Scented Candles

How to get the best out of your scented candles

by Allison Harvey

Scented candles are an ideal way to achieve true holistic wellbeing. They have the ability to transform a space using scent only, and create an environment to help us feel secure, comfortable and relaxed. The scent you choose can be selected to suit your mood, from creating a warming cosy feel through to an uplifting ambience to bring energy into your sanctuary.

Did you know there are Dos and Don’ts when it comes to getting the best out of your Scented Candles?

Of course, some are obvious – there for safety reasons such as never leaving a candle unattended or burning them around children. But there are also some lesser-known scented candle tips that will help make your candles to smell better, last longer, and burn more evenly.

Natio Scented Candles
  1. READ THE FINE PRINT

Yes, candles normally carry a warning label, usually on the base of the candle itself or the box it came in. Get started by reading the label, which will outline all the important safety advice you should know about that particular product.

This info may vary from candle to candle, depending on its size, volume, wax, wick type and number of wicks, so it’s important to take a moment to read this with any new candle you purchase.

  1. BURNING TIME MATTERS

You should never light a candle for 10 minutes only. This causes a narrow pooling of wax around the wick. Natio Scented Candles are designed to be used for between 1-3 hours, especially on the first use. This ensures an even, clean burn for the rest of your candle’s life.

  1. WATCH THE WAX

As the candle burns, wax will naturally melt and pool around the wick. Did you know it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of liquid wax in your candle? If there is too much (more than around 12mm), it can cause your candle to crack.

TIP: If the wax does start to pool around the wick, simply extinguish the candle and allow the wax to become solid before using it again. 

  1. WATCH THE WICKS

Candle wicks needs to be kept in top shape. All this takes is a little trim now and then.

Ideally you want to keep your wicks no longer than 7mm – any longer and they will burn too quickly and cause the sooting black smoke you may have seen on the inside of a candle jar.

Once the wick needs a trim, just snip it back with a pair of scissors or specialist wick trimmer. 

Natio Scented Candles
  1. EXTINGUSH SAFELY

This may seem obvious – but you should never use the lid of a scented candle to extinguish it (by placing it back on top of the candle while still burning). Always blow a candle out, or use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.

  1. KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

How do you know when that time comes? A candle has come to the end of its life (for burning, at least) once the amount of solid wax gets down to 13mm. The jars can still be handy though. Empty the remaining wax by freezing the candle overnight, then simply tipping it upside down. The (now shrunken) remaining wax should tip right out. If it doesn’t, all it needs it a gentle push with a spoon on one side of the wax to remove the waxy disc.

Now continue using the empty vessel for storage or even as a vase for small flower arrangements and continue to fill your home with the beautiful, blissful scents of nature.

Other safety tips

  • Do not leave candles burning unattended
  • Do not use candles around children or pets
  • Do not use under curtains, blinds, plants, near flammable items or in draughty areas
  • Do not move while burning or while wax is still liquid
  • Store candles in a cool, dry, preferably dark environment
  • When not in use store with the lid secured

Natio Scented Candles

  • Are Made in Australia
  • Are refined with natural Essential Oils
  • Use lead-free cotton wicks and a natural Soy-blend wax
  • Have up to 50 hours burn time
  • Are housed in a timeless matte white glass vessel