Compared to your average, mass-produced candle, our daintier, hand-poured, soy wax candles do require a bit more TLC to ensure they can be enjoyed to their fullest. Here are some easy tips to care for your unique candle and the reusable vintage china vessel that it comes in!
Perhaps we're a bit biased but we are HUGE fans of our upcycled scented teacup candle collection. Made in partnership with local Brooklyn candle makers at Glow to Grow, our soy wax scented candles are made using vintage china vessels that make unique and practical gifts for any occasion. They also make a charming and tasteful addition to any home decor that we hope will spark conversation about the beauty of repurposing.
Top Candle Care Tips
1. Trim the wick
You may have noticed that your candle has a wooden wick! These are special and earth friendly and take a bit longer to light. Be sure to hold the flame on the wick until the entire wick lights. We recommend using a rechargeable lighter with a long neck to get the job done quickly and easily every time.
Before re-lighting, trim or pinch off as much of the charred top as possible. Do this upside down so the charred bits don't wind up in your candle.
2. Burn on a level surface
Always burn your candle on a level, heat-resistant surface to prevent spills and accidents.
3. Burn for at least 1 hour the first time
This allows the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the teacup or mug. This will help prevent tunneling, which is when the wax only burns down the center of the candle and leaves a shelf of wax around the perimeter.
4. Know when to retire your candle
When the candle has burned down to within 1/2 inch of the bottom of the vessel, it's time to retire it. The vessel will be hot, so use caution when handling!
5. Clean out to reuse or repurpose
According to our local candle-making partners at Glow to Grow, the best way to remove the wax from your candle so you can continue to reuse it is as follows:
Turn your oven to the lowest setting, either "keep warm" or 100 degrees, and place the vessel on a baking sheet before putting in the oven. The wax will slowly begin to melt. The time needed will depend on how much wax is left in the vessel.
Once the wax is completely melted, take the vessel out of the oven and pour the wax into the garbage or a separate disposal container. (Do this right away, as you don't want the wax to harden again!) Note: To avoid clogging, never pour wax down any drain or toilet.
Once the wax has been poured out, you can remove the wick, wick clip, and sticker with your fingers or by using needle nose pliers.
Wipe the vessel clean with soap, water and a paper towel. If there is any adhesive residue remaining on the bottom of the vessel from the sticker, use rubbing alcohol to remove it. Rinse with soap and water, and use as desired!
Conclusion:
We always say that our vintage teacup candles (gravy boat candles, coffee mug candles, etc.!) make the best gifts because they're really three gifts in one. Not only are they incredible smelling and all-natural, they serve as decor and can even be used as originally intended (e.g. as a teacup or mug)...or something else entirely (like a planter)!
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy burning your hand-poured candle as long as possible and appreciate the vessel in its next life, too.
Explore The Brooklyn Teacup's ever-changing selection of unique, vintage teacup candles
