How to Care for Your Candles for Longer Burn Time

Candles can instantly transform a space with their warm glow and delightful fragrances, but improper care can lead to uneven burning, wasted wax, or even shorter burn times. To make the most of your candles, proper care is essential. Here’s a guide to extending the life of your favorite candles while ensuring they burn beautifully every time.

Trim the wick regularly

Before every burn, trim your wick to about 1/4 inch. A long or curled wick can cause excessive smoke, flickering, and a mushroom-shaped tip that leads to uneven burning.Use a wick trimmer or even a small pair of scissors to keep it neat.

Let the wax pool reach the edges

On the first burn, allow the melted wax to reach the edge of the container. This prevents tunneling, where wax remains stuck to the sides and burns down the center only.For most candles, this takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size.

Avoid drafts

Burn your candle away from fans, air vents, and open windows. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker, resulting in black soot or an uneven melt.Pick a calm corner to let your candle do its thing in peace.

Use a candle snuffer to extinguish

Instead of blowing out the flame, use a snuffer. This prevents hot wax from splashing and reduces smoke.A candle snuffer also helps maintain the integrity of the wick and wax pool.

Store in a cool, dry place

Sunlight and heat can discolor candles and weaken their scent.Store candles in a dust-free area and cover them when not in use—especially jar candles and pillars.

Burn smart, not long

As a rule, burn your candle 1 hour per inch of its diameter. Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time to prevent overheating the wax or the container.Example: A 3-inch wide candle should be burned for about 3 hours per session.

Keep the wax pool clean

Remove any debris like match tips, wick trimmings, or dust from the melted wax. A clean wax pool ensures an even, long-lasting burn.Try using a candle care kit for quick cleanups and maintenance.

Rotate your candles

Got a few candles you love? Rotate them! This helps preserve seasonal scents and prevents any candle from sitting unused too long.Rotate between your spring florals and cozy winter picks to enjoy them longer.

Don’t burn to the bottom

Once your candle has about 1/2 inch of wax left, it’s time to say goodbye. Burning to the bottom can cause the container to overheat or crack.Avoid accidents—repurpose the jar instead! You can upcycle it into mini planters or storage jars.

Candle care is more than a routine—it’s part of the ritual.Taking a few simple steps ensures your candles not only last longer but remain safe and beautiful from first light to final glow. 💛