Are you a first time candle user? Wondering how to use scented candles in the best way? Here are 8 easy steps to follow from start to finish!
Many people don’t know why anyone would light up candles in their homes and why some really love them. To some, scented candles offer more than just illumination, they provide an opportunity to enhance typical day to day environments with interesting fragrances.
These fragrances can be stronger and wide-ranging beyond what air fresheners or perfumes are able to provide. It can help set the right moods after a long tiring day and elevate experiences when you have friends over. But to fully appreciate the benefits of scented candles, you’ll need to know how to use them effectively!
In this article, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to use scented candles the right way – so you could create a warm relaxing ambience at home.
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8 Practical Steps On How To Use Scented Candles
Step 1: Selecting the Right Candle
There’s a type of fragrance that’s best for every occasion! The first step in enjoying scented candles is to choose the right one for you.
If you’re using for day-to-day, pick a fragrance you personally prefer. For me, it’s lavender and sandalwood. Need something a little special? Choose a fragrance that’s well suited for the occasion or meets your desired ambiance (warm/sweet/woody/fruity).
You’ll need to consider the mood you wish to create—whether it’s a calming atmosphere for relaxation, an energizing environment for productivity, or a festive vibe for celebrations. Select a candle with a fragrance that aligns with your intentions and preferences.
Step 2: Preparing the Candle
Before using any type of candle, you’ll have to ensure that proper safety steps are taken. Make sure that your candles are placed on a stable and heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials and drafts before lighting it.
Many people don’t know this but it’s advisable that you trim the candle’s wick to approximately ¼ inch to prevent excessive smoking while burning. This too helps ensure a clean, even burn – which is even more important for when you light it up the next time.
It might not be common practice for some, but gently removing any debris or dust from the candle surface would also ensure optimal burning conditions and prolongs the candle’s lifespan.
Step 3: Lighting the Candle
When lighting the candle, carefully ignite the candle’s wick using a match or a lighter. You should avoid using paper matches as they may produce a sulfuric odor that can interfere with the candle’s fragrance. But the process of lighting up normal candles and scented candles should be quite the same.
To avoid tunnelling and ensure proper use of candles (for the next few rounds), allow the candle to burn for about an hour – just until the wax pool develop evenly across the top surface. If you burn for too short of a time, tunnelling will occur and your next burn will only use wax up to the same point (not the entire surface).
This is closely tied to the idea of “candle memory”. It results in candle wax wastage, where you’re essentially wasting money with candles as they are not fully used!
Step 4: Creating an Ambiance
If you planned to use scented candles as a way to set the mood and create an ambiance, you’ll need to make the whole experience conducive to relaxation or enjoyment. Dim the lights, play soft music, or engage in calming activities such as reading or meditating.
Other than the scent, lighting plays an important part so make sure that you’re using the right color tones. I find warmer yellow lights to be relaxing and more romantic especially after a long day. You don’t need too bright of a light when you’ve spend the whole day out and about!
You can also choose the right playlist and music that goes well with your desired experience – whether it’s jazz music, romantic music or even meditation sounds. Just remember to not fall asleep while your candle is burning and always have it in sight.
When paired with the right lights and music, the aromatic scent of the candle will enhance the atmosphere, further promoting a sense of tranquility everyone needs.
Step 5: Monitoring the Burn
As much as we love candles and the relaxing experience that comes with burning it, you’ll need to ensure safety by monitoring it at all times. Do not leave candles unattended, especially in rooms where there are small children and even pets.
Keep your burning candles away from items that can easily catch fire. You’ll also need to place them far from drafts, as they can cause uneven burning and diminish scent throw – you won’t have a good burning scent experience.
If the wick is too long or it starts to smoke excessively, extinguish the candle and trim the wick as fast as you can. It’s best that you light up candles when there’s other adults around because you wouldn’t want to fall asleep while it is burning or have it unmonitored.
Step 6: Extinguishing the Candle
Wondering if there’s a right way to extinguish a candle? You can use a candle snuffer to do it properly or just gently blow out the flame. Remember to not blow directly onto the candle to avoid hot wax splatter or spillage – the wick can also become misshapen if you blow right at it.
Once the flame is extinguished, allow the candle to cool completely so the wax hardens before you move it to another location. You should also avoid relighting it while it is still in liquid form to prevent any unwanted accidents or damage.
It can affect your next candle burning experience!
Step 7: Storing the Candle
Don’t know what to do with a candle when you’re not using it? Every candle requires proper care even when they’re placed away and not in use.
It’s best that you store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Any exposure to light and heat can cause the candle’s fragrance to degrade over time. This may not be a big issue for candles that are not scented.
Aside from preserving their fragrance, proper storage of candles can also ensure maintenance of quality between uses. You wouldn’t want to waste a candle especially if you’ve only used 20% of it. It’s advisable that you keep candles covered or in sealed containers to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the surface.
A little care goes a long way!
Step 8: Enhancing the Experience
Using candles on their own can be great, but what’s better than enjoying your favorite scents while doing something you love?
Relaxing fragrances are best for when you’re winding down or when you’re doing something relaxing on its own. This can be activities like taking a long hot bath and watching romantic movies in your living room on a Friday night. Burning a lavender or lemongrass scented candle while doing these can triple times your enjoyment!
Similarly, refreshing scents like citrus are best in the morning when you’re using a lot of your energy and need additional motivation. I would burn a citrus scented candle when I’m busy cleaning my house and need a fresh scent to cheer me up.
Incorporating fragrance candles into various activities and rituals can create a spa-like atmosphere – even when you’re just at home. Light them during meals for a cozy dining experience, or place them on your bedside table to promote restful sleep. But first, you’ll need to experiment with different fragrances and candle combinations to discover your favorites and tailor them to different occasions.
Bottom Line
Tired of old boring environments? You don’t have to look far. Scented candles offer a simple yet powerful way to enhance our surroundings, uplift our moods, and create memorable experiences.
By following the step-by-step guide I’ve shared above on how to use scented candles the right way, you too can make the most of your candles when in your favorite spaces. Start by transforming everyday moments into special unforgettable ones with captivating aromas!
