How to Care for Candles to Make Them Last Longer.

Candles bring warmth and comfort to our homes, but improper care can significantly reduce their lifespan. In this article, we’ll share simple tips to help your candles burn longer and keep their beauty intact.

Candles are not just a source of light but also an essential part of creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home. To enjoy their beauty and extend their lifespan, it’s important to take proper care of them. Here are some simple yet effective tips to make your candles burn longer and more evenly.

1. Trim the Wick Before Each Use

Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm). This helps prevent soot, reduces the flame’s size, and ensures an even burn. A long wick can cause uneven burning and faster wax consumption.

Tip: Use a wick trimmer or scissors for a clean cut.

2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges

When lighting a candle for the first time, allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface, reaching the edges of the container. This prevents “tunneling,” where the wax burns only in the center, leaving unused wax along the edges. Depending on the candle size, this may take 1–3 hours.

Important: Avoid extinguishing the candle too soon during the first burn to ensure an even wax pool.

3. Don’t Burn Candles for Short Periods

Each time you light a candle, let it burn for at least an hour. Short burn times can prevent the wax from melting evenly, leading to the same tunneling issue mentioned earlier.

4. Avoid Drafty Areas

Candles are sensitive to air currents. Drafts from windows, fans, or air conditioning can cause the flame to flicker, leading to uneven burning and faster wax consumption. Place your candle in a draft-free area for the best results.

5. Use Proper Tools to Extinguish the Flame

To put out a candle, use a snuffer to avoid splattering wax or creating smoke. If you don’t have a snuffer, you can carefully cover the flame with the candle’s lid or blow it out gently.

6. Store Candles Properly

Keep your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or light can cause the wax to soften or discolor. If your candle comes with a lid, use it to protect the wax from dust.

7. Clean the Candle Container

If soot builds up on the sides of a glass container, clean it with a damp cloth. This keeps the container looking neat and ensures a cleaner burn.

8. Don’t Burn the Candle Completely

Extinguish your candle when about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of wax remains at the bottom. Burning it all the way down can damage the container or the surface it’s on.

9. Limit Burn Time

Avoid burning a candle for more than 3–4 hours at a time. This prevents the container from overheating and helps maintain an even burn over the life of the candle.

Conclusion

Proper candle care not only makes them last longer but also ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the warmth, beauty, and ambiance your candles bring for even longer. Let every Lumistel candle illuminate your space with its charm and elegance!

Looking for more tips or unique candle designs? Explore our collection here.