Candle Care Guide
Nurturing Your Bella Scents London Experience
To ensure you get the most out of your Bella Scents London candle and enjoy a safe, clean, and long-lasting burn, please follow these simple care guidelines. Proper candle care enhances the fragrance experience and extends the life of your beloved candle.
1. The All-Important First Burn
- Create a Full Melt Pool: On your very first burn, allow the candle to burn for enough time (typically 2-4 hours) so that the entire top layer of wax melts completely to the edges of the vessel. This creates a full "melt pool."
- Why it Matters: This initial burn is crucial to prevent "tunneling" – where only the center of the candle burns down, leaving wax on the sides. A full melt pool ensures an even burn for the life of your candle.
2. Trim Your Wick Every Time
- Trim to 1/4 Inch: Before each and every burn, carefully trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) using a wick trimmer or nail clippers.
- Why it Matters: A trimmed wick ensures a clean, steady flame. An untrimmed wick can lead to a larger, dancing flame, excessive soot, black smoke, and an uneven burn, potentially affecting the fragrance throw and the life of your candle.
3. Mind Your Burn Time
- Optimal Burn Duration: Do not burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
- Why it Matters: Extended burn times can cause the wick to become too long and mushroom, leading to excessive heat, soot, and an overly large flame. It can also overheat the vessel. Allow the candle to cool completely (at least 2 hours) before re-lighting.
4. Safety First
- Never Leave Unattended: Always burn candles within sight and never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep Away from Flammables: Place your burning candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from anything that can catch fire (curtains, paper, furniture, bedding, etc.).
- Clear the Area: Keep candles away from drafts, open windows, and vents, as this can cause uneven burning and excessive flickering. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Handle with Care: Never move a burning candle. The vessel can become very hot, so allow it to cool completely before handling.
- Extinguish Safely: Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame. Do not use the lid to smother the flame, as this can lead to soot transferring to the wax.
5. Know When to Say Goodbye
- Stop Burning at 1/2 Inch: Discontinue use when about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) of wax remains at the bottom of the vessel.
- Why it Matters: Burning a candle all the way down can cause the glass to overheat and potentially crack or shatter, which can be a fire hazard.
6. Storage & Cleanliness
- Store Properly: Store your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can cause the wax to discolour, crack, or "sweat" essential oils.
- Keep Clean: After each burn, once the wax has solidified, you can gently clean any soot from the inside rim of the vessel using a tissue.
By following these simple steps, you'll ensure a beautiful, safe, and truly indulgent experience with every Bella Scents London candle. Enjoy the mindful moments!