At Old Whaling Co., we put the most work into providing affordable but safe-to-burn candles with scents that fill a room. Our candles are hand poured and created with olive and soy wax to produce the cleanest burn and long lasting fragrance. To get the best value from your candles, follow the simple steps below to extend their life and maintain their appearance!
Trim Your Wick
Before lighting any candle for the first time, trim the wick with a pair of scissors or a wick trimmer. The wick should be cut to around 1/4th of an inch. This size wick creates a smaller flame which is most desired because it produces less heat. Less heat from the flame causes the wick to burn slower and cooler, preventing black soot on the rim of the candle vessel. The scent is more consistent because the small flame’s low heat allows the fragrance oil to properly heat without vaporizing too fast. Continue trimming your wick before every lighting when the vessel is cool and the wax is reformed. Above, we demonstrate trimming our 12 ounce Floral Coast™ candle.
There are a few general tips to follow when your candles are burning that will add to the safety and enjoyment of your favorite scent. A candle should not be lit for more than 4 hours at a time. After around 75 hours, our 12 ounce candles reach the end of their burn time. The wick should not burn past 1/4th of an inch of wax to avoid overheating the vessel. Make sure to place your candle on a heat resistant surface and never pick it up or touch the glass or wax when hot.
Avoid Blowing Out Your Flame
When preparing to put out your candle flame, do not blow it out. This could cause the flame to rise or splash hot wax onto nearby surfaces. Instead, use a wick dipper or long tool to safely extinguish the flame. Using a tool to dip the wick keeps your hand clear of the flame; simply push the lit wick under the melted wax until the flame is snuffed. Snuffing the flame removes oxygen quickly so very little smoke escapes. Dipping the wick avoids the smoke smell so the room is left smelling like your favorite Old Whaling Co candle. Once fully extinguished, lift the wick upright, and the candle is prepared for the next trim and lighting.
By following these tips, you’ll maximize your candle’s burn time and enjoy your favorite scents with smooth sailing. Keep these tips in mind before, during, and after each use, and you'll receive the best value from your cherished candles.
