How to Care for Your Candles: Tips for a Longer, Cleaner Burn

How to Care for Your Candles: Tips for a Longer, Cleaner Burn

Candles are more than just a way to fill your home with beautiful scents—they’re an investment in ambiance, comfort, and self-care. To get the most out of your candles and extend their life, it’s important to care for them properly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some easy steps to ensure your candles burn evenly, last longer, and fill your space with the scents you love.

From our Apothecary Collection’s Worn Leather Candle to the calming scents in our Botanica Collection, these tips apply to all types of candles and will help you enjoy your favorite fragrances to the fullest.


1. Trim the Wick for an Even Burn

One of the easiest ways to ensure your candle burns cleanly and lasts longer is by trimming the wick. A long wick can cause excessive flickering, uneven burns, and soot buildup. Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (6-7 mm). This simple step helps create a steady, even flame and prevents the wick from mushrooming or producing black smoke.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a wick trimmer or scissors for precise trimming. This is especially useful for candles like our Heathered Cashmere from the Apothecary Collection, where clean burning is key to enjoying its delicate fragrance.


2. Avoid Tunneling with a Full Melt Pool

Nothing is more frustrating than a tunneled candle—when the wax burns down the center, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edge. To prevent tunneling, always let your candle burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edges of the container. This typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of your candle.

If tunneling does happen, don’t worry—there’s an easy fix!

The Foil Trick to Fix a Tunneled Candle:

Wrap a strip of aluminum foil around the top edge of your candle, leaving a small opening in the center above the wick.

Let the candle burn for a few hours. The heat will melt the tunneled wax, and the foil will help the candle burn evenly again.


3. Storage Tips: Keep Candles Clean and Fresh

Proper storage is another key factor in ensuring your candles burn well and maintain their fragrance. Here’s how to store your candles to keep them in peak condition:

Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Candles can melt or warp if left in direct sunlight or stored in hot environments. Keep your candles in a cool, dry place, away from windows or heat sources.

Cover Your Candles: If your candles don’t come with a lid, consider using a dust cover. This keeps dust and debris from settling on the surface, which can affect the burn quality.

💡 Pro Tip: Our Stonewashed Linen Candle from the Apothecary Collection comes in a beautiful, reusable container with a lid, making it easy to store while keeping the wax protected.


4. Use the Right Candle Holder or Surface

Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface before lighting it, especially if you’re using pillar candles or large jar candles. Using a stable, flat surface prevents tipping and helps distribute heat evenly.


5. How to Extinguish Your Candle Safely

Blowing out a candle can lead to smoke and soot buildup, which can affect your next burn. Instead, try using a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame cleanly. Alternatively, you can dip the wick into the melted wax to put out the flame—just be sure to straighten it out again for the next burn.

💡 Pro Tip: Using a snuffer or dipping the wick also helps reduce the smoky smell that can linger after blowing out a candle.


6. Burn Time and Best Practices

It’s important to give your candle a rest between uses. For optimal burning, allow your candle to burn for no more than 4 hours at a time. This prevents overheating the container and extends the life of the candle.

If you’re lighting a larger candle like our Coyote Spirit Grand Candle, be mindful of the total burn time. Long-lasting candles are designed for multiple uses, but allowing the candle to cool between burns will help ensure a clean, even melt each time.


Caring for Your Candles — A Rewarding Ritual

By following these simple tips, you’ll enjoy longer-lasting, cleaner burns, and get the most out of your candles. Whether you’re enjoying the cozy vibes of our Apothecary Collection or the timeless scents from our Botanica Collection, caring for your candles properly ensures a more enjoyable experience.

Ready to add to your candle collection? Explore our latest seasonal offerings and create a peaceful, fragrant environment in your home.

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