Candle Maintenance 101

Candle Care 101: How to Get the Most Out of Your Candles

A well-cared-for candle not only burns longer but also fills your space with a cleaner, more even scent. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of your candles:

1. Trim the Wick

Before each burn, trim the wick to about 5mm (¼ inch). This prevents excessive soot, uneven burning, and those annoying mushroom-shaped tips that can cause flickering. It can prevent bridging and allows your wick to burn more efficiently.

2. Let It Burn (But Not Too Long!)

On the first burn, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container, for a standard 220g candle the general rule is 3-4 hours for the first burn. However, don’t burn your candle for more than an hour at a time following this to avoid overheating the glass and burning off fragrance too quickly. Always look for that melt pool to reach the sides of your container. If you leave it on for too long it will start to siphon fragrance from the lower levels. if you blow your candle out before it has melted to the edge your will create a tunnel - wax has a memory and will only melt to the last point of the melt pool for every subsequent burn. 

3. Keep It Clean

Dust and debris in the wax can affect how your candle burns. If you notice any, remove it with a tissue or use an unscented wet wipe.

4. Mind the Drafts

Burning your candle in a drafty area (like near an open window or fan) can cause uneven burning, excess smoke, and tunnelling. Keep it in a stable, draft-free spot for the best experience.

5. Extinguish with Care

Blowing out a candle can cause smoke and wick movement, leading to an uneven burn next time. Instead, use a snuffer.

Bonus Tip: Repurpose Your Jar

Once your candle has burned down to about 1cm of wax, stop using it to prevent overheating the jar. Clean it out and reuse it for storage, planters, or even another DIY candle! Simply our boiling water into your container, the melted wax will float to the surface. When it has cooled remove the wax and wipe down any excess with warm soapy water. 

By following these simple steps, you’ll extend the life of your candles and enjoy a cleaner, more fragrant burn—because every moment of calm matters when All is Said & Done.