How to Make Your Luxury Candles Last Longer (A 4-Step Guide)
Share
You’ve found the perfect, handcrafted premium candle. The scent is magical, the jar is beautiful, and it's the new centerpiece of your reading nook. But a luxury candle is an experience, and you want to make that experience last as long as possible.
It's not complicated, but it is a science! Most people don't realize that how you burn your candle matters just as much as what it's made of. By following a few simple steps, you can prevent common problems (like that dreaded "tunneling") and get a clean, beautiful burn from the first light to the very last.
Here are our recommendations for protecting your investment.
1. The First Burn is the Most Important
If you only remember one tip, make it this one. The very first time you light your candle, you should let it burn for the full 4 hours.
This long first burn helps prevent "tunneling" (when the candle burns straight down the middle) and ensures you get to use all the wax you paid for.
2. Trim Your Wick Before Every Single Burn
This is the single best way to prevent ugly black soot. Before you light your candle each time, trim the tip of the wick, to about 1/4 of an inch. You can use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or even just your fingers to pinch off the charred top.
A trimmed wick creates a clean, even flame and prevents sooting. Even with the clean-burning Premier Wicks we use, this step is essential for a perfect burn.
3. Aim for a Full Melt Pool on Every Burn
This is the follow-up to Rule #1. On your second, third, and fourth burns, the wax may melt to the edge much faster. Try to let it reach that full melt pool each time before you blow it out. This keeps the wax "memory" clean and prevents tunneling from starting later in the candle's life.
4. The 4-Hour Safety Rule
This is a rule for safety and quality. As a general rule, you should not let any container candle burn for more than 4 hours at a time. This prevents the jar from overheating (which can be dangerous) and also prevents the fragrance oils from burning off too quickly.
5. Know When to Say Goodbye (The 1/2" Rule)
This is the hardest rule! For safety, you must stop burning your candle when there is about 1/2 inch of wax left at the bottom. Burning it all the way down can overheat the bottom of the jar and damage the surface it's sitting on. It's time to let it go and pick out your next magical scent.
And that's it! Four simple steps to ensure you get the absolute best, cleanest, and longest-lasting experience from your new candle. These rules apply to any high-quality candle and are the key to a perfect burn, every time.
Ready to find your next scent? Shop the full collection here.