(and why it matters)
I find lighting a candle deeply comforting, the gentle flicker, the way the scent romantically lingers through the room, the quiet reminder that it’s time to slow down. But did you know there is such a thing as candle care?
A little candle care for your favorite cozy scent after a long day or setting the mood for a good book read can help prolong the life of your candle. Not only does taking care of your candle help it to last longer, but it also keeps your candle looking beautiful.
Here’s what you need to know about how to burn a candle the right way, and why it really matters. (for you and your candle.)
1. Let It Burn Long Enough the First Time
After you get your new candle, the excitement begins! As excitement courses through our bodies, we find ourselves lighting that candle without regard to how we should be lighting it. I know you know how to put a match to the wick to get the party started, but there is a small thing you’re probably not doing.
The first time you light your candle, be sure to allow the wax to melt all the way to the edge of the container. This can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the size of your candle.
As with a first day, the first burn sets the tone or memory for the candle. If you blow it out too early, you’ll risk what’s called “tunnelling”.
Tunnelling is when wax builds up along the sides, leaving a deep well around the wick. A nasty side effect of tunneling is that you end up wasting your candle—well, most of it—as it tends to burn unevenly afterwards.
Tunnelling fix tip: If your candle has already started to tunnel, try wrapping a piece of foil around the top of the jar, leaving an opening for the flame. Let it burn for a couple of hours, and the heat will help even out the surface. (never leave your candles unattended!)
2. Always Trim the Wick
Trimming the wick is one of the easiest and most overlooked parts of proper candle care.
Before EACH burn, trim your wick to about 5mm (¼ inch). Trimming will help control the flame’s size, prevent sooting, and help keep your candle from burning too quickly.
I suggest you use a wick trimmer or a simple pinch off the charred bit with your fingers once the wick has cooled. Trust me, this will make all the difference with your candle care.
3. Burn in 2-4 Hour Sessions
The best way to candle care is to burn it in a short, steady flame. Burning 2-4 hours at a time helps keep the wax pool even and prevents overheating the jar or the wax itself.
If you only burn a candle for 30 minutes at a time, the wax doesn’t have enough time to fully melt across the container, and you’ll likely end up with tunnelling, which we mentioned earlier.
4. Keep It Away from Drafts
It goes without saying, but wind and candles do not go well together. Draughts, open windows, fan,s or anything else that causes a breeze can cause your candle to flicker, burn unevenly or create block soon marks around the rim of the jar.
Not to mention but with a breeze, the flame could jump, so another reason why you shouldn’t have drafts around your candle.
Be sure to place your candle on a stable, heat-safe surface and away from all airflow to ensure a steady, clean burn.
5. Snuff It, Don’t Blow It
As shown in the image above, the snuffer isn’t just something you imagine people in the Victorian Era used, it’s something that we should all use.
Blowing out your candle might feel easier and natural, but it can stir up smoke and cause that burnt smell to linger.
Instead, use a candle snuffer.
This preserves the scent and helps keep the wick in tip-top shape for next time.
Why Candle Care Matters
You spend money on your candles, and luxury candles are not cheap. So, of course, you want to maximize your dollars and get the most out of your candle.
Taking care of your candles doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple habits can help to make your candles last longer, smell better, and burn cleaner. Your candle takes care of you, so you should take care of your candle.
After all, it helps remind you to take it easier, to be more intentional.
Candle care isn’t just practical, it’s part of the ritual. A Way to honour the quiet moments, treat yourself kindly, and let your favorite scents soothe your mood.
Last thoughts!
If you’re loving your candles but struggling with tunnelling or fast burns, it might not be you — it could be the candle itself. Look for high-quality candles made with natural wax, cotton wicks, and clean ingredients (like the hand-poured ones in The Rustic Candle Shop)..
Until Next time
Christina
