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Candles : Questions & Answers

Answers to the questions we get asked most often ... more »

Candles : Safety

Follow a few simple guidelines for peace of mind ... more »

Candles : History

Humans have used candles to light their way for centuries ... more »

Candles : Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy dates back 5,000 years – to the time of the ancient ... more »

Candles : Scented

Smell is the most evocative and enduring of the senses. Studies ... more »

Candles : Safety

Below is some important general safety advice - as well as detailed information about various product types.

*	Never leave a burning candle unattended
*	Always light candles in a draught-free area
*	Keep candles out of reach of children
*	Don't burn a candle completely. Once your candle has burnt to within 2cm of the base or holder, dispose of it
*	Always remove labels and wrapping before lighting candles
*	Always place candles on a non-flammable, sturdy surface or holder
*	Make sure the holder is at least 30% bigger at the base of the candle to capture the dripping wax and protect your surfaces from heat
*	Always protect the surface under your candle with a tray or stand of some kind
*	Don't move any candle that is burning, as the wax could spill and cause severe burns
*	Always trim wicks to 6mm before each burn
*	dusk candle label always show the width (or diameter) first and the height second
*	The burn time indicated on labels (if applicable) is shown with an h after the hour number and is approximate. Burn times can vary according to the burning environment. dusk manufactured products have a conservative burn time placed on the product to allow for variations in the burn environment.
*	Burn times are always approximate but can sometimes actually be longer than shown

*	dusk test-burns all its candles. We seek out the very best scents and waxes to ensure excellent burn time, good value for money, a nice scent throw and as little smoke as possible
*	dusk's candle manufacturing is carried out in a strictly controlled environment to deliver a consistent product. Nevertheless, every candle has its own personality, determined by several factors including the very day it was poured
*	Always trim wicks to 6mm before and during burning to reduce smoke and carbon build up
*	Remember to put the candle out carefully. It is better to snuff a candle out which extinguishes the flame rather than blow on it as the liquid wax may be sprayed over surfaces and could damage curtains or furniture
*	A candle flame may generate significant heat so always allow a gap of at least 60cm above and position your candle well away from combustible materials

Wicks

Regularly trim your wicks. We use 100% cotton, lead free wicks. Sometimes you will notice a 'mushrooming' of the wick. To provide the cleanest burn possible, we recommend you remove the black 'mushroom' before burning and periodically during the burning. Failure to do this may lead to a "Wax Pool Fire" (in Containers and sometimes Votives) where the entire candle may appear to ignite. This is caused when a hot piece of untrimmed wick drops into the melted wax pool and ignites it. Preventing the "mushroom" effect by regularly trimming the wick and not burning any candle for longer than the maximum recommended burn time will avoid this from occurring.

In the event of a Wax Pool Fire, do not throw water onto it as this will cause the candle to "explode" due to the water suddenly turning to steam on contact with the hot wax. Either blow it out, cover with a fire blanket or use a fire extinguisher. Do not attempt to move the candle while the wax is on fire.

Container Candles

* The wick must be trimmed regularly
* The candle must not be allowed to burn for more than 3 hours at a time.
* Frosted jars are sensitive to marking and can gather soot (or carbon) easily if the wick is not trimmed often enough or the candle is burned in a draught.
* Carbon marks should be wiped off as they occur with a clean, damp cloth.
* Containers should always be placed on a heat resistant surface such as a dusk plate or tray.
* During the warmer months, container candles should be stored in an upright position as a hot day could melt the wax and the container will re-solidify in an uneven position.

Tapers

* You can put your tapers in a paper bag in the fridge to give the candles a slightly longer burn time.

Use of Aromatherapy products

Pregnancy is a special time to care for you and your baby. At dusk, we believe in creating a loving and warm atmosphere by using essential oils and candles. However, you should be aware of the following facts when using products that contain essential oils, particularly during pregnancy.
* Consult a qualified medical practitioner before using essential oils if you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, have allergies, high blood pressure or any other medical condition.
* Use caution when using essential oils when young children or babies are present.
* Use essential oils only as directed and never directly on your skin or for internal consumption.
* Ensure protection of your essential oils by keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat.
Keep essential oils away from eyes at all times.

Note: The diverse range of essential oil varieties and applications makes it difficult for us to give advice to individuals. Advice should be sought from a qualified medical practitioner. Additionally, there are a number of publications and websites that provide information regarding the use of essential oils, and any risks associated with their use.

melts

* ensure the oil burner dish is clean and dry.
* light a tealight candle and place it underneath the dish.
* do not light the melt directly, it is not a candle as it has no wick.
* Once the tealight is extinguished the melt will harden.
* Remember to remove both stickers before placing in the oil burner.
* You must not add water or oils to the dish when using a melt
* There is no danger in the dish burning dry when using melts as the wax does not evaporate.
* When replacing melts - If the melt does not slide easily out of the dish, wait till it has gone completely cold, then place the burner in the fridge for a few minutes till the wax shrinks a little. You can then slide the wax disc out easily.
* melts leave no residue of water, oil or burn stains on your burner.
* Always check your oil burner for any cracks before use.

Votives

* A votive must be burned in a proper votive holder.
* Votive holders should be placed on a heat resistant surface such as a dusk tray or plate.
* Placing a teaspoon of water in the holder before putting the candle in helps to remove the remains of the votive.
* votive candles have an approximate burn time of 15 to 17 hours.

Tealights

Note: dusk does not sell poor quality or low-end tealights. Our range is made to deliver a superior burn and greater overall value.
* Burn times for the same size tealight can vary by up to 40%
* Poor quality tealights can constantly "drown" in their own wax and give no burn.
* Some waxes used to make tealights have very high water content to keep costs down but causes "spluttering"

Pillars

* Take the label off prior to burning.
* The wick must be trimmed regularly to 6 mm to help reduce the amount of smoke produced.
* The candle must be burned 1 hour for every 2.5 cm of diameter the first time it is lit. This will allow the pool of wax to extend to the outside rim and prevent the candle wall falling in.
* The candle should not be allowed to burn for more than 3 hours otherwise the sides could collapse.
* Do not burn in draughts.
* If the candle looks like it is going to burn unevenly, try rotating the candle as it may be affected by slight draughts. This way the candle may eventually re-balance itself.
* Always burn your candle on a suitable holder so that you do not damage your surface.
* Remove wick debris before burning, this may catch fire and cause the candle to self-destruct.
* To avoid candles fading and warping, store them out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

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