There's nothing quite like the warm, inviting glow of a candle to set the mood for a cozy night in. But if you're finding yourself constantly replacing your candles, you may be wondering how you can make them last longer. The good news is, there are plenty of tips and tricks for increasing the burn time of your candles. Here are 9 ways to make your candles last longer and get the most out of your investment.
1. Trim the wick
Trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting it. This will help prevent smoking and soot buildup, which can reduce the life span of your candle.
2. Burn for longer periods
Burning your candles for longer intervals will melt more wax, slowing down the tunneling effect (where wax builds up at the sides, leaving the middle untouched) and making them last longer.
3. Avoid drafts
Avoid placing candles in drafty areas like near fans, vents or open windows as it can extinguish the flame and prevent the wax from burning evenly.
4. Use a candle snuffer
Avoid blowing out the candle as this causes wax spillage and can cause the wick to become malformed. Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.
5. Store candles properly
Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes to prevent melting.
6. Burn candles for a shorter time on the first use
Burning a candle for 3-4 hours during the first light results in the entire candle melting equally and avoiding any wasted wax at the core.
7. Center the wick
Always center the wick before and during every use. If the wick isn’t centered, the flame may not burn the entire surface equally or can lead to tunneling.
8. Keep the wax pool clean
While still melted, be sure to use a toothpick or wick dipper to remove any debris or used up pieces of wick from the wax pool after extinguishing the candle.
9. Alternate use of multiple candles
If you have multiple candles going in the same vicinity, alternate their usage to avoid all of the candles tunneling or one comprising the others.
By following these simple tips, you can make your candles last longer and extend their overall lifespan. You will get better value from your investment while enjoying the inviting and relaxing ambiance that comes from properly lit scented candles.
For additional information, please check out our Candle Care page.