Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1427282
12 UPKEEP Maintain the Flame The right way to care for candles. C O O L I T D OW N Once you've found the perfect candle for your space, don't just light it up. Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes or store it there between uses to extend its lifespan. Letting the candle chill out hardens the wax and slows the melting speed. T R I M T H AT W I C K The math is simple: the longer the wick, the larger the flame—and the faster the melt. Before each burn, trim candle wicks to ¼ inch or shorter. Use a wick trimmer for hard-to-reach wicks and nail clippers or scissors for others. Not only will a shorter wick slow the burn, but it'll also prevent those flying flecks of soot that can mar a candle's surface and container. T I M E I T R I G H T When you light a candle for the first time, let it burn long enough so wax liquefies evenly to the edge of the container. Why? Because candles have what's known as a "burn memory." If a candle burns for just a short period, only the wax around the wick melts, wasting all that periphery wax and causing tunnels to form. Try to burn candles for several hours to keep them smooth. Extinguish with a snuffer, and let the candle cool entirely before moving. P R A C T I C E P R O P E R P L A C E M E N T Choose your candle display space carefully. As pretty as a candle may look in front of a window, drafts and air currents from windows, vents, or fans can lead to an uneven burn and create smoke that stains the candle's container (or, even worse, nearby furniture or walls). Also, avoid placing candles near heat sources or within reach of children and pets. G E T S A LT Y The next time you snuff out a candle, grab a saltshaker. Sprinkling a bit of salt into liquid wax helps slow the candle's burn rate. If the salt sits on the surface, use a toothpick to mix it in. (Pro tip: reposition the wick to the center of the container while the wax is still warm.) S T O R E S T R AT E G I C A L LY After you're done burning, and the candle has cooled, cover it up. Place the lid back on the container or top it with a piece of foil to prevent dust buildup and preserve the fragrance. Store the candle container upright in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and anything that can catch fire easily. There's nothing quite like the warm, flickering light from a candle to make your home feel extra cozy (and smell amazing) during the holidays. But did you know that there are ways to make that welcoming ambiance last even longer? Use these tips to optimize candle burn time—and keep your holidays bright.