Candle Care

At A Hot Mess Candle Co., our candles are more than just a fragrance—they're an experience. Inspired by culture, our aromatic candles light up your space, evoke nostalgia, and take you on a sensory journey down memory lane. Whether it's a scent that’s comforting, bold, or even a little sexy, each candle is a work of art, unlike anything else on the market. To ensure you get the most out of your Hot Mess candle, follow these essential care tips.

1. First Burn
When lighting your candle for the first time, allow it to burn until the melted wax reaches the edges of the vessel. This prevents tunneling and ensures an even burn throughout the candle’s life. Depending on the size, this may take 2-4 hours.

2. Wick Trimming
Always trim your wick to ¼ inch before each burn. This promotes an even burn, maintains a steady flame, and reduces soot or "mushrooming" of the wick. Trimming after every burn is essential to prevent excessive smoke or uneven burns. For best results, invest in quality wick trimmers.

3. Burn Duration
To preserve the fragrance and prevent overheating, avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Allow it to cool completely before relighting.

4. Avoid Soot
If soot forms on the inside of the vessel, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Always trim the wick before relighting to prevent further soot build-up.

5. Keep it Clean
Ensure the wax pool is free of wick trimmings, matches, and any debris at all times. This ensures a clean, even burn.

6. Proper Extinguishing
Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame or dip the wick into the melted wax and then straighten it. This helps avoid splattering hot wax and minimizes smoke. Never blow out the candle to prevent mess and ensure safety.

7. Check for Safety
Extinguish the candle if it smokes, flickers, or the flame becomes too high. These signs indicate the candle isn’t burning properly. Let it cool, trim the wick, and check for drafts before relighting.

8. Maximizing Scent
For the best scent throw, burn your candle in the desired space for at least 30 minutes with the door closed. Open windows or doors can disperse the fragrance and reduce its effectiveness.

9. Storage
Store your candles in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or harsh indoor lighting, as exposure can cause the wax and fragrance to degrade over time.

10. Clean the Surface
Remove dust or fingerprints from your candle by gently rubbing the surface with a soft cloth or nylon. Use the cloth dry or slightly dampened for best results.

11. Don’t Burn to the Bottom
Never burn your candle all the way down. Always leave at least ½ inch of unmelted wax at the bottom to avoid overheating the vessel and damaging the surface it’s on.

12. Safety First
Always burn your candle within sight and away from flammable objects, drafts, or vibrations. Keep out of reach of children and pets.