Candle Care 101: Tips to Make Your Candles Last Longer

Burn better. Waste less. Enjoy more.

There’s nothing worse than buying a beautiful candle — only for it to tunnel, burn unevenly, or fizzle out way too soon. The good news? With just a few simple care tips, you can extend the life of your favorite candles, save money, and enjoy a safer, cleaner burn.

Welcome to Candle Care 101 — your go-to guide for getting the most out of every flame.

1. The First Burn is the Most Important

When lighting your candle for the first time, let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt from edge to edge.
This can take 1–3 hours depending on the candle’s size.

Why?
If you extinguish too early, it creates a “memory ring” and causes tunneling — a deep hole down the center while unused wax clings to the sides.

2. Trim the Wick Every Time

Before each burn, trim the wick to ¼ inch. This helps:

• Prevent soot buildup
• Keep the flame controlled
• Reduce smoking and flickering

Pro Tip: Use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or even scissors — just make sure the wick is upright and centered afterward.

3. Avoid Burning for Too Long

Don’t burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Overburning can:

• Overheat the wax
• Weaken the scent
• Create mushrooming (a carbon ball on the wick tip)

Let it cool before relighting to preserve its structure.

4. Keep It Clean

Dust, wick trimmings, and soot in the wax can ruin your candle’s performance. After each use:

• Check for debris
• Wipe the rim of the jar if needed
• Reseal with a lid (if provided) to preserve scent

5. Level Up the Burn with Accessories

Use these tools for better performance:

• Wick dipper: Extinguish flame without smoke
• Candle snuffer: Puts out flame without wax splatter
• Candle plate or coaster: Protects your surfaces from heat

6. Store Smart

To preserve your candle’s scent and structure:

• Keep it away from sunlight and heat to avoid discoloration or melting
• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
• Don’t place candles under vents or near windows where air currents can affect the flame

7. Fix Tunneling (If It Happens)

If your candle has tunneled:

• Foil trick: Wrap aluminum foil around the top of the jar (leave an opening in the middle) and burn for 1–2 hours to even out the wax pool
• Or use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt and level the top layer

8. Repurpose Your Jar

Once you’ve reached the last ½ inch of wax — stop burning (for safety).
Then repurpose the jar as a:

• Planter
• Storage container
• Desk organizer
• New candle mold!

Soak it in hot, soapy water to remove leftover wax and wick tab.

Final Thoughts

A well-cared-for candle doesn’t just smell better — it lasts longer, burns safer, and saves you money. With these simple steps, you’ll turn every candle into a long-lasting source of light, scent, and peace.

Let the glow last. You deserve it.