How to Make Candles Last Longer and Shine Brighter
Always lay candles flat, to avoid warping. Putting them in the refrigerator or freezer a day before you use them makes them burn more evenly and slowly. Be sure to wrap them to prevent the wicks from absorbing moisture. Moist wicks will cause tapers to sputter.
Other tips for candle use and maintenance include:
- Soiled candles can be cleaned with alcohol and a soft cloth. A drop of salad oil applied with a soft cloth will restore luster.
- Scented candles lose fragrance after long exposure to air. To release the fragrance anew, just scratch through the outer layer with a fingernail or a pin.
- To blow out a candle, hold your finger perpendicularly in front of the flame and blow across it. This will prevent hot wax from spattering.
- Candles, even in glass containers, tend to “sweat” when they’re hot, so always place something between candles and table to protect the wood finish.
- Remove wax from candle holders rinsing them under very hotter.
- You often can remove wax from clothes or tablecloths by letting the wax harden and then scraping it off with a knife. Another method is to pour boiling water through the fabric.
- Never pour liquid wax in, a sink. The wax will harden and cause drainage problems.
- If candle wax should spatter on a wood tabletop allow the wax to dry Overnight. Then place aluminum foil (not plastic wrap) over the waxy area. Wet a terry cloth with hot water, wring it out, place the steamy cloth over the foil, and wait about three minutes. This process will make the candle wax soft enough for you to pick it up with your fingertips. While the wood is still warm, rub the surface with a soft tissue or cloth, following the wood grain.
You may also like to see Candle Wall Sconces and soy wax candles tips.
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