Complete Candle Care Guide

The first time you light your Kraftika candle is the most important burn. This initial burn determines how well your candle will perform throughout its entire life. When you first light your candle, allow it to burn until the entire top surface becomes a pool of liquid wax. This typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the candle size.

This first burn creates what candle experts call a "memory ring." The wax "remembers" the diameter of this first melt pool. If you extinguish the candle before the entire top melts, it will tunnel straight down on future burns, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edges. Once tunneling starts, it's very difficult to fix, so that first burn is crucial for getting the maximum value from your candle.

Pro Tip: Set aside time for the first burn. Don't light a new candle when you only have 30 minutes—wait until you can allow it to burn for the full 1-2 hours needed to create a complete melt pool.

Wick care is essential for a clean, safe, and efficient burn. Always trim your wick to 1/4 inch (approximately 6mm) before every single lighting. This simple step prevents several common problems:

• Excess soot production that can stain walls and containers
• Large, flickering flames that burn too hot
• Smoke and black marks on the container
• Rapid wax consumption that shortens burn time

Use a proper wick trimmer or small scissors dedicated to candle care. Never pinch off the wick with your fingers. If you notice a "mushroom" or carbon ball forming on your wick, trim it off completely. This buildup can cause smoking and reduce scent throw.

Pro Tip: Keep a wick trimmer near your candles for easy access. Trim wicks when the candle is completely cool, before lighting.

Following proper burning practices ensures your candles perform optimally and last as long as possible:

Burn Time Limits: Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. After 4 hours, extinguish the flame and allow the candle to cool completely for at least 2 hours before relighting. This prevents the candle from overheating, which can cause the wax to become unstable and the container to become dangerously hot.

Safe Depth: Stop burning your candle when there's approximately 1/2 inch of wax remaining at the bottom. Burning beyond this point can cause the container to overheat and potentially break, creating a fire hazard.

Placement Matters: Always place candles on heat-resistant surfaces, away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, and air currents. Drafts can cause uneven burning, excessive flickering, smoking, and reduced scent throw. Keep candles away from direct sunlight, which can cause the wax to soften and discolor.

Keep It Clean: Before each lighting, remove any debris, matches, wick trimmings, or foreign objects from the wax pool. This ensures a clean burn and prevents potential issues.

How you put out your candle matters for both safety and candle care:

Use a Snuffer: A candle snuffer is the best tool for extinguishing candles. It prevents hot wax from splattering and reduces smoke. If you don't have a snuffer, gently blow from a distance to avoid splattering wax.

Don't Use the Lid: While it's tempting to use the lid to snuff out the flame, this can trap smoke and create unpleasant odors that linger in the wax. Always let the candle cool completely before covering with a lid.

Proper Storage: Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause the wax to soften, discolor, or lose fragrance. Keep candles covered when not in use to preserve their fragrance. Avoid storing candles near heat sources, in cars, or in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Always store candles upright to maintain their shape and prevent wax from shifting. If storing for extended periods, keep them in their original packaging or wrap them in tissue paper to protect them from dust and light.