Candle Care Guide
At Szofi & Co, we craft our candles with care and precision to ensure you enjoy a safe and long-lasting burn. Proper candle care not only extends the life of your candles but also enhances the fragrance experience in your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your Szofi & Co candles, following best practices suited to Western Australian conditions.
1. First Burn - Setting the Foundation
When lighting your Szofi & Co candle for the first time, allow it to burn until the entire surface melts, reaching the edges of the container. This helps to avoid "tunneling" and ensures an even burn throughout the candle’s lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to burn the candle for one hour per inch of its diameter.
2. Trim the Wick
Before every burn, always trim the wick to approximately 5mm (¼ inch). This prevents excessive flickering, reduces soot, and ensures a cleaner, more controlled flame. Long or crooked wicks can result in uneven burning and dripping. For best results, use a wick trimmer or scissors.
3. Ideal Burn Time
For a longer-lasting candle, burn your Szofi & Co candle for no more than 3-4 hours at a time. This reduces the risk of overheating the container, which could damage the glass or the surface it’s placed on. If the flame becomes too large or smokes, extinguish the candle, allow it to cool, and trim the wick before relighting.
4. Avoid Drafts
Ensure your candle is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, fans, open windows, or air-conditioning vents. Exposure to air currents can cause uneven burning, smoking, or even fire hazards. Keep your candles out of direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or melting, especially during warmer Western Australian summers.
5. Extinguish Safely
Always use a snuffer to extinguish your candle rather than blowing it out. This helps avoid hot wax splattering and keeps the wick centered for future burns. Avoid using water to extinguish a candle, as this can cause the hot wax to splatter and may even crack the container.
6. Candle Storage
If you’re not planning to burn your candle for a while, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. For Szofi & Co candles with lids, replace the lid after each burn to keep the fragrance fresh. Western Australia’s high summer heat can cause candles to soften or melt, so always keep them in a controlled environment when not in use.
7. Burn Responsibly
Always burn candles within sight and never leave them unattended. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and ensure they are placed away from flammable materials like curtains, books, or paper. In Western Australia, where outdoor living is common, avoid using candles in areas prone to strong winds or bushfire risks, particularly during high fire danger periods.
8. Proper Disposal
When only 1cm (½ inch) of wax remains in the container, it’s time to stop using the candle. Burning it past this point can cause the glass to overheat and crack. To safely dispose of the leftover wax, allow it to cool and harden, then gently remove it from the container. You can reuse or refill your Szofi & Co vessels, encouraging sustainable practices in line with our commitment to environmental care.
9. Caring for Your Candle Vessels
Szofi & Co vessels are designed to be reused or refilled. Once your candle has fully burned, clean the container with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining wax. Our glass jars and delicate vessels make beautiful decor pieces or can be refilled with your favorite Szofi & Co fragrance—encouraging sustainability and lessening the impact on the environment.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your Szofi & Co candles burn cleanly, safely, and for as long as possible, all while enjoying the luxurious fragrance they bring into your home.
For more tips or to explore our range of eco-friendly refills, feel free to contact us or visit our Perth-based studio. Thank you for choosing Szofi & Co to be a part of your everyday moments!