10 Essential Tips to Make Your Candles Last Longer

Candles add warmth, ambiance, and a touch of coziness to any space. But there's nothing more disappointing than watching your favorite candle burn out too quickly. Fortunately, with a few simple tips, you can significantly extend the life of your candles, ensuring you get the most out of every beautiful flame.

Here’s how:

1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn

One of the easiest ways to make your candles last longer is by trimming the wick to about ¼ inch before each use. You can easily do that by using a trim week A long wick can cause the candle to burn too quickly, leading to uneven melting and wasted wax. Use a wick trimmer or scissors, and always ensure the wick is upright and centered.

2. Let the Candle Pool on the First Burn

The first time you light a new candle, allow it to burn until the entire surface of the wax is melted from edge to edge. This process, known as creating a "memory burn," prevents tunneling (when the candle burns down the middle, leaving wax around the edges) and ensures a more even burn in future uses.

3. Burn for the Right Amount of Time

To avoid wasting wax and ensure an even burn, allow your candle to burn for at least one hour per inch of the candle’s diameter. For example, a 3-inch-wide candle should burn for about three hours. However, avoid burning candles for more than four hours at a time, as this can cause the wick to "mushroom," leading to soot and smoke.

4. Keep Your Candles Away from Drafts

Drafts from open windows, fans, or air vents can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, which in turn can lead to tunneling or uneven melting. To avoid this, place your candle in a spot where it’s shielded from any air currents.

5. Store Your Candles Properly

When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Excessive heat can cause the wax to soften, which can affect the candle's performance and longevity. If you live in a particularly warm climate, consider storing your candles in the refrigerator to keep them firm.

6. Use a Candle Snuffer

Instead of blowing out your candles, which can cause the wick to smolder and produce smoke, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. This prevents the wick from becoming damaged and helps maintain the integrity of the wax pool.

7. Avoid Burning Candles in Glass Containers to the Bottom

For candles in glass jars or containers, avoid burning them all the way to the bottom. Leaving about ½ inch of wax at the bottom prevents the glass from overheating and potentially cracking.

8. Opt for Multi-Wick Candles for Larger Rooms

If you’re trying to scent a larger space, opt for a multi-wick candle instead of a single-wick one. Multi-wick candles provide a more even burn and distribute fragrance more effectively, allowing you to enjoy the scent without over-burning your candle.

9. Use a Candle Warmer for a Low-Flame Option

Candle warmers are a great alternative if you want to enjoy the scent of your candle without lighting it. These devices gently warm the wax, releasing the fragrance without burning through the wick or wax, effectively prolonging the life of your candle.

10. Choose Wickless Candles for Extended Enjoyment

Wickless candles are an innovative way to enjoy your favorite scents without ever worrying about a wick-burning down. These candles are heated from the bottom, releasing fragrance through the wax without an open flame, which means you can enjoy them for a much longer period.

Check out our Wickless Candles for a long-lasting, flame-free fragrance experience.

Final Thoughts