Tips & Candle Care

A word (OK, a lot of words) about candle wax ...

At gorgeous & home, we only stock candles that are completely paraffin-free.  After all, paraffin is a toxic petroleum by-product and you wouldn't start a lawn mower in your lounge room, so why light a candle that contains even a hint of paraffin wax?  (And as we've discovered to our severe chagrin, not all luxury candles are paraffin-free.  If your candle doesn't state what kind of wax it's made from, you're safe to assume it contains paraffin.  And watch for cheeky statements like "includes soywax".  This could be marketing spin for "mostly paraffin with a bit of soywax so we can put it on the label to tap into the 'green' market.") 

Natural candles can have slight irregularities in their surface, particularly the CIR French candles made from vegetable wax.  This adds a charming air of individuality while the candle is unlit.  It is not apparent once the surface has become a pool of molten bliss.

Here are the tips ...

Candle containers can become extremely hot.  Light & place your candle on a secure, heat resistant surface and keep it away from anything that can catch fire or be burned, including people and furry friends.  Once lit, do not move or handle candles until extinguished and cool.  Follow manufacturer information provided on the candle and/or packaging.  A little common sense goes a long way. 

OK, here's where we gently encourage you to trim the wick on your candle – yawn.  But a moment is all it takes and you’ll be rewarded with maximum candlelife and bliss time.  Here are some more important pointers:  

• Before lighting your candle ~ every time EXCEPT the very first time ~ trim the wick to around 0.5cm.  Very large candles can take a slightly longer wick length.  (What's that - we've already suggested that you trim the wick?)  
• Each time you use your candle, keep it alight for at least long enough to melt the whole of the top surface.  This makes for a lovely even descent as your candle is used. 
• Drafts can cause uneven burning & debris.  Keep your lit candle away from drafts. (In fact, keep yourself away from drafts, too.  No good can come of it: chills, consumption ...)
• If a metal lid comes with your candle, simply put the lid on the candle to safely snuff out the flame.  This also prevents errant stuff from settling into the wax before it hardens.
• If your candle does not come with a metal lid, put your finger just in front of your lips as if you are "shushing" someone, then gently blow towards the flame.  This extinguishes the flame with a whisper and reduces the risk of splashing hot wax.
• After extinguishing, check the wick is upright and remove any debris that has dropped into the wax (the clean end of a long, dead match is handy for this).  Tip: keeping the wick nicely trimmed usually circumvents this.  (All right, all right - we'll stop nagging.  Yeesh!)