The season of the witch (and candles) is upon us. The air is turning crisp, the shadows are lengthening, and the perfect atmosphere for losing yourself in a book—or perhaps a forest with hidden spells - is finally here.
You don't just light a candle; you light a scene. Every hand-poured Wax & Words candle - from the smoky, mysterious warmth of Noir Mystery (Tobacco, Vanilla, Fresh and Coffee) to the quiet depth of Witchwood Tales (Green Leaves, Dark Berries, and Amber) - is your ticket to an immersive reading ritual. To keep that ritual alive and your flame burning brightly through the darkest nights, you need to treat your candle right. Better care means a brighter burn, a stronger scent, and more chapters read in the perfect, spooky atmosphere. Here's the ultra-simple guide to making your literary scent journey last:
The Rule of the First Burn
This is non-negotiable. The very first time you light your candle, you must let the wax melt all the way to the edge of the glass. This creates the "memory ring". Skip this, and you'll get tunnelling - that sad crater of un-melted wax - which wastes fragrance and wax. Wait until the entire surface is liquid, usually 2-3 hours. Then, you can dive into your book.
The 5mm Wick Trim
Before you light it every time, grab a trimmer (or clippers!) and make sure your wick is about 5 mm (a quarter-inch). A shorter wick means a smaller, steadier flame and virtually no messy black soot clinging to the glass. This keeps the scent pure and the look sharp.
The 4-Hour Rule
Never burn your candle for more than 3-4 hours at a time. Why? Overheating damages the container and makes the delicate fragrance oils evaporate too fast. You want the scent to gently enhance your reading session, not overwhelm it and disappear. Think of it as pacing the story.
The Final Chapter
When there’s about 1 cm of wax left at the bottom of the jar, the story is over. Continuing to burn past this point risks overheating the glass. Snuff it out, let it cool, and get ready for the next genre-inspired scent.
Maximize your mood. Whether you’re setting a Gothic Fiction scene with low lamplight and red wine or cueing up Epic Sagas with spiced tea and instrumental music , a well-maintained candle is the centerpiece of your perfect reading nook
What genre are you immersing yourself in tonight? Share your current read and the Wax & Words candle that sets your scene.
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