Candles are the perfect minimal-effort decor item that can instantly make a room feel warm with a cozy ambiance. Whether you use them for relaxation, romance, or simply to add a spark of magic to your space, candles require proper care to keep them burning cleanly and last as long as possible. Here’s why it’s so important to maintain your candles, plus the candle maintenance tips that can prolong them.

How important is it to maintain your candles?

Even just the smallest bit of attention can have an impact on your candles. Beyond extending their lifespan and performance, here are other ways maintaining them can be beneficial.

1. Maximizes Burn Time

There’s nothing worse than a candle that burns down the center, leaving wasted wax around the edges. When a candle burns unevenly, it not only looks unsightly but also cuts down its burn time.

2. Enhances Safety

A long wick can lead to a larger flame, which may cause the candle to flicker wildly or even create sparks. Additionally, excessive soot from an untamed wick can be a fire hazard.

3. Preserves Fragrance

If you are a girl who enjoys scented candles, proper care helps preserve the scent’s integrity. A well-maintained candle will release its fragrance evenly, providing a consistent aroma throughout its life. On the other hand, neglecting candle maintenance can result in the scent fading prematurely.

Your Guide To Maintaining Candles

Now that you know why it’s important to maintain them, let’s get in to the how:

Tip #1: Trim the wick.

Use a wick trimmer to snip the wick to about a quarter of an inch before lighting the candle. This gives a clean, steady flame and minimizes soot. Plus, it enhances the appearance of the burning candle but also contributes to a safer and cleaner burn.

Tip #2: Keep the wax pool clean.

After burning your candle for a while, you may notice a small pool of wax forming around the wick. To maintain a clean burn, gently pour off excess wax or use a candle wick dipper to push the wick into the pool. This prevents the wick from drifting and causing an uneven burn.

Tip #3: Burn in sessions.

Avoid burning your candle for extended periods, especially during the first use. It’s best to burn candles in sessions of around four hours, allowing them to liquefy completely across the top. This helps prevent tunneling, where the candle burns down the center, leaving wax along the sides untouched.

Tip #4: Use a candle snuffer.

Blowing out a candle might seem like the easiest way to extinguish it, but it can create smoke and disturb the wax pool. Instead, use a candle snuffer to gently put out the flame. This preserves the candle’s fragrance and prevents soot from forming.

Tip #5: Store candles properly.

Did you know that candles are sensitive to temperature and light? To maintain their quality, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Proper storage can extend their shelf life and make sure they burn as intended. Exposure to heat and sunlight can also cause candles to warp, melt, or lose their shape.

Tip #6: Avoid drafts.

Drafts can cause candles to flicker unevenly and can lead to a less-than-ideal burn. Place your candles in an area away from vents, fans or open windows on a windy day to keep them burning steadily.

Tip #7: Repurpose old wax.

Don’t let leftover wax go to waste. You can repurpose it by melting it down and creating new candles or using it in wax warmers to enjoy the remaining fragrance. Recycling old candle wax helps reduce waste and allows you to continue enjoying the scents you love. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to make the most of your candles!