Welcome to Merel Scent’s guide to candle care! Our handcrafted candles are designed to bring warmth and ambiance to your South African home. Follow these expert tips to ensure your candles burn safely, evenly, and last longer. Whether you’re enjoying our luxury scented candles or gifting them to loved ones, proper care enhances your experience.
Why Candle Care Matters
Proper candle care ensures safety, enhances fragrance throw, and extends burn time. At Merel Scent, we craft our candles with premium ingredients to deliver a high-quality experience. These tips will help you get the most out of every candle while keeping your home safe.
How to Burn Your Candle Safely
Trim the Wick
Before lighting your Merel Scent candle, trim the wick to about 5mm. A shorter wick prevents excessive smoke, soot, and uneven burning. Use a wick trimmer or small scissors for a clean cut.
First Burn: Create a Memory Ring
For the first burn, allow the candle to melt evenly across the entire surface, forming a full wax pool. This “memory ring” prevents tunnelling and ensures an even burn in future uses. Depending on the candle size, this may take 2-4 hours.
Burn Time Limits
Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Extinguish it, let it cool, and trim the wick before relighting. This prevents overheating and preserves the candle’s quality.
Keep Away from Drafts
Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, fans, or open windows. Drafts can cause uneven burning and increase the risk of fire hazards in your South African home.
Storing Your Merel Scent Candles
Protect from Heat and Sunlight
Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. South Africa’s warm climate, especially in summer, can soften wax or fade fragrances. Keep candles in their original packaging or a sealed container.
Use a Lid or Dust Cover
Our candles often come with lids to protect them from dust. If your candle doesn’t have a lid, cover it with a cloth or store it in a box to keep the wax clean.
Maintaining Your Candle
Extinguishing Safely
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish your candle instead of blowing it out. This minimizes smoke and prevents hot wax from splattering. Explore our range of candle accessories for snuffers and trimmers.
Cleaning the Candle Jar
Once your candle is fully used (about 1cm of wax left), clean the jar for reuse. Pour hot water into the jar, let the wax float to the top, and remove it once cooled. Wash with soap and water. Repurpose your Merel Scent jar for storage or decor!
Candle Safety Tips for South African Homes
Safety is a priority when enjoying candles. Always follow these guidelines:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Place candles away from flammable materials like curtains or bedding.
- Extinguish candles before leavingCandidates the room or going to sleep.
At Merel Scent, we’re committed to helping you enjoy your candles safely. Contact us for personalized advice.
Explore More with Merel Scent
Ready to elevate your candle experience? Browse our collection of handcrafted candles or learn about our story and craftsmanship. Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive offers and candle care updates tailored for South African candle lovers.