How to Care for Your Candles: A Complete Guide

Candles can transform any space with their warm glow and enchanting fragrance. However, taking good care of your candles ensures you get the longest, cleanest burn possible.

Proper candle care can also enhance the candle's appearance and aroma, making every burn an enjoyable experience.

Some essential tips for caring for your candles so they last longer and perform at their best.

 

1. Trim the Wick

One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your candle is to keep the wick trimmed. Ideally, the wick should be about 1/4 inch long before each burn. A properly trimmed wick will:

• Prevent excessive soot
• Help the candle burn evenly
• Prolong the candle’s burn time

Use a wick trimmer or small scissors to carefully trim the wick before lighting it each time. This small step can make a big difference in how cleanly and efficiently your candle burns.

 

2. Allow the Wax to Melt Evenly

When lighting a new candle, allow the wax to melt all the way across the top surface before extinguishing it. This can take a few hours, depending on the size of the candle, but it’s worth the wait. Allowing the wax to melt evenly prevents "tunneling," which is when the candle burns down the center, wasting wax on the sides.

Tip: The first burn is especially important, as it sets the stage for future burns. Try to burn your candle for 1–4 hours at a time to maintain an even wax pool.

 

3. Keep Your Candle Out of Drafts

Drafts from open windows, fans, or air vents can cause your candle’s flame to flicker and burn unevenly. A drafty area may also lead to increased soot and faster burn rates. Try to place your candle in a calm, stable environment away from air currents to ensure a steady, clean burn.

 

4. Use a Snuffer to Extinguish the Flame

Blowing out your candle can create smoke and may even cause wax to splatter. Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently extinguish the flame. This reduces smoke and minimizes the mess. Candle snuffers are an inexpensive tool that can be used to safely put out candles without disturbing the wick or wax.

 

5. Keep the Wax Pool Free of Debris

Debris like matchsticks, trimmings from the wick, or dust can fall into the melted wax pool. This not only affects the fragrance but can also interfere with the candle’s burn quality. Be sure to keep the wax clean by removing any debris before lighting your candle again.

 

6. Burn Your Candle for the Right Amount of Time

To make the most out of your candle, avoid burning it for more than 4 hours at a time. Burning a candle for too long can cause the wick to “mushroom” and create a large flame, which can lead to excess soot and wasted wax. If you want to keep the ambiance going, allow the candle to cool for a bit, trim the wick, and then relight it.

7. Store Your Candle Properly

When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or sunlight can cause the candle’s color to fade and its fragrance to deteriorate. If your candle has a lid, keep it covered to help preserve the scent and prevent dust from settling on the wax.

8. Enjoy Responsibly

Finally, always burn your candle responsibly. Never leave a lit candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Place it on a heat-resistant surface to prevent any accidents.