Candle Care 101: Getting the Best Out of Your Irish Scented Candles

There’s something truly magical about lighting a beautifully crafted Irish scented candle. Whether it’s the warm aroma of peat fires, the fresh breeze of wild Atlantic coasts, or the floral whisper of blooming windbush, these candles bring the soul of Ireland into your space. But are you getting the most out of your candles?

With a little care, your candle can last longer, burn cleaner, and keep your home infused with the fragrance you love. Here's your essential guide to caring for your Irish scented candles:

 

1. The First Burn is the Most Important

The first time you light your candle, let it burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the container. This helps prevent “tunneling” — a common issue where the wax only melts in the center, leaving valuable scent and wax wasted around the sides. Typically, this takes 2–4 hours depending on candle size.

 

2. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 5mm (¼ inch). This small step makes a big difference:

• It prevents high flames and excess soot.
• It helps your candle burn more evenly.
• It improves the scent throw without overpowering the room.

Use a wick trimmer or scissors and remove any debris before lighting.

3. Keep 'er Lit — But Not Too Long

While it’s tempting to keep your candle burning for hours, the ideal burn time is around 3–4 hours per session. This helps preserve the fragrance and avoids overheating the wax or container. Burning for too long can also cause the wick to move or slant, leading to uneven burning next time.

 

4. Store Candles in a Cool, Dark Place

Irish scented candles contain premium fragrance blends. To preserve their quality:

• Store them away from direct sunlight.
• Keep them in a cool, dry area.
• Avoid placing candles near heat sources or windows, where the wax might soften or fade.

 

5. Re-Center the Wick

After each burn, gently adjust the wick to the center while the wax is still soft. This ensures your candle burns evenly next time and reduces the risk of uneven melt pools.

 

6. Don’t Burn to the Bottom

Always leave at least 1cm of wax at the bottom of the container. Burning a candle all the way down can overheat the container and potentially cause it to crack or shatter (if in glass). With tins, you can overheat the surface it sits on and cause damage. Safety first!

7. Reuse or Recycle the Tin

Our Irish Candles use recyclable black tins. Once the wax is used up, clean out the container with warm water and repurpose it as a planter, pen holder, or keepsake jar. It’s a lovely way to give your candle a second life.

8. Know Your Space

Larger rooms may need larger candles or multiple candles to fully enjoy the fragrance. Smaller spaces, like bathrooms or bedrooms, will benefit from a single well-placed candle. For the best scent experience, close windows and doors while the candle burns.

Final Thought

Irish scented candles are more than just a source of fragrance — they’re an experience. A little mindfulness goes a long way in preserving that experience. Whether it’s the mossy earthiness of Connemara or the sea salt tang of the Wild Atlantic Way, a well-cared-for candle keeps the essence of Ireland glowing in your home.

So light up, relax, and let Ireland come to you — one burn at a time.

 

Ian 💚