How to Make Your Candle Last Longer (and Burn Better)
Get the Most Out of Every Burn
At Wicks & Things, we craft our candles to fill your space with warmth and fragrance — and with a little care, you can make every candle last longer and burn more beautifully.
1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about ¼ inch (6mm). A trimmed wick prevents mushrooming, reduces soot, and gives you a cleaner, more even flame. You can use a wick trimmer or small scissors.
2. Allow a Full Melt Pool on the First Burn
The first burn is the most important. Let your candle burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container — this usually takes 2–4 hours depending on the size. Skipping this step can cause tunneling, where the wick burns down the centre and wastes wax on the sides.
3. Keep Burns Between 2–4 Hours
For best results, burn your candle for no longer than 4 hours at a time. Extended burns can cause the wick to move or the jar to overheat. After extinguishing, let the wax fully solidify before relighting.
4. Keep It Away From Drafts
Candles burn most evenly in a still environment. Drafts from open windows, fans, or air vents can cause uneven burning, flickering, and excess soot. Find a cosy, sheltered spot for your candle.
5. Store Your Candle Properly
When not in use, keep the lid on to protect the wax and preserve the fragrance. Store candles away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent discolouration or melting.
6. Know When to Stop
Stop burning your candle when ½ inch (1.5cm) of wax remains at the bottom. Burning below this level can cause the jar to overheat and crack. You can repurpose the jar once it's done — clean it out and use it as a small planter, storage pot, or décor piece.
A Note on Safety
Always burn candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials. Never leave a burning candle unattended or within reach of children and pets. Extinguish completely before leaving the room.
Have questions about your Wicks & Things candle? Get in touch — we're always happy to help.
