Birch Hen candles are made slowly, in small batches, using natural beeswax and cotton wicks. With a little care, they burn cleanly, safely, and beautifully. This guide helps you get the best from your candle while keeping your home safe.

Trim the Wick   Keep the wick trimmed to around 5mm before each burn. A short wick helps the flame stay steady and reduces soot.

First Burn Matters   Let your candle burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges. This prevents tunnelling and helps your candle burn evenly throughout its life.  When first lit the flame on a beeswax candle will be quite large, much larger than the ‘resting’ flame. This is because on the initial burn the wax is drawn through the wick. There may be some soot/ large flame persisting for 5-10 minutes after which time the flame tends to settle. 

Choose a Safe Spot   Place your candle on a heat‑safe, level surface, away from drafts, curtains, pets, and little hands.

Never Leave a Candle Unattended   Even a small flame needs supervision.

Keep Away from Children and Pets   Curious paws and tails can easily knock over a candle.

Avoid Moving a Lit Candle   The container and wax can become hot — always extinguish before moving.

Mind the Burn Time   For best results, burn your candle for 1–3 hours at a time. Longer burns can cause the wick to mushroom or the container to overheat.

Let the Wax Settle   Allow the wax to cool and solidify before relighting.

Trim the Wick Again   Once cool, trim the wick back to 5mm to keep future burns clean and controlled.

Remove Debris   If any wick trimmings or match heads fall into the wax, remove them before the next burn.

Natural Bloom   Beeswax may develop a soft, powdery bloom over time — this is completely natural. You can leave it as part of its charm, or gently buff it away with a soft cloth.

Scent and Colour Variations   Because beeswax is a natural material, slight variations in colour and scent are normal and part of its character.

These are standard safety guidelines recommended for all candles:

• Burn within sight
• Keep away from flammable materials
• Use a heat‑safe holder
• Keep candles at least 10cm apart
• Do not burn candles all the way down — leave 1cm of wax at the bottom
• Do not use water to extinguish a candle
• Avoid burning candles near open windows or strong drafts

If you’re using a Birch Hen steel candle holder:

• Ensure the holder is placed on a stable, heat‑safe surface
• The metal will warm during use — allow it to cool before handling
• Wipe clean with a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals

Every Birch Hen candle is made by hand, using simple materials and slow processes. With thoughtful care, your candle will burn cleanly, safely, and for many quiet evenings.