We all love the warm glow and soothing scents of a candle, whether it’s setting the mood for a cosy evening or adding a calming touch to your daily routine. But did you know that how you care for your candles can completely change how well they burn, how long they last, and even how safe they are?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple but essential candle care tips to help you enjoy every burn safely and beautifully. From the first light to the final flicker, here’s everything you need to know.
Why candle care matters more than you think
Many people light a candle and leave it at that. But without the proper care, your favourite candle might:
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Burn unevenly
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Tunnel and waste wax
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Produce smoke or soot
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Lose its scent throw
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Become a fire hazard
Candle maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about getting the most out of your candles while keeping your space safe.
1. Trim the wick before each burn
One of the simplest and most overlooked steps in candle care is trimming the wick. Before lighting your candle, make sure the wick is about 5 mm (¼ inch) long.
Why it matters:
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Prevents a high, flickering flame
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Reduces smoke and soot
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Helps the candle burn evenly
💡 Tip: Use a wick trimmer or small scissors, and always trim when the wax is cool and hard.
2. Let the wax pool reach the edges
Have you ever noticed a candle that burns straight down the middle, leaving wax around the sides? That’s called tunnelling, and it shortens your candle’s life significantly.
First burn rule:
Let your candle burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edges of the container, usually 2 to 4 hours, depending on size.
This helps:
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Ensure an even burn
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Prevent wax waste
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Boost scent throw
3. Don’t burn your candle too long
It might seem like a good idea to keep a candle going all day, but overburning can damage both the wick and the wax.
General guideline:
Burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time.
Why? Overheating can:
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Cause the wick to shift or lean
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Create too much liquid wax
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Lead to smoky flames or containers that crack
After 4 hours, blow it out, let it cool, and then relight if needed.
4. Keep candles away from draughts and direct sunlight
Where you place your candle affects how it burns.
Avoid:
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Draughty windows
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Under ceiling fans
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Radiators or heaters
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Direct sunlight
These conditions can cause:
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Uneven burning
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Flickering flames
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Faster wax melting
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Weakened scent
Instead, place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from airflow.
5. Use a snuffer, don’t blow it out
Blowing out a candle might seem harmless, but it can create smoke, splatter hot wax, and weaken the wick.
Best practice:
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame gently. It’s cleaner, safer, and helps maintain your wick’s shape.
6. Store your candles properly
When not in use, store your candles somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. This prevents:
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Fading or discolouration
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Melting or softening of the wax
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Loss of fragrance
You can even cover them with a lid or a cloth to keep dust off the wax surface.
7. Reuse or recycle when finished
Once your candle has burned down to about 1 cm of wax, it’s time to stop using it, burning beyond this point can overheat the container.
Instead of tossing it:
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Repurpose the jar: clean it and use it for storage or decor
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Recycle the container if it’s glass or metal
Notes on candle care
A little care goes a long way when it comes to candles. With just a few easy habits, like trimming the wick, avoiding draughts, and watching your burn time, you can make your candles last longer, smell stronger, and burn more safely.
Candles should be a source of comfort and calm, not frustration or waste. So the next time you light one, remember these tips and enjoy every moment from the first flicker to the last glow.
