The Ultimate Guide to Candles: Your Top Burning Questions Answered

Scented Candles are a timeless home accessory, offering ambiance, warmth, and even a touch of luxury to any space. Whether you're a candle connoisseur or just getting into the world of wicks and wax, you might have a few burning questions. We’ve compiled the top most frequently asked questions about candles and provided detailed answers to each. Let's dive in!

1. How Are Candles Made?

Candles are crafted from a few key ingredients: wax, a wick, and fragrance or essential oils. Here's a simplified process:

1. Melting the Wax: Candle wax, such as paraffin, soy, or beeswax, is melted down in a heat-safe container.
2. Adding Fragrance: Once the wax reaches the correct temperature, fragrance oils or essential oils are mixed in. This is where the magic happens – your candle gets its scent!
3. Preparing the Wick: The wick, usually made of cotton or wood, is secured in the centre of the container or mould.
4. Pouring the Wax: The scented wax is carefully poured into the container or mould, ensuring the wick remains centred.
5. Cooling: The candle is left to cool and harden. Sometimes, a second pour is necessary to fill in any gaps or sinkholes that form during cooling.
6. Trimming the Wick: Once the candle has set, the wick is trimmed to the appropriate length, usually about 6-7 mm.

And voilà – your candle is ready to burn!

2. What Are the Best Candle Scents?

The best candle scents vary by personal preference, but some universally loved fragrances include:

• Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender is perfect for relaxation.
• Vanilla: A classic, warm, and comforting scent that suits any season.
• Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit): Bright and refreshing, citrus scents are great for energising spaces.
• Eucalyptus: Clean and invigorating, eucalyptus is often used in candles for spa-like relaxation.
• Cinnamon or Spice Blends: These warm scents are perfect for cozying up during the fall and winter months.

If you're new to candles, start with these popular options and experiment to find your favourite. CLICK HERE to view the Scent 26 Candle Co. scented candle collection.

3. How Do Scented Candles Work?

Scented candles release fragrance through a process called "scent throw." When the candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the wax near the wick, turning it into liquid. This liquid wax (which contains the fragrance oils) then evaporates, releasing the scent into the air.

There are two types of scent throw:

• Cold Throw: The scent you smell when the candle is unlit.
• Hot Throw: The scent released when the candle is burning.

A well-made candle should have a strong cold throw and an even stronger hot throw.

4. Are Candles Bad for Your Health?

This is a common concern, especially with the rise of health-conscious living. The answer depends on the type of candles you’re using.

• Paraffin Wax: Made from petroleum byproducts, paraffin wax candles can release trace amounts of chemicals when burned, such as benzene and toluene, which can be harmful in large quantities. However, most studies suggest that the amounts released from occasional candle use are minimal.
• Soy and Beeswax: These are considered healthier alternatives. Soy candles are made from soybean oil and are biodegradable, while beeswax candles are natural and even produce negative ions, which can help purify the air.

To minimise any potential risks, choose candles made from natural waxes, use candles in well-ventilated areas, and avoid candles with synthetic fragrances.

5. How to Remove Candle Wax from Surfaces (Carpet, Fabric, etc.)?

Accidentally spilled wax? No worries, here’s how to clean it up:

1. Let the Wax Harden: Wait for the wax to cool and harden. You can speed up this process by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and laying it on the wax.
2. Scrape Off the Wax: Once hardened, gently scrape off as much wax as possible using a dull knife or a credit card.
3. Apply Heat: Place a paper towel or brown paper bag over the remaining wax, and run a warm iron over it. The heat will melt the wax, which the paper will absorb.
4. Clean the Area: Once the wax is gone, clean the area with a cloth and a bit of mild detergent or a stain remover suitable for the surface.

Repeat the process if necessary, and be sure to test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first.

6. What Is the Best Way to Store Candles?

Proper storage is key to extending the life of your candles. Here are some tips:

• Keep Them Cool: Store candles in a cool, dry place to prevent the wax from melting or becoming misshapen.
• Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the candle’s colour to fade and the fragrance to diminish.
• Cover Them: If possible, keep your candles in their original packaging or cover them with a lid to prevent dust and debris from settling on the wax.
• Store Upright: To avoid warping, always store candles upright, especially tapers or pillars.

By following these steps, your candles will be fresh and ready to burn whenever you need them.

7. How Long Do Candles Last?

The lifespan of a candle depends on its size, the type of wax, and how it's burned. Here’s a general guide:

• Tea Lights: 4 to 6 hours
• Votive Candles: 10 to 15 hours
• Small Jar Candles (113 g): 20 to 30 hours
• Medium Jar Candles (226 g): 40 to 55 hours
• Large Jar Candles (397-453 g): 65 to 90 hours

To make your candles last longer, follow proper burning practices like trimming the wick and allowing the wax to melt evenly across the surface before extinguishing.

8. How to Make Candles Last Longer?

To get the most out of your candles, use these tips:

• Trim the Wick: Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 6-7 mm. This prevents excessive flickering and soot, which can shorten the candle's life.
• Let It Pool: Allow the candle to burn long enough so that the entire surface becomes a pool of melted wax. This prevents "tunnelling," where the candle burns down the centre and wastes wax around the edges.
• Avoid Drafts: Burning candles in draft areas can cause uneven burning and reduce their lifespan. Keep them away from open windows, fans, and vents.
• Store Properly: As mentioned earlier, proper storage can help maintain the candle's quality over time.

