Candle Care 101: How to Get the Most Out of Your Kumalma Candle
When you bring home one of our Kumalma candles, you're not just getting a beautiful, aromatic piece for your space—you’re also receiving something handmade with care and designed to last. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure your candle burns cleanly, safely, and for as long as possible. Here’s everything you need to know for proper candle care:
1. The First Burn: Setting the Memory
Your first burn is crucial for the life of your candle. When lighting it for the first time, allow the wax to melt fully across the surface, from edge to edge. This is called a “memory burn.” Failing to do this can cause tunneling, where the wax burns unevenly and leaves unmelted rings along the sides. To avoid this, let the candle burn until the top layer is fully liquefied.
2. Wick Trimming: The Secret to a Clean Burn
Before each burn, always trim the wick to 3/16" (about 5mm). A properly trimmed wick ensures a steady, controlled flame and prevents issues like smoke, soot, and an overly hot burn. Using a wick trimmer gives the best results, but scissors can work in a pinch. Remember, a long wick can lead to a larger flame that impacts fragrance quality and shortens burn time.
3. Relighting Your Candle: Safety First
Before relighting your candle, make sure the wick is properly trimmed and the wax pool is clear of debris. Always burn your candle on a heat-resistant surface and keep it within sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended or in the reach of pets or children. To extinguish the flame, consider using a wick dipper or snuffer to reduce smoke.
4. The Importance of an Even Burn
To avoid tunneling and promote an even burn, allow your candle to burn until the top layer is fully liquefied each time. If you notice tunneling starting to develop, you can wrap aluminum foil around the edge of the jar (leaving an opening at the top) and let the candle burn for 30 minutes. This should help the wax melt evenly.
5. Burning Time Limits
While it’s tempting to let your candle burn for hours on end, it’s best to limit burn sessions once the top layer is evenly liquefied. Extinguish the flame when 1/2" (13mm) of unmelted wax remains at the bottom. This ensures safety and prevents the jar from overheating and possibly damaging your surfaces.
6. Handling a Short Wick
If your wick is too short and struggles to stay lit, you can fix it! Light the candle and carefully soak up some of the melted wax with a paper towel. This allows the wick to regain height and produce a more stable flame.
7. Reusing Leftover Wax
When your candle can no longer be lit but there’s wax remaining at the bottom, don’t toss it out. Repurpose the leftover wax in a wax warmer. You can easily remove the wax from the jar by freezing it for an hour and popping it out, or by pouring cooled, boiled water into the jar to lift the wax to the top as it hardens.
8. Removing Our Compostable Labels
Our labels are 100% compostable and made from sugarcane. When you’re ready to repurpose or recycle your jar, simply run it under water and lightly rub the label. It will disintegrate naturally, making disposal easy and eco-friendly.
By following these tips, you’ll get the best performance from your Kumalma candle while keeping safety and sustainability in mind. Enjoy your candle and the comforting atmosphere it brings to your space!
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us at hello@kumalma.com.