How to Care for Your Candles

Trimming your candle wick is the most crucial step in ensuring a long-lasting, clean burn. Before each lighting, or if you notice your flame getting too large or sooty, ensure your candle has completely cooled and then trim the wick to about 1/4–1/2 inch in length. This simple act prevents "mushrooming" – that unsightly carbon buildup that can cause excessive smoke and an uneven burn, ultimately extending the life of your candle and keeping your home smelling fresh. While dedicated wick trimmers are ideal for their precise cut and ability to catch debris, a sharp pair of scissors or even nail clippers can work in a pinch.

The secret to preventing "tunneling" – where only the center of your candle burns down, leaving a ring of unused wax around the edges – lies in establishing a proper "melt pool." This means allowing the entire top surface of the wax to liquify and reach the edges of the container during each burn. This is especially critical for the first burn and may take several hours, depending on the candle's diameter. As a general rule, aim for one hour of burn time per inch of candle diameter. Consistently allowing a full melt pool ensures that the candle's "memory" is set for an even burn, maximizing its fragrance throw and extending its overall lifespan. Pro tip: We prefer lighting candles with a rechargeable USB lighter, which eliminates the need for matches, lighter refills, butane, or disposable plastic – plus, there's no open flame involved with this eco-friendly (and, frankly, genius) alternative.

Once your candle has established its initial full melt pool, it's all about maintenance. For subsequent burns, aim for sessions lasting no more than 3 to 4 hours. This sweet spot ensures the wax melts evenly across the surface without the flame getting too large or aggressive. Going beyond this can cause the wick to burn too hot, leading to excessive carbon buildup and a quicker demise for your beloved candle. Allowing it to cool and solidify between burns – ideally for a couple of hours – is key to maximizing its fragrant life.

While it might seem simplest to just blow out your candle, a dedicated candle snuffer is a small tool that elevates your candle care routine. Blowing out a flame can cause hot wax to splatter, spread soot, and leave a lingering smoke odor that can interfere with your candle's fragrance. A snuffer works by gently depriving the flame of oxygen, extinguishing it cleanly and safely. Simply place the bell or cone of the snuffer directly over the flame, hold it for a few seconds until the flame disappears, and then lift it straight up. This prevents mess, minimizes smoke, and protects the integrity of your wick for future enjoyment.

Don't toss that beautiful candle jar (Capri Blue, anyone?) once the flame flickers out! The easiest way is often the "freezer method": place the jar in your freezer for a few hours or overnight. As the wax chills, it contracts and shrinks, making it easy to pop out with a butter knife or even just by flipping the jar upside down. For stubborn remnants or thin layers, you can also try pouring hot (not boiling, to avoid cracking the glass) water into the jar, letting the wax melt and float to the surface as it cools. Once the wax is removed, a quick wash with warm, soapy water will have your jar sparkling clean and ready for its next purpose, whether it's holding cotton swabs, stationery, or a small plant.

As with anything related to fire, there are a few wax melt safety tips to keep in mind when setting the mood (lighting). For starters, place your candle on a stable, uncluttered, heat-resistant surface that's out of reach from children or pets and at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn quickly or easily – such as curtains, clothing, carpets, etc. When you go to light the wick, be careful of any loose hair or sleeves that might get in the way of the flame. Once your candle is lit, you shouldn't leave it unattended or in a place where you might fall asleep, as longer burn times and unmonitored open flames can lead to an increased risk of fire incidents. If you're lighting more than one candle, keep each vessel at least three inches apart. To ensure further safety and longevity, be sure to check the bottom of your candle for additional instructions, including details on when to discontinue use.