How To Get The Most From Your Candle
A beautifully made candle deserves a little care. Proper burning, storage and cleaning will help preserve its fragrance, appearance and performance throughout its life.
Burning
A candle is designed to be enjoyed slowly. Correct burning helps preserve the fragrance, maintain an even wax pool and extend the life of the candle. The first few burns are particularly important, as they establish how the wax will melt throughout the candle's lifetime. Taking a little time to prepare the wick and allowing the candle enough time to develop a full, even melt pool will help create a cleaner, more consistent and more enjoyable burn.
The First Burn
The first burn is the most important burn of the candle's life. Before lighting it for the first time, trim the wick to approximately 5 mm. A correctly trimmed wick helps maintain a controlled flame, reduces unnecessary soot and helps prevent the flame from becoming excessively large.
When lighting the candle for the first time, allow the wax to melt evenly across the entire surface until the melt pool reaches the edges of the vessel. This process establishes a consistent melt pattern and helps prevent tunnelling during future burns.
Avoid extinguishing the candle too early during its first use. If a ring of unmelted wax remains around the edges, subsequent burns may follow that smaller melt pattern, gradually creating a tunnel through the centre of the candle.
Allow enough time for the wax surface to melt evenly to the edges of the vessel. The exact time required depends on the diameter, wax composition and individual formulation. Never leave the candle burning for longer than 4 hours.
Before Every Burn
Before every use, make sure the candle is placed on a stable, level and heat-resistant surface. Trim the wick to approximately 5 mm and remove all loose wick trimmings, soot, dust, matches or other debris from the wax surface.
A clean wax pool helps the candle burn more consistently and prevents foreign materials from becoming part of the flame. Make sure the wick remains approximately centred within the vessel.
If the wick has moved during a previous burn, gently reposition it once the wax has softened but before the candle is relit. Never attempt to adjust the wick while the flame is burning.
- Trim the wick to approximately 5 mm.
- Remove loose wick trimmings.
- Remove dust, matches and other debris.
- Keep the wick centred.
- Use a stable, level, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep the candle away from draughts and moving air.
During Burning
Keep the candle within sight whenever it is burning. The flame should remain relatively steady and controlled. If the flame becomes unusually large, begins to smoke continuously, flickers excessively or the vessel becomes excessively hot, extinguish the candle and allow it to cool completely before inspecting the wick.
A small amount of occasional soot can occur during normal candle use, particularly if the wick becomes too long. Persistent or heavy soot generally indicates that the wick requires trimming or that the candle is being exposed to excessive air movement.
Never attempt to adjust, move or touch the wick while the candle is burning. Never move the candle while the wax is liquid or while the vessel is hot.
When to Stop
Discontinue use when approximately 1–1.5 cm of wax remains at the bottom of the vessel. Never burn the candle completely to the bottom.
At the end of the candle's usable life, continuing to burn beyond the recommended level can cause excessive heat to accumulate at the base of the container. This may damage the vessel or the surface beneath it.
Extinguishing
A candle snuffer is recommended for a clean and controlled extinguishing process. Extinguish the flame gently rather than blowing forcefully across the melt pool, which can cause liquid wax to splatter or the wick to become displaced.
Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause hot wax to splatter and may create thermal shock in a hot glass vessel. After extinguishing the flame, allow the candle to cool completely before replacing the lid, moving the vessel or preparing it for storage.
Storage
The environment in which a candle is stored can influence its wax, fragrance, colour and overall appearance. For long-term preservation, keep your candle cool, dry and protected from direct light. A stable indoor environment is preferable, particularly when the candle will not be used for an extended period.
Proper storage is especially important for highly fragranced candles, as prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, humidity and environmental conditions can gradually affect the fragrance experience and visual appearance of the wax.
Store your candle at a stable room temperature, away from significant heat, cold and temperature fluctuations.
Temperature
Excessive heat can soften, deform or otherwise affect the wax. Depending on the formulation, high temperatures may cause the surface to become unusually soft, develop an uneven appearance or lose some of its intended finish.
