The Science of Candles – Candle Memory

Discover how candle memory can impact the way you enjoy your favourite candles and how you can fix bad candle memory.
Candle Memory - Feature Image

What is Candle Memory

Candle memory is the physical memory of how the candle has burned and melted. This memory is imprinted into the candle after the first burn. And if maintained correctly, results in even melting. This memory can be influenced by the wax used in manufacturing as well as the environmental factors like draughts

The Science of Candle Wax

Candles are an artform that has been studied over many centuries. This culmination of knowledge has created a deep understanding of the many waxes used in candles.
The waxes that candles are made of but are not limited to these waxes:

  • Paraffin Wax
  • Soy Wax
  • Beeswax
  • Palm Wax
  • Gel Wax
  • Coconut Wax

These waxes have some notable differences that include the cost and chemical composition.

BlacKandleS are very proud to say that we only use coconut soy wax for our candles and pure soy wax for our wax melts. This ensures that our products do not cause harm to the environment like the nasty paraffin based waxes do. Paraffin is a choice of many producers as it is cheap and easy to work with when you are making candles.

Candle Production

When creating a candle, the wax must be heated to the ideal temperature for it to bind with the fragrance and then poured into the candle holder. Candles made with materials like paraffin are more easily poured. This is because paraffin has a higher melting point in comparison to materials like soy wax and coconut wax. Materials made of eco-friendly materials have much lower melting points than petroleum candles. However, they processing requires more effort but are much better for our environment and of course for us and our loved ones.

Chemical Composition

Candles are can be made from a variety of processed materials be it synthetic or organic. That’s why it is important to understand the dangers of certain materials. Materials like petroleum based paraffin can create fumes that are harmful not only to our planet but to us as well. At BlacKandleS we use premium materials that exclude harmful compounds. This means our customers and their children can enjoy our candles without any potential side effects.
Candle Memory - Clearing Candle Memory

How to Clear Candle Memory

If you notice that your candle hasn’t melted in an even pattern after burning, we recommend resetting your candle’s memory. A candle can usually has its memory reset after burning for a prolonged period of time. Allowing your candle to burn for a period of 3-4 hours allows for the candle to melt to the very edge of the candle. Once the candle cools, it should have a reset memory. The more precise method of resetting your candle memory is by burning your candle for 1 hour for every 2.5 cm of diameter at the very first lighting.

How to fix a Candle Memory Ring

In the case of a memory ring having appeared, you should use subtle heat to melt the candle in an even pattern. You can do this by using a hair dryer with a low fan speed. If the sides are persistent and do not melt with a hair dryer, scrape the sides using a butter knife or any dull blade. Trimming the candle wick is one of the most important steps to ensuring a memory ring doesn’t come back. The recommended length of a trimmed wick is ¼ inch or less. Trimming the wick ensures that the flame doesn’t burn with an intensity that would cause further tunneling.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide helps you maintain your candles and so that you can appreciate the fragrances you love for longer. If you have questions about candles and taking care of them, contact us by calling 0491 612 435 or by emailing us at kel@blackandles.com.au.

Feel free to check out our store and find our range of eco-friendly candles and enjoy a home that smells like home. And if you’re a business/corporation that is interested in our hand poured candles, then check out our corporate branded candles.

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