Candles are a wonderful way to set the mood, add warmth, and make your home smell inviting. But to get the most out of your candles, proper care is essential. Taking a little time to maintain your candles not only helps them last longer but also ensures a clean and even burn. If you've ever noticed that your candle flickers unevenly or tunnels down the middle, it might be time to reevaluate how you’re using it.
Here’s a quick guide on candle care to maximize your candle’s lifespan and performance.
1. Trim the Wick Before Every Use
One of the most important steps in candle care is trimming the wick. A wick that’s too long can cause a candle to burn too quickly, produce excessive soot, or even create an unstable flame. The general rule of thumb is to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each use. This helps the candle burn evenly and prevents those black soot marks on your walls or furniture.
Tip: If you don’t have a wick trimmer, you can use scissors or even your fingernail to carefully clip the wick. Just be sure to remove any excess debris after trimming.
2. Let Your Candle Burn Long Enough to Form a Full Melt Pool
The first time you light your candle, allow it to burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edge of the container (also known as the “melt pool”). This may take a few hours, depending on the size of the candle. By doing so, you ensure the wax burns evenly and avoids tunneling (where the candle burns straight down the middle, leaving wax along the edges).
Tip: Try to let your candle burn for 1-2 hours for smaller candles and 3-4 hours for larger ones, but never leave a candle burning unattended.
3. Extinguish Safely and Avoid Blowouts
Blowing out a candle is a no-no! Blowing can cause the wick to scatter hot wax or create a mess, plus it can lead to the wick becoming crooked or the flame being too large. Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame gently. If you don’t have one, you can dip the wick into the melted wax using a wick dipper, which also helps prevent smoking.
Tip: If your candle has been extinguished but still has some residual smoke, place it somewhere well-ventilated to avoid lingering odors.
4. Keep Your Candle Free from Debris
Candles are best enjoyed in a clean, uncluttered environment. Anything that falls into the wax—like dust, hair, or match sticks—can affect the burn quality, so make sure to keep your candle away from drafts and clean its surface regularly. A piece of debris can cause the wick to burn unevenly or even start a fire hazard.
Tip: If debris falls into your candle, wait for the wax to harden, then carefully remove it with tweezers.
5. Store Candles Properly
Proper storage of candles can extend their life and preserve their fragrance. Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, as these can cause the wax to soften or discolor. Extreme temperature changes can also affect how the candle burns.
Tip: If you're storing candles for long periods, keep them in an airtight container or wrap them in a dust-free material to prevent dust from collecting on the surface.
6. Don't Leave Candles Burning Too Long
Candles are meant to create ambiance, but leaving them burning for long periods can be dangerous and wasteful. Most candles are designed to burn for up to 4 hours at a time. After that, it's best to extinguish the candle and let it cool before lighting it again.
Tip: If you're having a long gathering or need extended fragrance, consider burning several candles in different rooms instead of one for a prolonged period.
7. Reusing Leftover Wax
Once your candle has burned down to the point where it’s difficult to light, you may wonder what to do with the remaining wax. You can clean out the container, melt the wax down, and repurpose it into a new candle (or even use the wax for fragrance sachets). However, the easiest option is to recycle the empty container!
Tip: If you plan to reuse the jar, soak it in warm water to loosen the wax and remove the wick holder with pliers.
8. Choose High-Quality Candles
Not all candles are created equal. To get the most out of your candle, choose high-quality candles made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax. These types of wax burn cleaner and slower, meaning you’ll get a better fragrance and a longer-lasting burn.
Tip: Be sure to check the ingredients and avoid candles with high levels of paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals when burned. At The Psychic Tree, all of our crystal infused candles are made with the highest quality soy wax.
Conclusion
Taking care of your candles isn’t just about maintaining their beauty—it’s about creating the perfect atmosphere safely and efficiently. With a little attention to detail, your candles will burn beautifully and last longer, allowing you to enjoy their calming light and delightful scent for much longer. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll get the best out of every flicker. Happy candle burning!