To burn a candle properly, trim the wick to 5mm, let the first burn melt the wax right across the top, and burn it for 1 to 3 hours at a time. Done this way, a kirri 220g candle burns for about 40 hours and a 400g candle for about 80.
Here's the full routine, plus a few things to avoid.
About kirri candles
- Sizes: 220g, burning for about 40 hours, and 400g, burning for about 80 hours.
- Made with: soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks, poured in Australia, in a smoked glass vessel.
- Scents: Santal Woods, Fig Tree, Dream, Zen Garden, Kiwi Coconut Vanilla, Country Linen, Botanical Gardens and Rose Gold.
Browse 220g candles or 400g candles.
The first burn matters most
Soy wax has a memory. If you blow the candle out before the melted wax reaches the edge of the glass, it tends to burn down in a narrow hole on every burn after that. This is called tunnelling, and it wastes wax and weakens the scent.
On the first light, keep it burning until the melt pool reaches the sides. For both the 220g and 400g candle, that is usually within the 1 to 3 hour window.
Before every burn
- Trim the wick to 5mm: a long wick gives a tall, flickering flame and can leave soot on the glass.
- Remove debris: lift out any wick trimmings or matches from the wax.
- Pick a still spot: keep the candle away from open windows, fans and air conditioning vents. A draught makes the flame flicker and burn unevenly.
- Use a flat, heat-safe surface: the glass gets warm while the candle burns.
While it's burning
- Stay in the room: never leave a lit candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep it clear of other fragrance: reed diffusers and room sprays are flammable. Keep reed diffusers well away from candles and never spray room spray near a flame.
- Watch the time: stick to 1 to 3 hours at a time. Longer burns can overheat the glass and make the flame too large.
Putting it out
- Snuff, don't blow: a snuffer or a gentle lid puts the flame out with less smoke.
- Let it cool: wait until the wax sets before you move the candle or trim the wick.
- Cover it: a glass cloche sized for our 220g candles keeps dust off the wax and holds the scent in between burns. Lift it off before you light the candle.
When to stop
Stop burning when about 1cm of wax is left in the bottom. Below that, the glass can get too hot. Once the candle is finished, scoop out the last of the wax and wash the glass in warm soapy water if you'd like to reuse it.
Why there's no Bondi or Coral candle
Bondi and Coral are built on bright citrus notes. Those notes don't hold up well in a candle, so we make these two scents as reed diffusers, oils and room sprays instead. If you love them, try the Bondi reed diffuser in a bathroom or kitchen.
Candle or reed diffuser?
A candle gives a warm glow and a strong scent while it's lit. A reed diffuser gives a steady, flame-free scent all day. Many people use both, in the same scent. Our reed diffuser vs candle guide compares them in detail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kirri candle burn?
About 40 hours for a 220g candle and about 80 hours for a 400g candle, when burned in sessions of 1 to 3 hours.
Why is my candle tunnelling?
Usually because an earlier burn was too short. Let the next burn run long enough for the melt pool to reach the edge of the glass, within the recommended time.
Why is there black soot on the glass?
The wick is probably too long or the candle is in a draught. Trim the wick to 5mm and move the candle somewhere still.
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