“Ejiro! Come here!” Oreva called from the living room, her excitement palpable.
“What is it, Oreva?” Ejiro replied, strolling in after a long week at Providus Bank, filled with customer relationship issue resolutions and MPR meetings.
“You have to see this new candle I got! It’s so pretty!” Oreva exclaimed, holding up a jar filled with rich, luxurious, creamy wax labeled “Tega Milton - Cozy.”
Ejiro smiled as she took a closer look. “Wow, it really is beautiful! What scent is it?”
“It’s from Tega Milton’s Iridescent Collection. It’s called ‘Cozy,’ and it smells like crystallised ginger, cinnamon, and amber! I saw it on Instagram, and everyone was saying it’s the perfect candle for Netflix and chill. I couldn’t resist!” Oreva said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.
“Sounds perfect for our movie night!” Ejiro replied, plopping down on the couch beside her younger sister. The girls, barely two years apart in age, shared a cozy apartment in Gbagada, Lagos, where they often turned Friday evenings into their own mini-getaways from the busy workweek.
“I can’t believe how exhausting this week has been,” Oreva said, sinking into the cushions. “Between working from home and going into the office, I’m wiped out. I just want to relax with a good movie and this candle.”
“Absolutely! But have you read the instructions on how to care for it?” Ejiro asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Instructions? It’s just a candle! You light it and enjoy,” Oreva shrugged, ready to set the mood.
“Not quite. There’s a bit of an art to it. You want it to burn evenly, right?” Ejiro replied.
“Evenly? I hadn’t thought about that,” Oreva admitted, her excitement dimming slightly.
“Trust me, if you don’t take care of it, you’ll end up with wasted wax and a candle that smells less potent,” Ejiro explained, walking over to grab a pair of wick trimmers. “Let me show you how to trim the wick before we light it.”
“Okay, okay! Show me,” Oreva said, leaning in closer, intrigued.
“First things first—trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps it burn cleanly,” Ejiro instructed, snipping the wick with precision.
“Ooh, I see! What else?” Oreva asked, her enthusiasm growing as she realised the effort involved.
“After you light it, let it burn long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the top usually 4 hours. You don’t want it to tunnel,” Ejiro added, demonstrating how to light the candle properly.
“Got it! I’ll let it burn for a 4 hours. Anything else I should know?” Oreva was now fully invested in the candle care process.
“Definitely! Always place it on a heat-resistant surface, away from windows. And never blow it out; use a snuffer instead. It keeps the air clean and helps preserve the wick,” Ejiro said, her eyes gleaming with knowledge.
“You make it sound like a science! But I love it! I’ll take good care of it,” Oreva promised, her excitement returning.
“Exactly! Candles can transform a space if you care for them properly. Now, let’s enjoy our movie night with your ‘Cozy’ candle lighting the way,” Ejiro said with a smile.
Just then, the microwave beeped. “Oh, the popcorn!” Oreva exclaimed, jumping up to grab the steaming bag from the microwave. She poured the fluffy kernels into a large bowl, the buttery scent filling the room.
“Perfect timing! I’ll get the juices from the fridge,” Ejiro said, heading to grab their favorite drinks. As she returned, she placed the colorful bottles on the table.
“Now we’re all set!” Oreva said, arranging the popcorn and drinks on the coffee table. “Let’s queue up the movie.”
With the soft glow of the Tega Milton - Cozy candle, the aroma of crystallised ginger and amber filling the air, and the warm buttery popcorn at hand, the sisters were ready to unwind and indulge in a well-deserved night of relaxation.
The Art of Candle Care: Essential Tips for a Perfect Burn
Burning candles may seem simple, but there’s an art to it. Proper candle care not only enhances the fragrance experience but also ensures your candles burn evenly and safely. Here are essential tips to help you master the art of candle care.
1. Trim the Wick
Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick helps prevent excessive soot and uneven burning. This simple step can significantly enhance your candle’s performance, allowing it to burn cleaner and longer.
2. Allow for a Full Melt Pool
When you first light your candle, let it burn for at least one hour per inch of the candle’s diameter. This allows the wax to melt evenly across the surface, preventing tunneling and ensuring an even burn. For instance, if you have a 3-inch wide candle, let it burn for at least three hours the first time.
3. Choose the Right Surface
Always place your candle on a heat-resistant, stable surface away from windows. A solid, non-flammable surface reduces the risk of accidents and ensures your candle burns evenly. Avoid placing it near windows or vents where airflow could disrupt the flame.
4. Keep it Away from Distractions
While it might be tempting to light a candle during a windy day, remember that external conditions can affect its burn. Keep candles away from windy areas, pets, or anything flammable. This will help maintain a steady flame and reduce soot buildup.
5. Extinguish Properly
Never blow out your candles, as this can cause wax to splatter and create smoke. Instead, use a candle snuffer or dip the wick into the melted wax and pull it back out. This method reduces smoke and prevents the wick from fraying.
6. Store Candles Correctly
When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and light can alter the fragrance and color, diminishing the candle’s quality. Proper storage ensures your candles stay fresh and ready for your next relaxation session.
7. Monitor the Burn Time
To keep your candles burning safely, avoid burning them for more than four hours at a time. This prevents overheating and helps maintain the integrity of the wax. Always let your candle cool completely before relighting it.
8. Enjoy Responsibly
While candles enhance your home’s ambiance, always keep safety in mind. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Following these safety precautions allows you to enjoy your candles without worry.
Finally!
Mastering the art of candle care transforms your space into a fragrant haven while prolonging the life of your candles. By following these tips, you can ensure your candles burn evenly and safely, allowing you to enjoy their warm glow and delightful scents for longer.
Have you tried these candle care tips? What are your favorite candle scents that make your home feel inviting?
Drop a comment below to share your thoughts and experiences!
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