Whether you're a seasoned candle lover or new to the world of scented wax, understanding the terminology associated with candles can enhance your experience. Here’s a guide to some of the most common candle terms you'll come across.
Scent Throw
Scent throw refers to the strength of a candle's fragrance. There are two types of scent throw:
- Cold Throw: The fragrance a candle emits when it is unlit. This is what you smell when you open a candle jar or box.
- Hot Throw: The fragrance that fills the room when the candle is burning. A good hot throw is often a sign of a high-quality candle.
Mushrooming
Mushrooming happens when a candle wick develops a carbon buildup on the tip, resembling a mushroom shape. This occurs when the wick is too large for the candle or when the wax contains too much fragrance oil. While mushrooming doesn't necessarily affect the candle’s performance, it can lead to larger flames, soot, and a reduced scent throw. To avoid this, trim the wick before each burn.
Tunneling
Tunnelling occurs when a candle burns down the centre, leaving a ring of un-melted wax around the edges. This often happens when a candle isn't burned long enough during its first use, preventing the wax from melting evenly across the surface. To prevent tunnelling, allow the candle to burn until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container (usually about 2-4 hours) during the initial burn.
Frosting
Frosting refers to the white, crystalline appearance that can form on the surface of natural soy wax candles. This is a natural occurrence and doesn't affect the candle's burn or scent. Frosting is more common in soy wax due to its natural composition.
Bloom
Bloom is a term often associated with natural waxes like beeswax. It refers to a powdery, whitish film that appears on the surface of the candle over time. Like frosting, bloom is harmless and can be gently wiped away if desired.
Wick Trimming
Wick trimming is the practice of cutting the wick of a candle to about 1/4 inch before each burn. This helps to ensure a clean, even burn and prevents mushrooming, soot, and smoking. Proper wick trimming can also extend the life of your candle.
Burn Time
Burn time is the estimated duration that a candle will burn before it’s completely used up. This is typically measured in hours and can vary depending on the size of the candle, the type of wax used, and how well the candle is maintained.
Cure Time
Cure time refers to the period that a candle needs to rest after being poured and before being burned. This allows the fragrance oils to fully bind with the wax, ensuring a stronger scent throw when the candle is lit. The recommended cure time varies, but it’s often around 1-2 weeks for most candles.
Wick Memory
Wick memory is a phenomenon where the wax “remembers” how far it melted during the last burn. If a candle isn’t allowed to melt fully across its surface during the initial burn, it may only burn to that point in future burns, leading to tunneling. To avoid this, always allow the wax to reach the edges during the first burn.
Fragrance Load
Fragrance load refers to the amount of fragrance oil added to the wax during candle making. It’s usually expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the wax. A higher fragrance load generally results in a stronger scent throw, but too much fragrance can affect the candle’s burn quality.
Single-Wick vs. Multi-Wick
Candles can have one or more wicks, which can affect how they burn. Single-wick candles burn more slowly and may have a more concentrated scent throw, while multi-wick candles often burn more evenly and can fill larger spaces with fragrance more quickly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these common candle terms can help you make more informed choices when purchasing candles and ensure you get the best possible experience from them. Whether you’re enjoying the cold throw of a candle before lighting it or appreciating the warm, comforting scent it provides while burning, a little knowledge goes a long way in enhancing your candle journey.