How to Make Candles Last Longer & Burn Better

Candles are a fantastic way to set the mood, fill your space with fragrance, or simply add a cosy touch to your home. However, if you want to get the most out of your candles, whether you're burning one of our Essential Oil Aromatherapy Candles for it's soothing aroma or one of our Memory Lane Nostalgia Soy Candles for the ambiance they create, candle care is essential.

We have listed below a few simple steps to help you extend their life and ensure a cleaner, longer and more enjoyable burn every time.  So what should you be doing?

1. Always Trim your Wick

Probably the most crucial stage in candle care is this one. The majority of candles have a wick that burns uniformly when first ignited. But if you keep burning the candle, the wick can get longer and take the shape of a mushroom. This may result in an uneven burn and an excessively hot candle.

Advice: To guarantee a clean, consistent flame, cut the wick to around ¼ inch (6mm) before each use. This helps the candle burn evenly and avoids too much soot.

2. Burn for the Appropriate Duration

It's crucial to let a candle burn long enough to form a full melt pool, this is the layer of wax that melts all the way to the edges of the container. If you don’t let the candle burn long enough during the initial lighting, it can create a "memory ring," where the wax stays higher around the edges and the candle starts to tunnel inwards over time. Who knew candles have a memory!

Advice: For the first burn, let the candle burn for 2–4 hours, or until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. To avoid scorching the wax or the container, don't leave it burning for longer than four hours at a time for consecutive burns.

3. Steer clear of drafts

It should go without saying that a peaceful atmosphere is ideal for candle burning. The flame may flicker and burn unevenly due to a draft. Furthermore, a draft may cause the candle to burn more quickly, reducing its usefulness.

Advice: Set your candle somewhere that isn't prone to drafts. To avoid disturbing or even separating the flame, keep it away from windows, air conditioners, and fans.

4. Keep the Candle Clean

As you burn your candle, debris such as dust, wick trimmings, or even pet hair can find its way into the wax. This can interfere with the candle’s burn quality and can even cause the wick to clog.

Advice: After the candle has cooled and before lighting it again, clean out any debris from the wax surface using a soft cloth or a cotton swab.

5. Store Candles Properly

When you’re not using your candles, proper storage can help preserve their quality. Heat and sunlight can cause the wax to discolour, and excess light exposure can degrade the fragrance over time.

Advice: Store your candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

6. Extinguish the Candle Properly

Blowing out a candle can sometimes create a smoky smell, and it can also cause wax to splatter or the wick to move out of place. Using a candle snuffer is the best way to extinguish a candle, as it gently puts out the flame without disturbing the wax or causing the wick to burn unevenly.

Advice: Invest in a candle snuffer or dip the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper to put out the flame. If you don’t have a snuffer, carefully blow out the candle while avoiding inhaling the smoke.

7. Repurpose Candle Jars

When your candle has burned down to the last bit of wax, don’t throw the container away! Our candle jars are made of glass and can easily be repurposed once the candle is used up. You can clean out the remaining wax, then use the jar for storage, as a plant holder, for body lotions or even as a stylish decor item.

Advice: To remove leftover wax, place the jar in the freezer for a few hours. Once the wax hardens, you can easily pop it out. Then wash the jar with warm, soapy water, and it’s ready for its next life!

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to properly care for your candles not only enhances the burning experience but also ensures your candles last longer, burn cleaner, and smell better. From trimming the wick to storing your candles properly, small steps can make a big difference in how your candles perform. Happy burning!