Tips

Good advice can turn your customer into an enthusiastic candle-user. Although a few may seem obvious, you may want to offer your customers the following tips.

  • Never allow candles to burn unsupervised.
  • Respect the labels or symbols that are attached to the candles. Symbols are shown on candles that are sold internationally.
  • Leave at least seven cm between candles for optimal use. This distance prevents the heat from one candle affecting how well the others burn.
  • Never put candles in a draught, as they will burn unevenly and release more smoke, and may go out.
  • Never put candles in direct sunlight, as they may melt and/or lose their colour.
  • Trim the wick! The wick should ideally be trimmed down to 5 mm after every use.
  • If the wick is too long, the candle will burn unevenly or drip.
  • If the flame burns at an angle, check if the wick is still standing upright. If necessary, adjust the angle of the wick.
  • If the flame sinks deep enough into the candle that the candle starts to look like a lantern, it may be helpful to trim off the edge of the candle. If the burning wick descends too deeply into the candle, it causes the flame to ‘gasp’ for oxygen, leading to a smoking, flickering candle flame. In addition, it may be necessary to trim the edge if it is in danger of collapsing outwards and allowing liquid wax to flow down the side.
  • Candles that have multiple wicks should not be allowed to burn for longer than three hours.
  • Check the surface underneath a burning candle. Candles should always be placed on an even, heat-resistant surface.
  • Make sure that steps have been taken to catch any candle wax that may drip down the candles.