Follow these simple tips for how to burn beeswax candles properly so that they last longer.
Beeswax candles are a great choice for people wanting an all-natural, nontoxic product to help create a calming, peaceful home environment. These candles burn brighter, hotter, cleaner, and longer than any other wax. Because beeswax is quite different from traditional petroleum-based candles, here are a few key tips to maximize your enjoyment and candle burn time.
How to Burn Beeswax Candles
- Only burn beeswax votive and tea light candles in the container supplied; these candles are designed to liquify completely.
- When you light the candle, light the wick where it meets the wax and not at the top, and make sure it’s completely lit and a small pool of melted wax has started around the wick before you remove the original flame. (Natural cotton wicks take longer to start than chemically treated ones.)
- Tea lights work best when they’re allowed to burn completely (3 to 4 hours) instead of extinguishing them and lighting them again.
- Trim the cotton wicks 1/4 inch before each lighting to ensure a consistent burn.
What Is Candle Bloom?
You might see a light film on the surface of a beeswax candle that resembles frost; this is actually called “bloom” and it’s a hallmark of high-quality beeswax. Bloom can occur when candles aren’t used for a while or when they’ve been stored in cold conditions. There’s nothing wrong with bloom, and it can be easily removed with a soft cloth or gently warming the candle; it doesn’t affect the burning of the candle.
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Aimee Cebulski is a writer and photographer who has worked extensively with various eco-friendly and health-related clients over the years on campaigns to increase public awareness about healthy eating, natural living, and cost-saving choices.
