Tips for Candle Care

Vela Candle Company Candle CareTo care for a candle, trim the wick to ¼" before each use, burn it on a heat-resistant surface away from drafts, and limit each session to 3-4 hours. Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and extinguish the flame with a snuffer to avoid soot. When the wax is down to ½", discontinue use. 

Before lighting

  • Trim the wick: Trim the wick to ¼" to prevent smoking and ensure an even burn. 
  • Remove packaging: Take off any labels, wrappers, or packaging before lighting the candle. 
  • Ensure a safe location: Place the candle on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, flammable items, and out of reach of children and pets. 
  • PLEASE REMOVE ALL CANDLE DECORATIONS BEFORE LIGHTING OR AS SOON AS THEY BECOME LOSE IN THE WAX POOL!!

During burning

  • Allow a full melt pool: 

Let the wax melt completely to the edges of the container on the first burn to prevent tunneling. Avoid burning for more than 3-4 hours at a time. 

  • Never leave it unattended: 

Always stay in the same room as the candle and never fall asleep while it's burning. 

  • Avoid drafts: 

Keep the candle away from open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents to prevent uneven burning and soot. 

Extinguishing and maintenance

  • Use a snuffer or dipper: 

Extinguish the flame using a snuffer to avoid smoke and splatter. A snuffer or dipper can also help push the wick into the wax pool to keep it centered. Blowing it out can cause smoke and potentially splash wax. 

  • Wait for it to cool: 

Let the candle cool completely before moving it or relighting it. 

  • Clean up debris: 

Use a wick dipper to remove any debris like wick trimmings from the wax pool. 

  • Stop at the right level: 

Discontinue use and extinguish the flame when only ½" of wax remains at the bottom. 

*******To extinguish a candle burning out of control, never use water, as it can spread the fire. Instead, smother the flames with a lid or fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained. If the fire has grown, evacuate the area immediately and call 911

For a candle flame that is still small but spreading

Use a fire extinguisher: 

A fire extinguisher designed for Class B (flammable liquid) fires can be used to extinguish the flame. 

 

Smother with a damp towel:

If the fire is small and contained, you can cover the flames with a damp towel to cut off the oxygen supply. 

 

Use a lid or metal cover:

Place a metal lid over the flame to extinguish it. Ensure the cover is large enough to fully contain the flames.