The Importance of Thoroughly Testing Your Candles

The Importance of Thoroughly Testing Your Candles

Today, we're diving into a critical topic: testing your candles thoroughly before selling or gifting them. This post will cover why testing is crucial, the types of tests you should conduct, and how to record your results for continuous improvement. Let’s get started!

Why Testing Your Candles is Crucial

Safety First: The primary reason for testing your candles is to ensure they burn safely without posing a fire hazard and they perform as expected. It’s not just about creating a beautifully scented candle; it’s about making sure your product is safe for use in your customers’ homes. Imagine a scenario where a customer buys your candle, and the level of excitement it brings to you. Then, days or weeks later you get an email or  DM from this customer stating their candle burns unevenly, doesn’t scent their space or, worst case, causes a fire. Thorough testing helps you identify and mitigate these risks before your candles reach the market.

Quality Assurance: Testing ensures your candles burn evenly, have a strong scent throw, and provide a consistent, high-quality product. This reliability builds trust with your customers, encouraging them to become repeat buyers. 

Types of Tests to Conduct

1. Burn Test

A burn test is crucial for checking wick performance, even burning, and scent throw.  Here’s how to conduct a burn test:

  1. Light the Candle (making sure the wick is ¼”): Observe the melt pool, which should reach the edge of the container within two to four hours to ensure an even burn.
  2. Check for Soot: Even soy candles can produce soot if the wick isn’t right. Look for black smoke and adjust your wick size, if necessary. You may also need to adjust your fragrance load.
  3. Flame Size: Ensure the flame is neither too large nor too small. 
  4. Power Burns: Test how the candle performs when burned for extended periods beyond the recommended time. This simulates real-world usage where some customers might burn their candles all day. However, never leave your candle unattended. Follow the same safety precautions you give to your customers.

2. Fragrance Test

Evaluate the strength and quality of your candle’s scent through cold throw (unlit) and hot throw (lit). Here’s what to do:

  1. Cure the Candle: Let your candle cure for however long you deem necessary. With soy candles this is typically 3 days to a couple of weeks to ensure the fragrance develops fully.
  2. Light the Candle: Burn it for two to four hours and periodically check how well the scent fills the space. I recommend closed and open spaces. Adjust your fragrance load if necessary. Please note that more fragrance does not always mean a stronger scented candle when it burns. You need to evaluate the results of all of your tests; the burn test, wick testing, etc.

Understanding Fragrance Load: This refers to the percentage of fragrance oil added to your wax. For example, in a 9-ounce jar holding 7.3 ounces of wax, an 8% fragrance load means adding approximately 0.584 ounces of fragrance oil. The formula would be 7.3x.08=0.584 oz. Experiment within the typical range of 6-10% to find what works best for your candles. The amount of oil is based on how much wax the vessel holds (net weight), NOT the vessel size; a 10 oz vessel does not actually hold 10 oz of wax to the recommended fill line.

3. Container Testing

Ensure the container is heat-resistant and suitable for candles. Check for:

  1. Cracks and Overheating: Ensure the container can handle the heat without breaking.
  2. Wick Adhesion: Verify that your wick stays attached to the container throughout the burn.

4. Wick Testing

Test various wick sizes and types to find the best fit for your candle. Conduct multiple tests simultaneously to save time and compare results side by side.

Recording and Analyzing Results

Detailed record-keeping is essential for refining your candle-making process. Document:

  1. Date and Batch Number: Track when and which batch was tested.
  2. Materials Used: Note the type of wax, wick size, vessel, candle dye load, and fragrance load.
  3. Burn Times and Temperatures: Record pour temperatures and burn times to identify patterns. I also like to note the temperature of the space I made my candles in. Humidity also can play a factor.
  4. Document results at different points: While the candle is burning, I typically record results at the 2-hour mark, 4-hour mark, and if I am doing a power burn, I record results again at the end of the power burn. If I see anything worth noting outside of these points, I will note it.

Whether you prefer a dedicated notebook or digital tools like Google Sheets, the key is consistency in documenting and analyzing your results.

Continuous Improvement

Use your recorded data to make informed adjustments. Look for patterns and refine your techniques based on what you observe. For instance, if a particular wick size consistently results in too high a flame, try a smaller wick. Embrace continuous learning and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Conclusion

Testing your candles is not just a step in the process; it’s an ongoing commitment to quality and safety. By thoroughly testing and recording your results, you ensure that every candle you sell meets the highest standards. Your customers will notice and appreciate the difference, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

Call to Action: Start testing your candles thoroughly today. Keep detailed records and use them to refine your processes. Your dedication to quality will shine through in your final product, building trust and loyalty with your customers.

If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll cover more practical and actionable steps to grow your business without feeling overwhelmed. Your support means the world to me. Happy candle making!

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