How to Make Your Candle Last

So, you’ve treated yourself to one of our beautiful candle, maybe it’s crackling like a tiny fireplace, filling your space with cozy vibes. But have you ever noticed that sometimes, your candle burns unevenly, the wick drowns, or the scent fades too soon? Ugh, the worst.

Don’t worry! With a few simple tricks, you can make your candle last longer, burn better, and keep that dreamy aroma lingering for as long as possible. Let’s dive in!

1. Trim That Wick! Seriously, Do It

Wooden wicks are not like your average cotton wicks. They need to be trimmed short, about 1/8 inch (3mm) before each burn. If the wick is too long, it won’t pull up the wax properly and could even burn out before it gets going. You can use wick trimmers, nail clippers, or even pinch off the charred wood with your fingers (just do it when the candle is cold).

2. The First Burn Is Everything

The first time you light your candle, let it burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges, this prevents tunnelling (aka that annoying hole in the middle of the candle where the wax won’t melt evenly). Aim for a good 3-4 hours.

3. Keep It Away From Drafts

A flickering flame might look pretty, but if your candle is near a fan, open window, or air vent, it’s burning faster than it should. The flame dances too much, making it burn unevenly and causing wasted wax. Try to keep your candle in a stable, draft-free spot.

4. Burn in 3-4 Hour Sessions

Longer burns allow the wax to melt evenly, but don’t go overboard! Burning a candle for more than 4 hours at a time can make the wick too hot, causing the wax to evaporate faster and reducing your candle’s lifespan.

5. Give It a Wax Hug (Yes, Really!)

If you notice the wax isn’t melting evenly and some is sticking to the sides of the jar, use a spoon or a butter knife to gently push the soft wax toward the wick while it’s still warm. This helps the candle burn more evenly next time.

6. Use a Snuffer, Not Your Breath

Blowing out a wooden wick candle can cause wax splatter and excess smoke. Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax with a wick dipper (or even a toothpick), then straighten it back up. This helps prevent soot and keeps the wick in good shape for the next burn.

7. Store It Like a Pro

Keep your candle away from direct sunlight, heat, or humidity. Extreme temperatures can cause sweating, discolouration, or even cracking. A cool, dark place is best, think of it like wine storage but for candles.

8. Repurpose the Jar When You’re Done

Once your candle is finished (aka when about a ½ inch of wax remains at the bottom), don’t let that beautiful jar go to waste! Scoop out the leftover wax, clean the jar with warm soapy water, and use it as a planter, pen holder, or cute storage container.

Final Thoughts

With these simple tips, your wooden wick soy wax candle will burn longer, cleaner, and more evenly; meaning more cozy nights, dreamy scents, and crackling ambiance. So go ahead, light that candle, and enjoy every last bit of it!

Do you have any favorite candle hacks? Share them in the comments!