Candles add warmth and charm to any space, but proper care is key to making them last longer and burn efficiently. Follow these practical tips to extend the life of your favorite candles.

1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn

Keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before lighting. A shorter wick ensures a steady flame, prevents excessive soot, and avoids uneven burning. Overgrown wicks can cause the flame to flicker or produce smoke, reducing the candle’s lifespan.

2. Burn Until the Wax Melts Evenly

On the first burn, let the wax melt evenly across the surface to form a full “wax pool.” This prevents tunneling, where wax builds up on the sides of the jar and wastes unused wax. Depending on the candle size, this process may take 1–3 hours.

3. Limit Burn Time

Avoid burning candles for more than 3–4 hours at a time. Prolonged burns can overheat the wax, reduce fragrance throw, and cause the wick to mushroom, leading to excessive soot.

4. Center the Wick

Ensure the wick stays centered while burning. If it leans, gently adjust it before the wax hardens. A centered wick promotes even burning and prevents one side of the candle from melting faster than the other.

5. Store Candles in a Cool, Dry Place

Candles can melt, fade, or lose their fragrance when exposed to sunlight or heat. Store them in a cool, dry area, ideally covered or in their original packaging, to keep them dust-free and protected.

6. Use a Candle Snuffer

Extinguish candles with a snuffer instead of blowing them out. Snuffing reduces smoke, prevents hot wax splatter, and preserves the wick for future use.

7. Clean the Wax Pool

Remove any debris, like wick trimmings or matches, from the melted wax. Foreign objects can disrupt the burning process and cause uneven flames.

8. Avoid Drafty Areas

Place candles away from fans, vents, or open windows. Drafts can cause uneven burning, flickering, and excessive soot buildup. A stable environment ensures a clean, steady flame.

9. Stop Burning at 1/2 Inch Wax Left

Discontinue use when only about 1/2 inch of wax remains in the container. Burning beyond this point can overheat the jar, potentially causing it to crack or damage surfaces.

10. Repurpose Leftover Wax

Don’t let unused wax go to waste! Melt leftover wax and use it in wax warmers or combine it with other scraps to make new candles.

Conclusion

Taking care of your candles doesn’t just extend their lifespan—it enhances their performance and ensures they remain a joy to use. By following these tips, you can enjoy a cleaner, longer burn, creating the perfect ambiance for your space every time.