Most people love to burn candles or decorate with them in their home. But did you know that you have to actually take care of your candles to get the most out of them and have them burn properly? Here are a few tips:

1. Trim your wicks. The wick on a candle should never be more than 1/4" long. Cut them before each time you burn the candle. If you burn the candle for more than 3-4 hours at a time and the wick looks really long, put the candle out, wait for the wax to harden, and trim the wick. Then relight the candle and continue enjoying. Trimming the wick will help prevent those hideous soot balls that form on the end of the wick and keep the candle burning evenly.

2. Snuff your candles. The only candles you should blow out are on your birthday cake. Use a candle snuffer to put out the flame. Why? The liquified wax could end up on your wall or table cloth if you blow too hard. Additionally, blowing the wick actually causes the wick to move away from the center of the candle. When the wick is no longer centered two things can happen: the candle will no longer burn evenly and the heat from the flame could be too close to the holder that you are burning the candle in and cause it to crack or break. I've broken a crystal candle holder this way.

3. Hug your candles. Whenever you are burning a pillar candle, you should hug the sides of the candle as it is burning or when you put it out. Pillar candles should burn straight down. They should not have a 1" tunnel downward around the wick. Burn the pillar until the top layer of wax is completely liquified, and then gently hug around the top of the candle with both hands to push the outer layer of wax just slightly closer to the wick.

4. Burn pillar candles for 1 hour for each inch in diameter every time. Ever wonder why your candles have hideous tunnels and put themselves out? It's because you aren't burning them long enough. If you have a candle that is 3" in diameter, burn it for at least 3 hours at a time. This will give the candle enough time to liquify to the edge and burn straight down -- and also get you all the value for your money.

Properly caring for your candles will lengthen their life, and help you enjoy yours!

Want to find out more or have specific questions? Call in and listen to this recorded message answering the top 5 most frequently asked questions: 951-262-1105 or view this interactive video that lets you model your potential income. E-mail me at terri@goldinlites.com. Or submit your e-mail address below to be added to my monthly newsletter with hostess specials, guest specials and business opportunities!