Following these practices will ensure you enjoy your candles for as long as possible.

9. Are Soy Candles Better Than Regular Candles?

Soy candles are often touted as a better alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Here’s why:

• Cleaner Burn: Soy candles produce less soot than paraffin candles, which means cleaner air and fewer black marks on your walls and ceilings.
• Longer Burn Time: Soy wax has a lower melting point, so soy candles generally burn slower and last longer than paraffin candles.
• Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than paraffin, which is derived from petroleum.
• Biodegradable: Soy wax is biodegradable and easier to clean up with just soap and water.

While soy candles may be more expensive, many consider the benefits worth the investment.

10. How Do You Fix a Candle with Tunnelling?

Candle tunnelling happens when only the centre of the candle melts and burns down, leaving a ring of unmelted wax around the edge. Here’s how to fix it:

1. The Foil Method: Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around the top of the candle, leaving an opening in the centre above the wick. The foil will help retain heat, melting the outer edges of the wax and evening out the surface. Burn the candle for a few hours until the wax has levelled out.
2. The Hairdryer Method: If the tunnelling isn’t too severe, you can use a hairdryer to melt the outer wax. Hold the hairdryer about 15 cm away and move it around the edges until the wax softens and levels out.

To prevent tunnelling in the future, always let your candle burn long enough to melt the entire surface before extinguishing it.

11. What Candle Does Kate Middleton Use?

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is known for her classic and elegant style, which extends to her choice in home fragrances. She is reported to favour Jo Malone London candles, particularly the Orange Blossom scent. This luxurious and vibrant fragrance is known for its fresh, floral notes, making it a perfect choice for someone with a refined taste.

12. What Candle Does Meghan Markle Use?

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has expressed her love for candles on several occasions. One of her favourites is the Diptyque Tubéreuse candle. This candle is celebrated for its intoxicating and sophisticated floral scent, which is as elegant and understated as Meghan's personal style. Diptyque, a Paris-based luxury brand, is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and chic design.

13. What Candles Does Victoria Beckham Use?

Victoria Beckham, the fashion designer and former Spice Girl, has a penchant for luxury, and her candle choices reflect that. She is known to favour Diptyque Baies and Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir. The Diptyque Baies candle offers a blend of blackcurrant leaves and rose, while Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir is a rich, dark, and fruity scent. Both candles perfectly complement Victoria's sophisticated and chic aesthetic.

14. Why Are IKEA Candles So Cheap?

IKEA candles are popular for their affordability, but you might wonder why they are so cheap compared to other brands. The main reasons include:

• Mass Production: IKEA produces candles on a large scale, which reduces the cost per unit.
• Simple Ingredients: Many IKEA candles are made from basic paraffin wax, which is cheaper to produce than more luxurious waxes like soy or beeswax.
• Minimal Packaging: IKEA’s no-frills packaging helps keep costs down. They prioritise function over elaborate design, which is in line with their overall brand philosophy.

While IKEA candles are budget-friendly, they still offer a wide range of scents and designs that appeal to many consumers.

15. Why Are Jo Malone Candles So Popular?

Jo Malone candles have gained a cult following, and their popularity can be attributed to several factors:

• Sophisticated Scents: Jo Malone is known for its unique and sophisticated fragrance blends that stand out from the competition. Each scent is carefully crafted, often combining unexpected notes to create a refined aroma.
• Luxury Branding: The brand's minimalist yet elegant packaging appeals to those who appreciate luxury goods. Jo Malone candles are often seen as a status symbol, adding to their desirability.
• Versatility: Jo Malone candles are designed to be layered and combined, allowing users to create their own signature scent at home.

This combination of quality, design, and prestige makes Jo Malone candles a favourite among those who love high-end home fragrances.

16. Why Are Jo Malone Candles So Expensive?

Jo Malone candles come with a premium price tag, and here’s why:

• High-Quality Ingredients: Jo Malone uses high-quality essential oils and fragrance oils, which are more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
• Craftsmanship: Each candle is carefully crafted, with attention to detail in every aspect, from the hand-poured wax to the selection of wicks that ensure an even burn.
• Luxury Branding: Jo Malone markets itself as a luxury brand, and the price reflects this positioning. The sleek packaging and brand prestige contribute to the overall cost.
• Experience: When you purchase a Jo Malone candle, you're buying more than just a product—you're buying an experience. The brand's in-store and packaging experience, along with its association with luxury, add to the perceived value.

While they are expensive, many customers are willing to pay for the quality and luxury that Jo Malone offers.

Cotton Wicks vs. Wood Wicks: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right wick is crucial for the performance of your candle. Here’s how cotton and wood wicks compare:

Cotton Wicks: These are the most common wicks used in candles. Cotton wicks are typically braided, twisted, or knitted, providing a consistent burn. They are known for their stability and even burning, which makes them ideal for a wide range of candle types. Cotton wicks create a traditional, steady flame and are often less expensive. 

Wood Wicks: Wood wicks offer a unique burning experience. They produce a soft crackling sound, reminiscent of a fireplace, adding to the ambiance. Wood wicks often create a larger flame and a more even melt pool, which can enhance the scent throw. However, they can be trickier to light and may require more maintenance, such as regular trimming and relighting.

Whether you're choosing a candle to match your favourite celebrity’s taste or simply trying to enhance your home’s atmosphere, this guide should help you navigate the world of candles with confidence. Happy burning!