Introduction
Humankind candles are sustainable, luxury candles that require proper maintenance.
To preface this, many customers assume that our candles are easy to use and low maintenance. This is incorrect. If you think about other luxury goods, all of them require maintenance to perform at their best - Hermes bags require leather conditioning, and Porches need regular oil changes. In this guide I'll explain how to take care of your Humankind candle.
1. When you light your candle for the first time, ensure that it creates a melt pool all the way to the edge of the candle.
A melt pool refers to the liquid layer of wax that forms on the surface of a candle when it is lit.
It's important for a candle's performance because:
- A full and even melt pool ensures that the candle burns evenly and maximizes the scent throw (how far the fragrance disperses).
- If the melt pool doesn't reach the edges of the container (known as "tunneling"), the candle will waste wax around the sides and burn inefficiently.
- For optimal burning, the candle should be allowed to develop a melt pool during each burn, typically for 1 to 3 hours depending on the candle's size.
2. Trim your wooden wick after each burn, such that the wick is 1/4"-1/3" long. You can do this by using a wick trimmer, or pinching the burnt ends of the wick off with your fingers. It's important because it:
- Prevents Soot and Smoke: A long wick can cause the flame to flicker or burn too high, which leads to excessive soot or smoke. Trimming the wick helps ensure a clean, steady burn, reducing black soot marks on the container and air.
- Promotes Even Burning: A properly trimmed wick helps the candle burn evenly, which prevents tunneling and ensures the wax is used efficiently.
- Prevents Overheating: If the wick is too long, the flame will become too large and may heat the container excessively, posing a safety risk.
3. When extinguishing your candle, blow it out or use a wick snuffer. Do not put out the flame by using the lid.
- Blowing out a candle or using a wick snuffer minimizes the risk of hot wax splattering, which can happen if you use the lid to extinguish the flame. This can also help prevent accidents like burns or fire hazards from wax spilling onto nearby flammable surfaces.
- When a flame is smothered by a lid, the incomplete combustion process can lead to excessive smoke and soot, which can stain the lid or surrounding areas.
- Using a lid can prematurely shorten the wick's life, causing uneven burning and reducing the candle's overall lifespan.
4. Stop lighting your candle once there is 1/2" of wax left at the bottom.
- Safety Concerns: As the candle burns down, the flame gets closer to the base of the container, increasing the risk of overheating. This can lead to the container cracking or even shattering, especially if it's made of glass. The closer the flame is to the bottom, the more concentrated the heat becomes, posing a fire hazard.
- Container Integrity: Many candle containers are designed to handle heat, but only up to a certain point. Once the wax level is too low, the direct exposure of the flame to the base can compromise the container's durability. This can lead to scorching, discoloration, or even damage that may compromise future reusability, especially for sustainable brands like Humankind Place that focus on quality and eco-friendliness.
5. Store your candles in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Preserves Scent: Candles, especially those made with natural ingredients, can lose their fragrance over time if stored improperly. Heat and sunlight can cause essential oils to evaporate, diminishing the scent throw.
- Maintains Wax Quality: Extreme temperature changes can affect the wax's consistency and cause cracking or sweating. Proper storage ensures the candle's longevity and maintains its high-quality appearance.
6. Burn your candle for 2-4 hours at a time.
- Avoid Overheating: Burning a candle for too long can cause the container to overheat, potentially leading to cracks or burns.
- Promotes Even Burning: The ideal burn time (2-4 hours) ensures that the wax melts evenly, avoiding tunneling and prolonging the life of the candle.
- Enhances Scent Throw: Burning a candle for the right amount of time allows it to emit its scent gradually and consistently.
7. Keep candles away from drafts and flammable objects.
- Safety First: Drafts can cause uneven burning, lead to flickering flames, or increase the chance of the candle tipping over. Flammable objects like curtains, books, or furniture should be kept clear to avoid fire hazards.
- Prolongs Burn Time: A steady, undisturbed flame burns more evenly and slowly, allowing the candle to last longer.
Video Examples
Tunneled Candle (Bad)
Well Maintained Candle (Good)