It’s also a good idea to remove anything flammable near the candle, such as papers, fabric, or dried floral decorations. Make sure the candle is at least a foot from curtains.
If the candle is too big, you can also use a piece of spaghetti or fettuccine. [3] X Research source If you don’t have matches, you can use a toothpick, as well, but you’ll need to move more quickly as the flame can move faster.
If you don’t have a match or lighter, you can use a gas stove to light it from the flame. You can also light a toothpick this way. [6] X Research source You also press the end of the spaghetti against the heating element in a toaster or even the oven to light it. Just be sure to be extra careful not to touch any of the hot parts yourself.
When the candle is sideways, you can stick the match in sideways, and the flame will go up towards the side of the candle instead of your hand. [8] X Research source While you don’t want to move too slowly, as a flame goes down a match quickly, you also don’t want to jerk too quickly and drop the match. Move in at a steady pace.
In addition, make sure your candle isn’t too near curtains or anything else that could blow into it. Also, feel for drafts, as drafts can blow the flame to something flammable. [12] X Research source
Squeeze the trigger slowly, as the trigger starts the fuel. If you go too quickly, it won’t reach the spark when it should to create a flame, meaning it may seem like it’s not working. [17] X Research source You need to hold the trigger down to keep the flame going. With a cigarette lighter, you usually need to turn the wheel before you can push the button. It’s a move you do in one fell swoop with your thumb.
Always pay attention to your burning candle. Don’t leave it alone, as it can easily be blown into something flammable. You could have a fire before you know it.
The purpose is that you want to make sure the whole top layer of the candle melts. If it doesn’t, you’ll get a tunneling effect as the candle burns down. In other words, it will just melt down the center of the candle, instead of melting the whole candle. Doing it this way will help you burn your candle more evenly.
You can do it while the candle is light, though the top will be hot. Otherwise, light it after you put the foil on. [22] X Research source This trick helps to melt the wax more evenly. You can get special lids for candles that achieve the same purpose. [23] X Research source
