candle care guide
How to extend the lifespan of your scented candle
At Stemning Copenhagen, we take great pride in our craftsmanship and want you to get the very best out of your unique scented candle. That’s why we’ve created a guide where you can find everything you need to know about caring for your candle.
Here you can read about::
Basic care
Simple tips for your scented candle
To get the most out of your scented candle, it’s important to store and care for it properly.
Wait 7-14 days for optimal scent itensity
To maximize the fragrance, it’s best to wait 7-14 days after making your candle before lighting it. This allows the wax and fragrance oils to "merge" and integrate more effectively, resulting in a better and more intense scent throw when the candle is lit.
First use of your scented candle
Burn safely
Place the candle on a heat-resistant surface. Never burn the candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
Keep the candle away from drafts, windows, doors, children, pets, and flammable materials.
Trim the wick
Trim the wick to about 6 mm before each burn. A shorter wick minimizes soot and gives a cleaner flame that burns more efficiently. Use a wick trimmer for precision (available for purchase in-store).
Properly extinguish the flame
Use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame to avoid smoke and splashes of melted
wax.
Allow the wax to cool completely before moving the candle.
Storing your scented candle
Temperature and scented candles
Avoid large temperature fluctuations, as this can affect the candle. If you notice condensation on the candle, it’s due to temperature changes. Simply wipe it off and store it in a place with a stable temperature to preserve its quality.
Wickguide
How to take care of your wick
When you’ve created your own scented candle, of course you want to make the most of it. The wick is the key to how your candle burns, how long it lasts, and the atmosphere it creates. Find your type of wick and read all about storage, trimming, and what to look out for.
Why we offer cotton wicks
At Stemning Copenhagen, it’s not just about making a beautiful candle — it’s about creating the purest atmosphere, both while the candle burns and as you enjoy it. That’s why we always use self-trimming cotton wicks in the candles you make with us.
The benefits of a cotton wick
A self-trimming wick is designed to shorten itself as it burns. This keeps the flame steady and calm, so you don’t have to trim the wick every single time you light your candle.
- The flame becomes more even and balanced.
- Less soot forms, and the glass stays cleaner.
- The candles burn longer and more efficiently.
- You spend less time on maintenance — and more time enjoying the moment.
The first burn
Let the candle burn until the entire surface has melted. This prevents it from “tunneling.”
When should you still trim the wick?
Even though the wick takes care of itself, there are still moments where a small trim makes a difference:
- If the flame becomes very high.
- Trimming: Cut the wick to about 5–7 mm.
- If the wick develops a small black “mushroom” tip.
- If you notice soot or smoke.
Soot
If the flame flickers or smokes, the wick is too long — extinguish the candle, trim it, and relight.
Why we offer wooden wicks
At Stemning Copenhagen, it’s about more than candles — it’s about atmosphere. With a wood wick, you get a unique experience where sound, light, and scent blend together.
The wood wick adds an extra dimension that makes your home cozier, your candle more alive, and the whole experience more sensory. A small touch that makes your candle experience with Stemning Copenhagen truly special.
- Creates atmosphere with its soothing crackle.
- The flame is steady and visible — perfect for a calm home ambiance.
- Gives a beautiful, decorative look inside the glass.
- Ideal for scented candles — the wood helps disperse the fragrance evenly.
The first burn
Let the wax melt all the way to the edge.
Take well care of your wooden wick
Even though the wood wick is sturdy, it needs a little care:
- Trim the wick to about 4–5 mm if the flame gets too high or a bit of carbon builds up at the top.
- Always let the wax melt fully to the edges during the first burn to prevent tunneling.
- Keep the candle away from drafts, children, and pets.
- Never use water to extinguish the flame — it can cause the glass to crack.
- Stop burning when there’s about 1–1.5 cm of wax left.
- Wood wicks create a special atmosphere with their gentle crackling — almost like a tiny fireplace.
If the flame burns out
- Try trimming the wick slightly shorter and relight. Wood wicks sometimes need a few attempts.
- Use the candle in a draft-free environment so the flame doesn’t flicker or burn unevenly.
Where not to place your candle
If your wood-wick candle won’t stay lit, it might be because:
- It’s stored in a humid place — moisture affects how the wick burns.
- The wick is trimmed too short — try leaving it around 5 mm.
- It’s placed in a draft, which can cause the flame to die out.
💡 Tip: Make sure the candle sits on a dry, stable surface and that the wick is the right height — that’s how you’ll get a clean, beautiful burn.
Recycling and cleaning
Giv din beholder nyt liv - igen og igen
All materials are designed to be reused or repurposed.
- Stop burning when there’s about 1–1.5 cm of wax left. 1–1,5 cm voks tilbage.
- Let the wax cool completely.
- Use a spoon or butter knife to lift out the remaining wax (soy wax is soft and easy to remove).
- Remove the metal wick tab.
- Wash the glass with warm soapy water or place it in the dishwasher.
Now your glass is ready for a second life — as a tealight holder, storage container, or simply as decoration.
