I'm a big candle fan. I love their warmth and glow, but
I'm also borderline-paranoid about fire and I don't like a
mess. Today's gift is a series of tried and true candle
care tips, including a surprising one involving spagetti!
Indoor air pollution
Did you know that most of the cheaper, scented candles
have lead in their wicks these days? Makes them
stand up, all perky.
Yup. You can have your very own, 'spice surprise' lead
smelter right under your nose! Make sure to buy only
fiber wicks to avoid infusing your home with heavy
metal. You can tell which is which by fraying the end of
a wick a tiny bit. If you see something stiff and shiny
poking out, put it back. Cotton wicks are easily bent.
Scents can be lovely, but for a healthier alternative to
the aforementioned cheaper, scented candles that use
goodness knows what chemicals to create their smells,
try rubbing an essential oil on the outside of an
unscented candle (never near the wick). As the wax
warms up, the pure scent will be released. Generally, this
method makes for less overpowering odors too.
Always remember to trim the wick to about 1/4
inch before burning a candle. This cuts down on
smoke and uneven burning while increasing the life of
your candle.
Longevity
While an extinguished candle is still warm (but not hot!),
you can use a warm knife, (I keep a dull old
knife for this very purpose) to trim the excess wax and
make it like new.
Prior to burning taper candles wrap them in plastic wrap
or foil and place in the freezer for approximately 30-60
minutes. They last longer and drip less.
Lighting
Don't have any long matches to light that certain
candle? Substitute a long piece of uncooked
spaghetti! Light one end, and use it like the tapers
you see in churches! Keep a glass of water handy to put
the flaming pasta out.
The first time you light a pillar candle, let it burn long
enough for the wax to melt outward from the wick to
close (but not too close!) to the edge. Avoid
dripping by making sure the candle keeps a good 'lip'
around the outside. This way, each time you light it, the
candle will 'remember' to burn toward the edge. This
increases the life of the candle and avoids that annoying
crater you sometimes get in the middle.
Before putting a new votive candle in a container,
especially an odd shaped or glass one put a little
water in the bottom. It will keep wax from sticking
to the glass as it melts and can be removed very easily.
Fire
We all know not to leave a candle unattended, near
flammable objects or in the reach of kids/pets, right?
Good. Also, don't let candles in glass containers burn
unevenly or long enough to crack the glass. You don't
need a lava flow on your nice table. Never use water to
extinguish a candle and don't blow directly on the flame
either. Both methods can cause splattering and burns.
Use a snuffer or give it a gentle puff of air, perpendicular
to the flame.
What is that one issue, that ONE question that once
you
get it sorted out, you'll be free to get on with a happier,
easier life?
