, plate or tin.
 
If using an electric tart burner, never place near water and keep cords out of reach from children and pets.  If using a tealight melter, use proper candle precautions as stated above.
 
When filling your burner with the scented wax, use the smallest recommended amount.  You can always add to it!
 
Never add water or other oils to the wax unless expressly instructed to do so.  This can cause splatters or fire.
 
Do not over fill your container.  Spills may occur.  However, keep enough wax to form a pool to the outer edges of the burner to prevent scorching.

To remove wax from your burner or melter, allow the burner or melter to completely cool.  You can then remove the top (if removable) or put the entire appliance in your freezer for 10 minutes.  Remove from the freezer and pry the wax out.  It should easily remove in one piece.  If scent remains, place in a bag for later use.  If no scent remains, discard in the trash.  NEVER pour wax down your sink or disposal. 
 
NEVER add tarts or melts to a burning candle.  Many people try to do this to add scent to a candle, however tarts and melts are not formulated to be lit by a direct flame.  Many contain more of a fragrance to wax ratio which could increase the possibility of fire if exposed to direct flame.

HELPFUL CANDLE TIPS:
Burn candles 1 hour for each inch of it's diameter. This allows the flame time to melt the wax to the outer edge. Burning less time will cause the candle to core burn down the middle & shorten burn time. Example a 3" wide candle should be burned for approx 3 hours at a time.

The fragrance "throw" of a candle comes from the wax pool.  This is why it is important for the enjoyment of your candle to allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the container, particular on the first few burnings.

Candles will fade if left in direct sunlight or spotlights for extended periods of time.

To extinguish a candle, use a candle snuffer or wick dipper, or hold fingers in front of the flame and blow. This will prevent hot wax from splattering on furniture. 
Use a wick trimmer to trim your wicks.  If you do not have a wick trimmer, use large nail clippers.  If using all cotton wicks, wait until wick cools and just pinch off excess wick with your fingers.

NEVER pour wax down sinks or drains.

  
PROBLEMS IN CANDLE BURNING:
If a wick becomes too short to light, carve away enough wax to expose the fresh wick, then trim 1/4 inch off the top of the candle and burn the candle to reform it's apperance.

Crooked burning: If wick moves off center, use a butter knife to gently push it back to center. If there is a draft, rotating the candle can help.

If soot builds up inside container, clean with a paper towel & windex. Wipe over the cleaned area with water dampened paper towel afterward. Allow the container to dry thoroughly before relighting. Baby wipes work as well!!
 
Candle fragrance no longer noticable?  You may have developed "candle nose" and become used to the fragrance filling your home.  Go outdoors for awhile, or invite a friend or neighbor over to get their opinion, or switch candle scents for awhile to allow another fragrance to awaken your senses.  (Happens to me ALL THE TIME!)
 

Additional Questions or Pointers?  Please feel free to contact me! :)