With so many sizes, designs, and colours available, candles are a popular choice for adding warmth and style to any space. However, it’s crucial to provide them with the proper care and attention to maximize your enjoyment.
Fortunately, dedicating a little time to show your candles some tender loving care can make all the difference. To assist you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of simple candle care tips—ensuring you achieve an ideal burn every single time, whether your candle is in a glass jar, wooden jar, or comes in no jar at all like a pillar candle.
Before You Begin
How to Store Candles
Most candles stay in good condition for around 12–16 months after purchase. While you can still use older candles, you’ll likely notice that the quality of their burn, fragrance, and colour has diminished. Knowing how to store candles correctly helps you keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Temperature and light exposure play a significant role in candle degradation.
Optimal storage involves placing your candles in a cool, dark location such as a cupboard or basement. Some people even place their spare candles under a glass cloche so they can remain on display while being stored.
If you come across condensation on the surface of your stored candles, it indicates fluctuating temperatures. In such cases, gently wipe the candles with a paper towel and relocate them to a spot with a more consistent temperature.
By implementing these storage practices, you’ll ensure your candles stay in top condition, ready to create the perfect ambiance whenever you need them.
When You Burn
Place Your Candle on a Heat-Resistant Surface
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget. When your candle melts, a pool of hot wax forms at its base, which can damage your furniture. To prevent burn marks, always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface or use a candle holder.
Get the First Burn Right
The first burn of a new candle is a vital step in how to burn a candle evenly.
When you light it for the first time, let the surface of the candle melt completely. Putting it out too early can create a rim of hard wax that never melts, even as the wick and central wax continue to burn down. This is known as tunneling.
As a standard practice, burn a new candle for around 1–4 hours before extinguishing the flame. Choose a time when you’ll be able to enjoy its full glow.
Let Each Burn Last 3–4 Hours
Short burn times can cause tunneling, wasting wax and hampering fragrance release. Scented candles rely on a full wax pool to evaporate fragrance properly.
However, burning for too long can also be problematic. It can overheat the candle, thin the wax, degrade fragrance oils, and even cause sooting or uneven burns.
A 3–4 hour burn time strikes the perfect balance for optimal performance.
Keep It Away from Wind
A strong breeze can blow your candle out, but even a gentle draft can cause a flickering flame and inconsistent burn. If you notice the flame dancing too much, move the candle to a sheltered spot or use a hurricane glass to protect it.
This ensures a steady, even burn and uninterrupted ambiance.
Extinguish with a Candle Snuffer
Blowing out your candle might seem convenient, but it kicks soot and wax into the air—affecting indoor air quality.
Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently smother the flame. It creates less smoke and mess.
After extinguishing, recentre and straighten the wick so your candle is ready for the next use.
Using a snuffer helps create a cleaner, healthier environment and prolongs the candle’s life.
Once You’re Done
Trim the Wick
Wicks don’t burn away as quickly as wax. A wick that’s too long can cause a high flame, smoking, or dripping—even in dripless candles.
Before each burn, trim the wick to around ¼” (0.6 cm). This helps the candle burn steadily and evenly.
Don’t trim it too short, or it might struggle to relight. Also, ensure the wick is centered and upright for an even burn.
Replace Your Candle Before It Burns Out Entirely
Burning a candle down to the very bottom can overheat and damage the container. The excessive heat might crack or shatter glass jars.
Leave about ½” of wax at the bottom to avoid this. It also makes the cleanup and replacement process easier.
This simple tip keeps your candle safe, clean, and hassle-free.
Clean Out Your Candle
Wick trimmings or debris can build up in the wax pool over time. Use tweezers to remove any visible debris.
To remove soot or fingerprints from the candle’s surface, gently wipe it with a dry paper towel. Avoid moisture or cleaning agents, as these can affect performance.
Clean Your Candle Holder
Once the candle is done, use a spoon to scrape out any leftover wax from the holder.
Then wash the holder with warm, soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly before reusing.
This keeps your candle holder in great condition for future use and avoids residue buildup.
Repurpose the Vessel
If your candle came in a stylish container, don’t throw it out! Repurpose the vessel as home decor, a planter, a makeup brush holder, or anything else creative.
Reusing your candle jars is a fun and sustainable way to add personality to your space.
Enter the Lap of Luxury with Premium Handmade Candles
Properly storing, burning, and caring for your candles lets you enjoy them as much as possible for as long as possible. But if you’re looking to create the ultimate ambiance of comfort and class, there’s no better option than premium handmade candles.
Visit our online store now to discover exquisitely handcrafted luxury candles of all shapes and sizes, with a variety of colours and scents to choose from!