We’ve all been there, you’ve just set the mood for a cosy evening, only to find that your beautiful candle won’t light. Whether it’s a wick buried in wax, a stubborn soy blend, or an awkwardly shaped container, tricky candles can test your patience.
But don’t worry, there are simple, clever ways to get them glowing again.
At Adhock Homeware, our upcycled wine bottle candles, candlesticks and tealights, are all about creating a warm, sustainable atmosphere in your home.
To help you enjoy every last burn, here are our best tips for lighting even the most difficult candles with ease.
Not all candles are created equal, and some naturally take a little extra care. Here are the most common reasons you might struggle to get that flame going:
1. Use Long Matches or a Candle Lighter
Our range of Luxury Matches, by Archivisit, make fabulous, fun & practical gifts for any occasion.
Lighting your favourite candle should feel like part of the ritual, not a challenge. Archivisit’s beautifully designed matches make it effortless to spark that perfect moment. With their long reach and striking, artistic boxes, they turn something simple into a little daily joy.
Their long matches make lighting deep vessels effortless, while their range of unique patterns bring personality and charm to any setting. They’re as giftable as they are useful.
They’re the perfect way to light your beautiful, high - quality Adhock Candles in style!
If your wick is struggling to catch, gently warming the wax helps. A quick blast with a hairdryer on a low setting, or placing the candle in a warm spot for a few minutes, softens the wax so the flame can establish itself more easily.
Sometimes all it takes is angling the candle slightly so the melted wax runs toward the wick. This can help fuel the flame and keep it burning, but be careful, tilt gently to avoid spills.
One of the best ways to prevent problems later is to burn your candle properly the first time. Let it melt evenly across the entire surface, usually about one hour per inch of diameter.
This helps the candle “remember” to burn evenly in future, avoiding tunnelling.
Check out all of our top tips for preventing tunneling here.
Already dealing with tunnelling? Wrap the top edge of your candle in foil, leaving a hole for the flame.
This traps heat inside, encouraging the wax to melt evenly across the surface. After an hour, your candle will often be back to normal.
Candles and drafts don’t mix. Keep them away from open windows, vents, and fans to help the flame burn steadily and avoid wasted wax.
A little ongoing maintenance can make lighting your candles much simpler. Trim the wick before every burn to about 5 mm (¼ inch). This keeps the flame strong and steady, with less soot.
Use a wick trimmer for a neat, precise cut, Adhock’s stainless-steel trimmers are as stylish as they are practical.
Designed for precision and ease, this must-have accessory ensures a perfect trim every time, helping to reduce soot and extend the life of your favourite candles.
The angled design reaches deep into jars, while the sharp blades provide a clean, even cut.
Perfect for maintaining your own eco-friendly candles, or as a thoughtful gift for candle enthusiasts, these accessories are made with care and attention to detail.
Check out our blog to see more information about the proper ways and reasons why wick trimming can be so important in sustaining the life of your candle.
No candle is worth the risk. Here are some of our top tips to ensure safety is upheld…
With just a little care and attention, even the most stubborn candle can glow beautifully again.
Whether you’re rekindling an old favourite or lighting up something new, these simple tips will help you make the most of every burn.
At Adhock Homeware, we believe that sustainability and style go hand in hand, from our upcycled candle and home fragrance collections to our elegant accessories, each candle is designed to bring lasting warmth and charm to your home.
So go ahead, strike that match, and let the glow begin.
