Candle Care 101: How to Make Your Candle Last Longer

A good candle is a little luxury, so it makes sense to get every possible hour out of it. These simple habits make a big difference to how your candle burns and smells.

The first burn is the most important

Soy wax has a memory. The first time you light your candle, let it burn until the melted wax reaches the edges of the jar. This usually takes two to three hours. If you blow it out too soon, it will tunnel down the middle on every burn after that, wasting wax and scent.

Trim the wick every time

Before each burn, trim the wick to about 5mm. A long wick creates a tall, flickering flame, black soot on the glass and a faster burn. Nail clippers or scissors work fine, or treat yourself to a proper wick trimmer.

Burn for 2 to 4 hours

After the first burn, aim for sessions of two to four hours. Never burn a candle for more than four hours at a time, as the wick can become unstable and the jar can get too hot.

Keep away from draughts

Open windows, fans and air conditioning make the flame flicker, which causes uneven burning and soot. Find a calm spot.

Put it out the right way

Blowing out a candle can splash wax and creates a smoky smell. Use a snuffer, or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and straighten it again. Your room will smell of the candle, not of smoke.

Know when to stop

Stop burning when about 1cm of wax is left at the bottom. Below that, the glass can overheat.

Reuse the jar

Once your candle is finished, pop the jar in the freezer for a few hours. The leftover wax will shrink and pop out easily. Wash the jar in warm soapy water and reuse it as a plant pot, a pen pot or a home for cotton pads.

Candle safety

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep candles away from curtains, shelves, children and pets.
• Always place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Do not move a candle while it is lit or the wax is still liquid.

Find your candle

All of our candles are made with natural soy wax and essential oils, with roughly 40 to 50 hours of burn time. Try the Golden Hour Candle for cosy evenings or the Grand Lobby Luxury Candle for a touch of hotel glamour. Or explore our candles.