Keep the candle away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces, hot appliances and other direct heat sources. Do not store it on top of heating equipment or in locations that receive concentrated heat.
During warmer periods, never leave the candle inside a vehicle, on a windowsill exposed to strong sunlight or in another place where temperatures may become significantly higher than normal room temperature.
Extreme cold should also be avoided where possible. If the candle has been exposed to unusually low temperatures, allow it to return gradually to normal room temperature before burning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as rapid thermal changes can place unnecessary stress on the vessel.
Sunlight & UV Exposure
Keep your candle away from direct sunlight and strong artificial lighting. Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause wax, labels, packaging and decorative elements to fade or change colour over time.
Certain fragrance compositions can also naturally change colour when exposed to light. This does not necessarily indicate a problem with the candle, but protecting it from UV exposure will help maintain its original appearance for longer.
For the best long-term preservation, choose a shaded, enclosed or dark storage location.
Humidity & Moisture
Keep the candle in a dry environment and protect it from direct contact with water or moisture. Avoid consistently humid locations such as bathrooms, shower areas, locations beside sinks and other spaces where condensation regularly occurs.
Excessive humidity can affect the appearance of wax and may also influence labels, packaging and decorative surfaces. Never add water to the wax, wick or candle vessel.
If the exterior of the vessel becomes damp, dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing or relighting the candle.
Keep the Lid On
Always replace the lid when the candle is not being used. Keeping the vessel covered helps protect the fragrance and wax surface from dust, airborne particles, moisture and other environmental contaminants.
Before replacing the lid, make sure the flame has been completely extinguished and the vessel has cooled sufficiently to handle safely.
Cleaning
With proper care, the candle vessel can be maintained throughout its use and repurposed once the candle has reached the end of its life. Regularly removing dust and residue from the exterior and keeping the wax surface free from debris will help maintain the refined appearance of the candle.
Always prioritise temperature and safety when cleaning. Never attempt to clean, wipe or move a candle while the flame is burning, while the wax is liquid or while the vessel remains hot.
Everyday Cleaning
Remove dust and fingerprints using a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Wipe gently rather than applying excessive pressure, particularly around labels, printed details, metallic finishes or decorative elements.
The exterior may be cleaned with a cloth very lightly dampened with water. Avoid soaking the cloth or allowing water to enter the vessel.
If the candle has a label or delicate decorative finish, take particular care around these areas and avoid excessive moisture. Never apply cleaning products directly to the wax or wick.
Removing Soot
If soot appears on the inside of the glass, allow the vessel to cool completely before gently wiping the affected area with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Do not attempt to remove soot while the glass is warm.
Persistent soot can be a sign that the wick is too long, the flame is being affected by moving air or the candle has been burned for too long. Before the next burn, allow the candle to cool completely and trim the wick to approximately 5 mm.
Keep the wick trimmed to approximately 5 mm before every burn, keep the candle away from draughts and avoid burning it for longer than the recommended period.
Removing Remaining Wax
Once the candle has reached the end of its usable life, allow the remaining wax to cool before carefully removing it from the vessel. Do not attempt to remove hot wax with your hands.
Avoid aggressive scraping and do not use sharp metal objects that could scratch, chip or otherwise damage the glass.
If the wax is difficult to remove, use a gentle method that does not expose the vessel to sudden or excessive heat. Never heat the vessel directly over an open flame or place it on a direct heat source.
Melted wax can solidify inside plumbing and cause blockages. Never pour liquid wax into sinks, toilets or household drains.
Cleaning the Empty Vessel
Once all remaining wax, wick components and debris have been removed, the empty vessel can be cleaned and prepared for reuse.
Avoid
- Abrasive sponges and scouring pads.
- Harsh cleaning chemicals.
- Sharp metal tools.
- Pouring wax into sinks or drains.
- Cleaning the vessel while it is hot.
- Sudden temperature changes.
- Direct heat applied to the vessel.
