Candles are a room’s best friend. Lighting them up at the end of a tiring day is the easiest and quickest way to add cosiness and warmth to your home. And if your candles are scented, they will also kindle your olfactory senses to make you feel more relaxed.

It may seem like a no-brainer to strike a match, set the wick alight, and get your candle burning. But did you know there’s actually a proper way to light and take care of your candles? Doing so will prolong their life, so you can reuse them for a longer time. Here’s a guide to taking care of your candle, so you can really make (and burn) the most out of your favourite Diptyque Baies.

(Featured image: Anika Pries)

The first burn

We understand the urge to want to light up your candle immediately upon unboxing it. But the first burn is the most important as it sets the stage for the rest of the candle’s life. On the first burn, you need to allow the wax to completely melt and liquefy to the edge of the candle.

It might sound odd, but wax has memory. If the pool of wax doesn’t reach the edge, it won’t burn evenly in the future. This is called tunnelling and is the bane of all candle owners.

Trim the wick

Good quality candles should have wicks of the same standard. However, that shouldn’t lead to complacency in maintaining your candle’s wick. Before each burn, use a trimmer to cut your wick to a length of approximately 6mm to 8mm. This will keep your candle jar clean and free from any residual soot.

Diptyque candle wick trimmer, S$40

Snuff it out

You should only blow out a candle during a birthday. With scented candles, you risk splashing the wax or causing the wick to tilt. There will also be a lingering smell of smoke in your room, negating what your candle just did. A simple and effective way to snuff the candle is to just use a lid and cover the top of the jar. If your candle does not come with a lid, a candle snuffer will do the trick without burning you.

Never light it during a meal

A scented candle at the dinner table will interfere with the natural fragrance and flavours of the dishes. The aromas will compete with one another for your nose’s attention. You might be thinking: What about during a candlelit dinner? For romantic occasions, it’s better to use an unscented candle like a pillar or tea lights.

Safety first

This is a no-brainer. Your safety is of the highest priority when dealing with candles, as it involves an open flame. Don’t leave a candle unattended, and never place it near flammable objects — especially your wardrobe. If you have to move your candle, blow out the flame before doing so. You wouldn’t want to stain your carpet with hot wax.

Josiah Neo