Candle Care 101: Make Your Candles Last

 We've all been out and about and found a candle that we love and cannot wait to get home and light it up! And candles are easy, right? Just keep lighting it until it's gone and then go buy another one. Not so fast! If this is you...keep reading. We want to help you maximize the life of your candle and more importantly - keep it safe!

Now, this may seem like a chore, but I promise it is worth it and you will thank me later once you see how long you can make your favorite candles last. And if you read all this and say 'nope' then check out our wax melts for all the scent and none of the maintenance! 

So let's get to it. Here is how to properly care for your candles...

The First Burn: Did you know that wax has muscle memory? You learn something new everyday! The first burn of your candle should be about 2-4 hours. You do not want to extinguish your candle until the entire top layer has completely melted. This will keep your candle burning evenly for the duration of it's life. 

 Trim Your Wick: No but seriously, do it! Your wick should be trimmed to about 1/4" each time you light it. Keeping your wick shot will reduce or eliminate soot - and yes, all candles can produce soot, even natural waxes. Keeping your wick trimmed also keeps the flame smaller, preventing fire hazards and jars that are too hot to handle. If you need a wick trimmer, we have some here, but honestly you can use anything, even your fingers. 

Keep Wax Clean: I think we all know that candles could be a fire hazard, right? You want to be sure to keep all debris out of your candle jar. Check to make sure there is nothing in your candle prior to lighting. I suggest using a lid when not in use. 

Extinguishing Your Candle: We are all guilty of this. Please don't blow your candle out (or use the lid). Blowing on a candle can create excess smoke or splatter wax and potentially create tunneling. Use a candle snuffer or you can dip the wick into the wax and when the flame goes out, straighten your wick back out. I highly suggest investing in a snuffer. They last forever. 

Keep Away From Drafts: Drafts can cause uneven burning, excess smoke and decrease the scent throw in your candle. 

Keep Away From Children: I don't think I need to go too deep into this one. Don't let your kids play with fire. This goes for pets too.

Don't Burn All The Way Down: I know, I know. You love your candle and don't want to retire it. But for safety reasons, you should stop burning your candles when there is about 2" left at the bottom. You can always buy another one! And in another post, I'll be telling you how to repurpose left-over wax. 

Storage: And lastly, when your candles are not in use they should be stored in a cool and dry area. A lid should be used if at all possible.

And that’s it! Now go enjoy those candles!!