Candle Care, Room Spray & Diffuser Information

Whether you have just unboxed your first Clare Makes candle or you are topping up your favourite reed diffuser, this guide will walk you through the little things that help your home fragrance last longer and smell its best. Think of it as a mix of care tips, safety notes, and a few tricks I have picked up along the way.

Candle Care and Burning Tips for Soy Wax Candles

All Clare Makes candles are hand-poured using a coconut soy wax blend (sometimes olive wax) and all cotton fibre wicks. They are designed to burn cleanly, hold their shape, and fill your space with beautiful scent.

Your candle's first burn

The first time you light your candle, trim the wick to about 5 mm and let it burn for 2.5 to 3 hours so the melted wax reaches close to the edges. This helps it burn evenly next time too. If it does not quite reach the edge on the first go, that is fine. It will usually catch up on the next burn if you give it enough time.

It is best not to burn for longer than about 4 hours in one go, as this can lead to sooting, staining inside the glass, or the wick curling. If tunnelling happens, you can try this quick method to fix it.

Keeping your candle at its best

  • Trim the wick to around 5 mm before each burn to keep the flame steady.
  • Make sure the wick stays upright and centred as it cools.
  • If you have a wick dipper or snuffer, use it to put the flame out gently — it keeps the smoke down and the scent pure.
  • When there is about 1 cm of wax left, it is time to say goodbye. Burning any lower can cause the jar to get too hot.

Choosing the right spot

  • Place your candle on a flat, heat-safe surface with a bit of space around it.
  • Keep it away from breezes, heaters, and air conditioners as draughts make the flame flicker and burn unevenly.
  • Keep out of reach of little hands, curious pets, curtains, books, and anything flammable.
  • Never leave your candle burning if you are heading out, going to sleep or leaving the room for any length of time. Never leave a lit candle unattendd

Reed Diffuser Safety and Care

Reed diffusers are a lovely low-maintenance way to keep a room smelling fresh all the time. A little care will help yours last longer and smell stronger.

  • Choose a spot out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources — too much heat can make the fragrance evaporate quickly.
  • Avoid placing right next to an open window, as the scent can drift outside instead of filling the room.
  • Flip the reeds if needed, to refresh the scent. If you prefer a softer fragrance, use fewer reeds.
  • Always refill with the same scent to keep it pure.
  • Wipe up any spills quickly to avoid damage to surfaces, especially wood and stone. Diffuser solution can strip paint and damagewooden surfaces.
  • Keep diffusers out of reach of children, pets, and electronics.
  • Dispose of old oils and reeds in the bin — do not pour oils down the drain.

How to Refill Your Diffuser

When it is time for a top-up, here is the easiest way to do it:

  1. Pop on a pair of gloves and unscrew the collar on your diffuser jar.
  2. Remove and dispose of the old reeds.
  3. Unscrew the refill pouch and pour the oil carefully into your clean vessel.
  4. Screw the collar back on snugly and add fresh reeds.
  5. Use fewer reeds for a more subtle fragrance.

The refill oil is eco friendly and contains no VOCs, but it can still cause damage if it gets on skin, eyes, or certain surfaces. If contact occurs, wash or rinse straight away and seek medical help if needed.

Using a Room Spray

A room spray is a quick way to refresh a space or add a burst of scent before guests arrive. For best results, spray first and wait 10–15 minutes before lighting any candles.

Best ways to use it

  • Spray into the air, not directly onto furniture or skin.
  • Two sprays per room is usually plenty — more can be overpowering.
  • Store in a cool, dry place and keep the lid closed when not in use.
  • For a fresh airy feel, lightly spray curtains and open a window for a few minutes.

Safety reminders

  • Keep away from flames, heat, and lit candles.
  • Do not spray near food, faces, or pet bedding.
  • Some customers like using it as a body spray, but I recommend spraying clothing instead of skin to avoid irritation.

Cleaning and Reusing Your Candle Jar

Once your candle has finished, the jar can have a whole new life — but there is one important safety note. It is not safe to refill used glass candle jars with more wax. After being through heat cycles, the glass can develop tiny stress points you cannot see, which can make it crack or shatter if burned again.

How to clean it

  • Place the jar in a double boiler to soften the last bit of wax. Do not microwave the jar.
  • Gently pop out the wick holder with a butter knife.
  • Wipe away wax with a paper towel, then wash with hot soapy water.
  • If there are soot marks, a little isopropyl alcohol on a paper towel works wonders.

Removing the label

The labels are printed on gloss laminated vinyl, which is strong and heat resistant. Peel slowly to avoid scratching the glass, and use isopropyl alcohol to lift any glue residue. Avoid acetone as it can damage the surface.

Ways to reuse your jar

Once clean, you can use your jar for makeup brushes, pens, flowers, plants, cotton pads, toothbrushes, or even as a little storage pot for odds and ends.

FAQs

How long should I burn my candle the first time?

About 2.5 to 3 hours should do it, long enough for the melted wax to reach the edges of the jar. In the winter this will take longer; in summer the wax will melt faster.

Can I fix a candle that has tunnelled?

Try the reset method I share here or check out step by step tunnelling fix instructions here.

Why is my candle smoking?

Usually it means the wick is too long or it is in a draft. Trim to 5 mm and move it to a sheltered spot.

How do I make my reed diffuser last longer?

Keep it away from heat and sun, use fewer reeds, and flip them only when the scent needs a refresh.

Can I reuse my candle jar?

Absolutely — just follow the cleaning tips above. But please do not refill it with wax for safety reasons.

Can I use the room spray on fabric?

Yes, but always spot test first and avoid delicate or water-sensitive fabrics.

How long will my candle last?

As a general rule the Medium candles burn for 40 hours, the Large candles burn for 50 hours and the XL candles burn for 60 hours.