Candle Care Tips: How to Make Your Candles Last Longer

Candles are more than just decorative pieces or sources of light; they are mood-setters and comfort creators, especially as the weather cools down. To get the most out of your candles and enjoy their glow throughout the fall and winter seasons, it's essential to practice proper candle care. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help extend the life of your candles and keep them burning beautifully.

1. Trim the Wick Before Each Use

The first rule of candle care is to trim the wick before each burn. Keeping the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) helps maintain an even flame and reduces soot buildup. A long wick can cause the flame to become too large, resulting in an uneven burn, excess smoke, and wasted wax. Use a wick trimmer or scissors to keep the wick at the recommended length.

Pro Tip: Invest in a wick trimmer with a long handle for easy trimming, especially for candles in deep jars.

2. Burn the Candle Long Enough to Create a Full Melt Pool

One of the most common candle mistakes is not allowing enough time for the candle to form a full melt pool (where the wax melts evenly across the entire surface) during the first burn. If the candle is extinguished before a full melt pool is achieved, tunneling may occur, where the wax burns down the middle, leaving a lot of unused wax around the edges.

To avoid tunneling, make sure to burn your candle for at least 2-3 hours during its first use or until the wax melts evenly across the top.

3. Avoid Burning for Too Long for Ultimate Candle Care

While it’s important to let your candle form a full melt pool, burning it for too long can also be detrimental. Most candles shouldn’t burn for more than 4 hours at a time. If left burning for too long, the wick can "mushroom," causing excess soot or smoke.

Allow the candle to cool, trim the wick, and relight if you wish to continue enjoying its glow.

4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts

Drafts, vents, and fans can cause your candle to burn unevenly or even lead to excessive smoking. To maximize your candle's lifespan and get an even burn, place it in a spot where it won't be disturbed by air currents.

5. Store Your Candles Properly

Candles are sensitive to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can cause the wax to discolor or lose its scent over time. To preserve your candles, store them in a cool, dark place when not in use. If the candle comes with a lid, keep it covered to protect the wax from dust and dirt.

6. Extinguish with Care

When it’s time to put out your candle, avoid blowing it out, which can create smoke and soot. Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame gently. If you don’t have a snuffer, dip the wick into the melted wax and then straighten it back up; this method reduces the amount of smoke and helps prime the wick for the next burn.

7. Clean the Candle Jar Regularly

If you're using candles in glass jars, make sure to clean the inside of the jar occasionally. Any soot buildup on the glass can make your candle look less appealing and affect the fragrance throw. A damp cloth or paper towel can be used to gently wipe away the soot.

8. Repurpose or Reuse Your Candle Jars

Once your candle has burned down to the last 1cm of wax, it’s time to retire it. However, the jar can still be put to good use! Clean out the remaining wax by placing the jar in the freezer for a few hours; the wax will contract and pop right out. You can then wash the jar with warm, soapy water and repurpose it as a container for small items like cotton swabs, makeup brushes, or even as a plant pot.

Enjoy the Glow, Longer!

By following these simple candle care tips, you can extend the life of your candles and make the most of their warm, inviting glow this season. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or setting the mood for a special occasion, your well-maintained candles will always be ready to light up the moment.

Ready to add some new scents to your collection? Check out our latest fall and winter fragrances, designed to bring comfort and warmth to any space.

Shop now