Your questions, our expertise: mastering candle care

At Ardent Fox Creations, I pour my heart into every handcrafted candle. To ensure you enjoy them safely and to their fullest potential, I've gathered the most important tips and answers to common questions about caring for your unique creations.

What's the absolute most important thing people should know to keep their Ardent Fox candles burning safely and looking fantastic?

For safety and optimal performance, follow these guidelines:

Before You Light:

  • Trim the Wick: Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch (6mm) before every use to prevent high flames, smoking, and soot.
  • Check the Surface: Place on a stable, heat-resistant, non-flammable surface or holder.
  • Clear the Area: Ensure the spot is free of drafts, open windows, fans, and air vents to prevent uneven burning and flare-ups.

How can folks make sure they get the very best experience and longest life out of their handcrafted candles?

To maximise your candle's life and experience:

  • Follow the 2-4 hour rule, ensuring the wax melts to the container edge each time to prevent tunneling.
  • Trim wick to 1/4 inch before every use to reduce smoke and soot.
  • Keep candles away from drafts.
  • Limit burns to 2-4 hours to prevent the wick from becoming too long, which causes smoking, soot, and dangerous high flames.

While Burning:

  • Never Leave Unattended: Extinguish candles before leaving a room, leaving the house, or going to bed.
  • Maintain Distance: Keep candles at least 12 inches (30cm) away from curtains, bedding, books, and other combustible materials.
  • Space Them Out: If burning multiple candles, keep them at least 3–4 inches (10cm) apart.
  • Keep Out of Reach: Position away from children and pets.
  • Limit Burn Time: Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time.
  • Don't Move Lit Candles: Never move a candle while the wax is liquid.

Extinguishing & Maintenance:

  • Use a Snuffer: Use a candle snuffer or spoon to extinguish, rather than blowing, which can splash hot wax or cause sparks.
  • Check the Wax Pool: Keep the pool free of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
  • Stop Early: Stop using the candle when about 1/2 inch to 1 cm of wax remains to prevent jars from cracking.
  • Jar Safety: Discard jar candles if the glass is cracked, chipped, or broken.

Are there any common mistakes people make when burning candles, and what are your top tips to help them avoid these?

One common mistake is burning a candle for too short or too long, leading to tunneling or excessive soot. Always aim for a full melt pool and trim your wick before each use. Another is placing candles near drafts, which can cause uneven burning and safety issues. Keep them in a stable, draft-free spot. Avoid burning your candle for less than 2 hours at a time, as this can cause the wick to drown in its own wax.

Why is good care especially important for your unique handcrafted candles compared to just any old candle?

My handcrafted candles from Ardent Fox Creations are made with premium ingredients and attention to detail. Proper care ensures you experience the fragrance and clean burn we've designed, preserving the integrity and longevity that mass-produced candles often lack. It also helps prevent issues like tunnelling, soot buildup, and extends the life of the unique scents.

Discover the art of candle care with Ardent Fox Creations

By following these simple care tips, you're not just burning a candle; you're preserving a piece of art and enjoying the full sensory experience I've carefully crafted for you. Explore our full range of handcrafted candles and homewares from Earnscleugh, New Zealand.