Making candles is a fun and satisfying hobby that lets you make lovely, fragrant items for yourself or to give to other people. However, just like any other hobby or business, candle making requires careful attention to the maintenance of the supplies you use. Proper care of your supplies not only ensures your creations are of high quality but also helps to extend the life of your materials, saving you money in the long run. In this article, we’ll discuss how to maintain your candle-making supplies for long-term use, from wax to moulds and tools.
- Storage of Wax
Wax is the main ingredient in making candles, and how it is stored is very important for keeping its quality. It’s best to keep wax in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, whether it’s soy, paraffin, or beeswax. Being exposed to light or heat can break down the wax, making it less useful when you use it.
For candle supply Sydney or elsewhere, ensure that your wax is stored in airtight containers or resealable bags. This will protect it from humidity, dust, and any unpleasant odours. Additionally, avoid storing wax in places with fluctuating temperatures, as this can lead to crystallisation or clumping. If you’re storing large quantities of wax, consider organising it by type and labelling it with the date of purchase to track its age and quality.
- Caring for Wicks
Wicks are the heart of a candle, and improper storage or handling can lead to unsatisfactory burns. To maintain the quality of your wicks, keep them stored in a dry environment, free from moisture. If you use cotton or wooden wicks, make sure to store them in a jar with a tight lid so they don’t bend or get damaged by the environment.
It’s important to note that wicks should not be exposed to oils, fragrances, or dyes for extended periods. While wicks are often coated in wax or other materials to aid in lighting, too much exposure to these substances can interfere with their burning characteristics. If you’re using pre-tabbed wicks, store them separately in a way that keeps them neat and prevents them from tangling.
- Proper Storage of Fragrance Oils
To make flavoured candles, fragrance oils are necessary, but they need extra care. Keep your scent oils in bottles or jars with tight lids at all times to keep them from evaporating and getting dirty. The oils may lose their scent or strength if they are exposed to air, which changes the end product.
Keep scent oils away from heat sources and in a cool, dark place. Extreme temperatures can change the way they are chemically structured. If you want your oils to last as long as possible, keep them in their original cases and don’t put them in new bottles unless you have to. Always check the scent oil’s expiration date and use it within the time frame given for best results.
- Maintaining Moulds and Containers
Moulds and containers come in various shapes and sizes, and they are just as important as the wax and wicks in the candle-making process. To extend the life of your moulds, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly after each use. Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean your moulds as they may damage the surface or leave behind residues. Instead, wash them gently with warm water and a light soap, and then rinse them well.
If you’re using metal moulds, it’s important to oil them lightly with a non-stick cooking spray or mineral oil before each use. This prevents the wax from sticking and makes it easier to remove the finished candles. For glass containers, avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking. Store glass containers in a safe, dry location where they won’t be exposed to heavy impact or dust.
- Cleaning Tools and Equipment
Tools like thermometers, pouring pitchers, and mixing spoons should be cleaned after every use to ensure they remain functional. Wax, especially when it hardens, can be difficult to remove from equipment, so it’s important to clean your tools promptly. Use warm water or a specialised cleaner to remove leftover wax from your tools, but avoid using soap or detergent that could affect the fragrance or colour of your candles.
For your melting pots, always make sure to wipe them down to prevent wax buildup. It’s also helpful to keep your pouring pitchers free from any hardened wax by reheating them slightly, which will make cleanup easier. Not only will regular maintenance make your tools last longer, but it will also make sure that your candles always turn out perfectly.
- Keep Your Candle-Making Workspace Organised
An organised workspace is essential for long-term success in candle making. Make sure all of your materials—wax, wicks, dyes, fragrance oils, moulds, and tools—are easy to access and stored in designated places. Not only will this make your process more efficient, but it will also help prevent unnecessary damage to your supplies.
It’s important to buy the right storage items, like shelf units, bins, or storage boxes. Keeping everything in its place and labelled helps you find everything and avoids spills or breaks that happen by chance.
Conclusion
Taking care of your candle-making tools is important if you want to make high-quality candles that smell great and burn beautifully. You can make sure your materials last a long time by storing wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and tools correctly and cleaning your moulds and tools often. If you’re looking for candle stock in Sydney or anywhere else, these easy care tips will help you get the most out of your supplies so you can focus on making your next batch of beautiful candles.
