Essential Candle Care Tips: Keep Your Candles Burning Safely & Longer

Proper candle maintenance is key to ensuring your favorite candles burn safely, efficiently, and last as long as possible. Simple habits like trimming the wick, using a snuffer, and placing candles on heat-resistant surfaces can make a big difference.

If you're new to candle care, here’s everything you need to know to keep your candles looking beautiful, smelling amazing, and burning safely.

Top Candle Care Tips

Taking care of your candles properly allows you to enjoy their fragrance and glow for longer. Follow these essential tips to maintain your candles effectively.

1. Trim the Wick Before Each Use

Keeping your candle’s wick trimmed to about ¼ inch is one of the best ways to ensure a clean and steady burn.

When a wick is too long, it can produce excessive smoke and an oversized flame, leading to uneven melting and wasted wax. A trimmed wick helps prevent tunneling, where the wax burns down the center while leaving the edges untouched. This simple step can significantly extend the lifespan of your candle.

2. Use a Candle Snuffer for a Clean Extinguish

Blowing out a candle can cause wax splatter and smoke, making a candle snuffer a safer and cleaner option.

A snuffer cuts off the oxygen supply to the flame, reducing soot and keeping the wick intact. This helps prevent fraying, ensuring a consistent burn each time you light your candle.

3. Ensure an Even Burn on First Use

The first time you light a new candle, allow the melted wax to reach the edges of the container. This process, known as a “memory burn,” sets the stage for future burns and prevents tunneling.

For larger candles, this may take a couple of hours, but it’s worth the wait to ensure an even burn throughout the candle’s life.

4. Place Candles on a Heat-Resistant Surface

Candle jars can become extremely hot, especially as the wax burns down. Placing your candle on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle plate or coaster, helps prevent damage to countertops and furniture.

Using a heat-safe base also reduces the risk of overheating, which can cause glass containers to crack or break.

5. Keep Candles Away from Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause candles to lose their shape and fragrance. UV rays may soften the wax, making the candle unstable, while also breaking down fragrance oils, diminishing the scent over time.

Store your candles in a cool, shaded area to preserve their fragrance and structural integrity.

6. Follow the Recommended Burn Time

Burning a candle for too long can cause the jar to overheat, posing a safety risk—especially if children or pets are nearby.

Additionally, an overburned wick may consume too much wax at once, leading to excessive smoke and carbon buildup. Always follow our recommended burn time, typically between 2-4 hours per session, for optimal performance and safety.

Enjoy a Long-Lasting, Clean Burn

By following these candle care tips, you can maximize the lifespan and performance of your candles while keeping your space safe and fragrant. Choosing high-quality candles made from clean-burning waxes and cotton wicks can also enhance your experience.

Explore our collection of home fragrances to find the perfect scent for your home, and enjoy hours of ambiance with proper candle care!