Secrets to caring for your candles and getting the best experience

There is a right way to care for your candles and a wrong way, which may come as a surprise to some. After all, how much attention does a candle need? But the truth is that there are a few steps you should take if you want to keep your candles in tip-top shape.

Ensure your candle burns evenly

The first time you light a new candle is crucial to its long-lasting performance. Candle wax has a memory, meaning it remembers where it was first burned and will only burn to the point where it was last extinguished. This is why the first burn is the most important. When you first light your candle, let it burn for at least 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the candle. This process is crucial to ensuring that the candle burns evenly the next time you use it.

Keep the candle clean

Keep the wax pool free of lighters, matches, and debris. If soot forms on the inside of the container, extinguish the candle, wait for it to cool, and wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. Trim the wick and relight. You can also remove dust and fingerprints from a candle by gently wiping the surface with a piece of nylon or a soft cloth. The cloth can be dry or slightly dampened with water.

Cut the wicks, it's essential

I recommend that you always trim the wick before lighting your candle again. The wick only needs to be about half an inch long, keeping it this length will prevent unnecessary growth that can result in soot. This also controls the size of the flame, allowing you to get the most out of your candle.

Minimize mess when blowing out your candle

When it’s time to extinguish your candle, do so carefully. Blowing out a candle works, but it must be done carefully or you may want to invest in a proper snuffer. If you blow too hard, you can cause wax to splatter everywhere, wasting your wax and creating a mess for you to clean up. You can also extinguish the candle by dipping the wick into the melted wax. Use a special candle tool called a wick dipper to press the wick into the wax, then straighten it before it dries.

Retire your candle with wax inside

You should stop using a candle before it burns down completely. Why? If you let your candle burn all the way down, it can overheat, which can damage the container, create a mess, or both. Most candle experts recommend retiring your candle while there’s still about ½ inch of wax left in it. As for candles in containers, remember that you can always clean out the wax and reuse the container by placing your candle in the freezer. This can cause the wax to shrink, making it easier to remove.

Store candles in a cool place

Unfortunately, candles can have a limited shelf life, usually around three years. While they are unlikely to spoil, they can lose their fragrance and fade over time. Temperature fluctuations can accelerate the aging process, as can direct exposure to light. For this reason, it is recommended that candles be used within 12 to 16 months of purchase, whenever possible.

Avoid sunlight

Avoid placing your candles where they will be directly exposed to sunlight or bright indoor lighting, such as spotlights.

DO'S AND DON'TS:

Burn for about 3 to 4 hours at a time. One of the most common mistakes when lighting candles is letting them burn for too long—or not enough. Candles are designed to burn for 3 to 4 hours at a time, with some candles burning for as long as 6 hours. So you want to get as close to this burn time as possible. If you burn for too short a time, your candle may tunnel, and if you burn for too long, your candle may get too hot and the oil in your candle may become too thin. The heat can damage some of the fragrance oils in your candle, and the thin wax can cause your candle to release soot.

Place on a heat-resistant surface: This may seem obvious, but it’s worth remembering. Make sure your candle is on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface before lighting it. Otherwise, you could damage your furniture. (And of course, keep your candle away from flammable objects—and away from any children or pets who might knock it over.)

Don't leave a burning candle unattended: Never leave a burning candle unattended or burning while you are sleeping. If you are leaving the room or going to bed, be sure to extinguish all candles first.

Don't place multiple candles too close together: If you're burning multiple candles, place each candle at least 3 inches apart. This is to ensure that they don't melt each other or create their own drafts.

Do not touch or move the candle until it is completely cool.

With a little care and attention, you can extend the life of your candles and enjoy their beauty for a long time to come. Invest a little time in proper maintenance and storage, and you can enjoy safe, long-lasting candles.