Light them right

Candles are wonderful as they create an ambience and set the mood with their glow and aroma. But how many times have you bought an expensive aromatic candle and not been able to burn it till the last drop of wax? Or how many times has your favourite pillar burnt down on its side? Such occurrences can irritate any candle lover, but have you ever thought that there is a good amount of science behind candle-burning and extinguishing techniques?

In an eye-opening presentation at The One, candle expert Anita Franov tells us why it is important to follow basic methods of burning and extinguishing candles, especially those expensive, luxurious ones.

"I love candles and they can be such good friends if you are looking for some aromatic relaxation after a heavy day at work. But most people I have met do not know how to use the candle properly. Result is tunnel burning and dripping," she says.

Franov goes on to say that if basic burning techniques are followed, then not only can we ensure the longevity of the candle but also get complete value for our money.

• When you first burn a candle, let it burn for a minimum of three hours before putting it out. This will ensure that a melt pool is formed and the candle can solidify evenly.
• Do not blow out the candle to put it out. This will supply carbon dioxide to the flame and will produce more soot and smoke. Instead, use a snuffer which will cut out the oxygen supply. The soot will get collected in the snuffer and not on your furniture. This way you also avoid the risk of spilling molten wax on your precious carpet or the curtain.
• Before burning a used candle, always use a tissue to clean the carbon mushroom that accumulates on top of the wick. A candle mushroom is soot that piles on top of the wick from colour and scent used in the candle. Not removing the carbon mushroom may be the reason yours is not burning evenly.
• Never let any dirt or carbon mushroom particles fall on your candle. If they do, there are chances that they might get ignited again and cause uneven burning.
• When you are planning to buy a candle at a store, always sniff the dome that covers the candle. A dome is made of glass and does not have any smell of its own. Thus it will smell only of the candle. By smelling a candle directly, you may get the smell of wax, which can be unpleasant.
• Although beeswax is expensive, soya wax is cheaper and has the same good qualities of soft wax. Most luxury candles are made of soya wax these days.
• Don't leave your candle unused for more than a year because the scent will fade away. A candle, however pretty it may be, has to be lit within a certain time period, else it will just go to waste.
• Buy a snuffer that has a hinge and a long handle so you can also extinguish candles that are kept at a height.
• Always use an even holder to place your candles. This will prevent your candle from burning down on one side.
• You may opt for candles with wooden wicks. These provide a fireplace-like crackle and pop sound that add fun to the ambience.

If you really want to enjoy your candle to its last drop of wax, and get real value for your money, then just keep these simple techniques in mind. These techniques — though they will require a lot of patience — will be worth your while.