Fragrance
Fragrance is at the heart of the Arktiqa experience. Each candle is designed to release its fragrance gradually as the wax warms, creating a considered scent experience rather than an immediate burst of aroma.
Correct storage and thoughtful use help preserve the character of the fragrance composition over time. Heat, light, air and environmental conditions can all influence how a fragrance develops and how the wax appears.
Preserving the Scent
Keep the lid on whenever the candle is not in use. This helps protect the wax surface from dust and airborne particles while also limiting unnecessary exposure of the fragrance to the surrounding environment.
- Keep the lid on whenever the candle is not in use.
- Store away from direct sunlight.
- Keep away from excessive heat.
- Avoid high humidity.
- Keep the wax surface clean.
- Do not leave the candle uncovered for extended periods.
- Keep away from strong odours and environmental contaminants.
During Use
Allow the candle to develop a suitable melt pool before judging the fragrance intensity. As the wax warms, the fragrance is gradually released into the surrounding space.
Avoid placing the candle directly beside strong fans or ventilation outlets, as moving air can disperse fragrance unevenly and interfere with the flame.
Natural Changes
Natural changes in colour, texture or surface appearance may occur over time. These can be influenced by the fragrance composition, wax type, exposure to light, temperature, air and storage conditions.
Some fragrance oils may naturally cause a wax blend to develop a slightly different tone over time, while certain compositions may become lighter or darker depending on their ingredients and exposure to UV light.
Minor surface variations can also occur as the wax responds to changes in temperature. Such changes do not necessarily indicate that the candle has been compromised.
Consistent storage away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture will help minimise unnecessary changes and preserve the intended appearance for longer.
Safety
Candles contain an open flame and must always be treated with care. Please read these precautions before every use and keep the candle within sight whenever it is burning.
Correct candle care is not only about preserving the fragrance and appearance of the product; it is also essential for maintaining a controlled and safe burning environment.
- Keep the candle within sight.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Place on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep the wick trimmed to approximately 5 mm.
- Keep the wax surface free from debris.
- Keep away from draughts and moving air.
- Allow the vessel to cool before moving it.
- Extinguish before leaving the room.
- Extinguish before going to sleep.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn near flammable materials.
- Never burn on an unstable surface.
- Never move while the wax is liquid.
- Never burn for more than 4 hours.
- Never burn completely to the bottom.
- Never use water to extinguish the flame.
- Never touch or adjust the wick while burning.
- Never burn a damaged or cracked vessel.
Placement
Always place the candle on a stable, level and heat-resistant surface with sufficient clearance around it. Keep it away from curtains, books, fabrics, paper, decorations and other objects that could be affected by heat or flame.
Avoid placing the candle near open windows, fans, air-conditioning vents or other sources of moving air. Draughts can cause the flame to flicker, increase soot production and contribute to uneven wax consumption.
Do not place burning candles close together where their combined heat could affect the surrounding vessels or surfaces.
Children & Pets
Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children and pets. An open flame, hot wax and a heated vessel can all cause injury.
Never assume that a candle is safe simply because the flame appears small. Children and pets should never be left unsupervised around a burning candle.
Damaged Vessels
Do not use a candle if the glass is cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged. Heat can place additional stress on a compromised vessel and increase the risk of breakage.
Inspect the vessel periodically, particularly after transport or accidental impact. If you notice a crack, chip or significant structural damage, discontinue use immediately and do not attempt to repair or relight the candle.
Flame & Wick
Keep the wick trimmed to approximately 5 mm before each burn. A wick that is excessively long may produce a larger flame, increased smoke and more soot.
If the flame becomes unusually high, unstable or smoky, extinguish the candle and allow it to cool completely before trimming the wick.
Burn Duration
Extinguishing
Use a candle snuffer whenever possible. Extinguish the flame gently and allow the vessel and remaining wax to cool completely before handling.
Never pour water onto a burning or recently extinguished candle. Water can cause hot wax to splatter and may create thermal shock in a hot glass vessel.
Extinguish the flame before leaving the room, before going to sleep or whenever you are unable to actively supervise the candle.