Cut the wick to a 1/4" before lighting

Make sure there are no drafts in the room from open windows, fans etc, when burning a candle. This will ensure that the candle does not drip. You will get a longer burn time if you don't let the candle drip.

When you are ready to put your candles in a candle holder it is important that they be securely attached. If the candle feels loose in your holder an easy way to secure it is to lightly heat and soften the bottom of your candle. Hold a flame just below the candle so that the heat will warm it up slightly. This will only take a few moments to work. Don't hold the flame directly on the wax as it will discolor the candle. The wax might drip so do it over something like newspaper to ensure you don't end up with wax on your furniture or floor. Once the wax is shiny extinguish your flame and immediately place the candle in any holder of your choice and press down firmly. As the wax cools the candle will remain secured into place.

Always burn your candles on an even level surface

BLOOM

Candles that are made from 100% beeswax will sometimes develop a white layer on the surface of the candle called bloom. This can occur when candles have been stored in colder temperatures and it is a natural process where the oils in the wax migrate to the surface. Beeswax is the only wax that blooms. If you see a bloom on your candles you can be sure you have 100% beeswax candles. The bloom will not affect your candle in any negative way.

Many people love the way blooming beeswax looks but if you wish to avoid bloom appearing on your candles keep them stored in an area where the temperature remains stable and is not very cold. This will help bloom from appearing on the surface of the wax.

To remove bloom from candles simply use a soft cloth to buff the candle or apply a gentle heat, with your hands and the bloom will disappear.

Freezing Method

A trick to cleaning your candle holders is to freeze them. When beeswax is frozen it shrinks and becomes very brittle. You can do this safely with many different materials. I have used this method with holders that are ceramic, glass, cast iron and wooden without any issues. Once the beeswax is cold enough simply apply a little pressure with your fingers on the wax and it should release from the holder. The wax will probably crack into pieces but it should be easy enough to get it all off. If there is any waxy residue on your holder you can take a rag with some rubbing alcohol on it and wipe down the candle holder. I have found I only need to do this with class holders. You will want to make sure that the alcohol won't damage your holder before doing this.

CLEANING CANDLE HOLDERS

Melting Method

You can also gently heat your candle holders and melt wax off as well. You can use a hair dryer or a heat gun but be careful with the intensity of the heat depending on the material that your holder is made out of. You can also put your holder on a tray in the oven on a very low heat. You always want to have a tray to catch the melted wax and be careful as beeswax is flammable so do not use a high heat! I like to line my tray with parchment paper which will make cleaning up the melted wax a breeze! After the wax has melted off the holder and it is still warm you can use a paper towel or some other material to wipe the holder clean. Once the wax in the tray has cooled you can remove it from the parchment paper easily and save.

I find the freezing method is my favorite as it feels safer, cleaner and easier than the melting method.