How to Care for Your Specially Made Candle

You didn’t just grab any old candle. You picked up a Specially Made one, hand-poured by people with intellectual disabilities, designed to smell amazing and created to spark something bigger than just ambience.

It’s part fragrance, part feel-good, part social change. So, when you light it up, here’s how to get the most out of every flicker.

How to Care for Your Candle: Don’t Skip the First Burn 

Here’s the golden rule: On your very first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edge of the jar. That usually takes two to three hours, depending on the size of your candle. Yes, it requires a little patience, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Why does it matter? Wax has memory. We’re not kidding. If you blow your candle out too early on the first burn, it’ll "remember" that small melt circle and start tunnelling every time you light it. That means wasted wax, a short candle lifespan and a sad little hole straight down the middle. Nobody wants that.

So, what should you do?

• Pick a time when you’re not rushing out the door.

• Light your candle and let it melt evenly across the top.

• Give it at least two to three hours before you blow it out.

Once you’ve “set the memory,” your candle will burn evenly from here on out, giving you maximum scent throw and every last bit of wax.

Trim Your Wick (Every. Single. Time.) 

Let’s talk about something that might not sound glamorous but makes all the difference: the wick.

Long wicks = big, smoky flames, wasted wax and a candle that burns out before its time.

Short wick = steady flame, no soot and a long, beautiful burn.  

Before every burn, trim your wick to about 5mm. That little trim controls the flame height, keeps things clean and helps your candle burn evenly from edge to edge. It also stops the dreaded “mushrooming” effect – where burnt bits build up and fall back into the wax, creating smoke and mess.

Trimming your wick:

• Prevents smoky flames and black soot

• Encourages a clean, even burn

• Maximises fragrance throw (because your candle focuses on melting wax, not burning charred wick)

• Helps your candle last longer (yes, really!)

No wick trimmer? Nail scissors do the job just fine.

Give It a Break 

Candles aren’t made to burn all day. We know it’s tempting to keep that dreamy scent going all day but burning your candle for more than four hours at a time can cause the glass to overheat and the wick to misbehave (hello, leaning flames and soot).

Stick to two-to-four-hour sessions and let your candle cool completely before relighting.

Drafty Vibes = Bad Vibes 

A flickering candle might look cute, but if your flame is dancing like it’s at a music festival, it’s probably sitting in a draft.

Keep your candle away from fans, windows, heaters and air vents. A calm flame means even melting, consistent scent throw, and a safer burn.

Watch the flame for a minute after lighting. If it’s steady and straight, you’re good. If it’s bouncing around like crazy, move it to a more sheltered spot.

Clean Wax, Clean Burn 

Ever notice tiny bits floating in the wax pool? That’s burnt wick debris, and it messes with the burn. Use a spoon or tissue to scoop out any unwanted bits and give your jar a gentle wipe now and then. Keeping things clean keeps your candle burning bright and smelling exactly how it should.

This isn’t about perfection, it’s about making your candle last, look great and do its job properly.

When It’s Done, It’s Not Done Done 

When the wax reaches the bottom (about 1cm from the base), it’s time to say goodbye – at least to the flame.

But don’t throw the jar away. Our candle jars are made to be reused. With a quick wash in warm, soapy water, they make great:

• Mini plant pots (succulents look extra cute in them)

• Pen or makeup brush holders

• Bathroom organisers

• Coin jars or candy stashes

Or… grab another candle and start the cycle all over again.

Made with Purpose. Burned with Care.

Specially Made candles aren’t mass-produced. They're hand-poured with care by people who are learning real-world skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

So, when you take care of your candle, you’re backing their work and getting a better candle experience while you’re at it.

Respect the burn. Enjoy the scent. And when you're ready for another one, you know where to find us.