Candles are a beautiful, ambient addition to any home, providing warmth, fragrance, and a sense of tranquility. However, to ensure that your candles burn safely, last longer, and continue to bring enjoyment, proper care is essential. Whether you’re using scented candles, decorative ones, or simply enjoying the soft glow of a flickering flame, following a few simple guidelines can help maximize their lifespan and maintain their performance. Here’s everything you need to know about candle care.
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
One of the simplest yet most important candle care tips is to trim the wick. A wick that’s too long can cause the candle to burn unevenly, produce excessive soot, and lead to a larger flame, which can be hazardous. Ideally, the wick should be about 1/4 inch (6mm) in height before lighting.
Use a wick trimmer, scissors, or even your fingers (if cooled) to trim the wick, removing any charred or blackened pieces. This will help ensure a cleaner burn and prevent the candle from smoking.
2. LET it burn
Most important on the first burn, allow the wax to melt until it reaches the edge of the jar. This ensures that the candle burns evenly and doesn’t create a “tunneling” effect, where the center of the candle melts down but the outer edges remain untouched.
Always burn your candle within sight and away from children and pets. Let your candle cool completely before touching / moving.
3. Never Burn a Candle for Too Long
Never burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. When it comes to the point where there is only 1/4″ – 1/2″ of wax left in the jar, it’s time to stop lighting your candle. Burning candles beyond this can cause the wick to become unstable, which may lead to smoking, excessive soot, or even a fire hazard.
After 3-4 hours of continuous burning, it’s a good idea to extinguish the candle, allow it to cool, and then relight it if you want to continue using it.
4. Extinguish the Candle Properly
Never blow out a candle, as this can cause hot wax to splatter, create a mess, or potentially lead to injury. Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently extinguish the flame. This method not only minimizes the risk of hot wax splattering, but it also reduces smoke and preserves the scent of the candle.
Alternatively, you can dip the wick into the wax using a wick dipper (a small tool available at many candle shops) to extinguish the flame. This method helps prevent the wick from becoming misshapen and promotes a longer burn life.
5. Store Candles in a Cool, Dry Place
Proper storage is key to ensuring that your candles maintain their quality. Candles are sensitive to heat, direct sunlight, and humidity, all of which can cause the wax to soften, discolor, or become misshapen.
To protect your candles, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A closet, drawer, or cabinet works well. If you have multiple candles, be sure to keep them covered or in containers to prevent dust from collecting on the surface.
6. Avoid Drafts
Candles should always be placed in a stable, draft-free environment. Wind or air currents can cause a candle to burn unevenly, flicker excessively, or even blow out completely. Always place your candles on flat, stable surfaces, and avoid placing them near open windows, vents, or fans.
This will not only ensure a steady, even burn but will also minimize the risk of the candle being tipped over.
7. Don’t Leave Candles Unattended
The most important rule of candle safety is never leaving a burning candle unattended. Candles should never be left burning while you sleep, leave the house, or engage in other activities where you aren’t focused on the flame. Always extinguish candles when you’re finished using them or before leaving the room.
Make sure candles are kept out of the reach of children and pets, and never leave them near flammable materials such as curtains, paper, or fabric.
8. Recycling Candle Stubs
Once your candle has burned down to a small stub, you don’t have to throw it away. You can use leftover wax in creative ways. For example, you can melt down the remaining wax to make new candles, or use it as a wax melt for your wax warmer. Simply gather the leftover wax, melt it, and pour it into a mold or container to create a new candle.
