Candle Care 101: How to Make Your Candles Last Longer
When I first started making candles, I wanted them to be more than something that simply smelled nice — I wanted them to create a feeling of comfort and warmth. That cozy moment of peace when you light the wick.
Part of that experience comes from knowing how to properly care for your candle so you can enjoy it as long as possible. Taking care of your candles is simple, but a few small habits make a big difference.
Here are my top candle care tips to help you get the cleanest, longest burn every time.
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
This is the golden rule! Always trim your wick to about ¼ inch before lighting your candle. A trimmed wick helps the flame burn evenly, prevents soot, and reduces smoke. A quick trim means a cleaner, brighter burn every time.
2. Let It Burn Long Enough the First Time
Your first burn sets the stage for the life of your candle. Allow it to burn until the entire surface of the wax melts (usually 2–3 hours). This prevents candle tunneling — when the wax burns straight down the middle and leaves wasted wax on the sides.
3. Don’t Burn for Too Long
Keep each burn to no more than 4 hours at a time. Letting your candle cool between burns prevents overheating, keeps the wax even, and ensures a safe, long-lasting flame.
4. Avoid Drafts
Place your candle in a safe, draft-free spot. Drafts make the flame flicker, which causes uneven burning and can make your candle burn faster than normal. Keep your candle cozy, and it will burn more beautifully.
5. Never Leave a Candle Unattended
Candles should set the mood, not cause stress. Always keep an eye on your burning candle, and keep it away from kids, pets, and anything flammable. When only ½ inch of wax remains, it’s time to safely retire your candle.
6. Reuse Your Candle Vessel
Once your candle is finished, give the vessel a second life! Many of our vessels, like the Chelsea Vase or our hand-etched glass jars, make perfect bud vases, pen holders, or stylish catch-alls. Just clean out the wax with warm, soapy water, and repurpose it as décor.
7. Use Candle Care Tools
For the best results, invest in simple candle care tools like a wick trimmer. These make it easy to keep your candle burning cleanly and extend its life. Don’t have one? Small scissors work just fine until you do.
Get the Most Out of Every Candle
Taking care of your candle isn’t just about maintenance — it’s about making the most of the warmth, fragrance, and glow it brings to your space. With these simple tips, your Scent of Home soy wax candles will last longer and burn more beautifully.
✨ Explore our hand-poured candles or reach out if you have questions about candle care — we love helping you create cozy, intentional moments at home.
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