Candle Care 101
When I first started making candles, I wanted them to be more than just something that smelled nice—I wanted them to create a feeling of comfort and warmth. A moment of peace when you light the wick. And part of that is knowing how to properly care for your candle so you can enjoy it as long as possible.
Taking care of your candle is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are my top candle care tips to help you get the most out of every burn.
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
This one’s key! Always trim your wick to about ¼ inch before lighting your candle. Not only does this help the flame burn evenly, but it also prevents soot from forming and keeps the wax from smoking. A quick trim means a cleaner burn, every time.
2. Let It Burn Long Enough the First Time
The first time you light a candle is important. Let it burn until the entire surface of the wax is melted—usually about 2–3 hours. This prevents tunneling (where the candle burns down the middle but leaves wax on the sides). It gives you a much more even burn and helps your candle last longer.
3. Don’t Burn for Too Long
Keep your burn time to no more than 4 hours at a time. It’s best to let the wax reset and cool down between burns to keep everything in tip-top shape. Plus, shorter burn times help prevent the vessel from overheating and ensure a clean, even burn each time.
4. Avoid Drafts
Place your candle in a safe, draft-free area. A draft can make the flame flicker and burn unevenly. It can also cause the candle to burn faster than usual, which means you’ll run through your candle quicker than you’d like. Find a cozy, calm spot for your candle to truly shine.
5. Never Leave It Unattended
Candles are meant to create atmosphere, not chaos! Always keep an eye on your candle while it's burning, and never leave it unattended. And be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and little hands. When there’s only ½ inch of wax left, it’s time to put it out and call it a day.
6. Reuse Your Vessel and Save!
Once your candle is finished, don’t let that beautiful vessel go to waste. Our 15oz vessels—like the Chelsea Vase and our hand-etched glass—are perfect for repurposing. Clean out the leftover wax with warm, soapy water, and use them as a chic bud vase, a stylish pen cup, or a charming catch-all for your vanity or coffee table.
7. Candle Care Tools
If you want to keep your candle routine as smooth as possible, we recommend a wick trimmer to make those wick trims easier. We’ll have them available soon in our shop, but in the meantime, any small scissors will do the trick!
Taking care of your candle isn’t just about keeping it clean—it’s about making sure it gives you the best, longest burn possible. I hope these tips help you get the most out of your Scent of Home candle, creating a warm, relaxing experience every time you light it.
If you have any other questions about candle care—or if you want to share your favorite candle moments—send us a message! We're always here to help.
From our home to yours.