How to make your favourite candle last longer

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Besides being one of the most universally warm-hearted gifts, your candle can transform the mood of your home. A luxury candle instantly creates a soothing and welcoming environment.

If you have been gifted or invested in a luxury candle like the Diptyque Baies scented candle follow the tips below to enjoy it time and time again.

Trim the wick

Between each burn trim the wick. Don’t allow the wick to be any longer than 1/4 in (6mm). The less wick there is to burn through, your candle can focus on using that heat as energy to pool the wax and release your fragrance.

If you keep the wick trimmed it will help to avoid:

the flame not burning straight,
constant black smoke when it burns or sooting,
soot build up, and
the wax turning yellow over time.

The easiest way to trim the wick is with a wick trimmer. These are specially angeled scissors to help you reach the wick without having to tilt the candle and they collect the wick debris. If you don’t have a wick-trimmer hold a small bit of tissue paper between your thumb and index finger and remove the burnt ball of the wick (also known as the mushroom), then discard it.

Also, if you need to tilt the candle to light it, invest in some long matchsticks or a long lighter. Tilting and lighting the candle causes the sides of the candle to blacken.

First Burn

The first time you burn your candle will impact the longevity of your candle. Ideally, you want the wax to melt to the edge of your jar or to the mark line on your pillar candle so you get the most out of the life of your candle. This is known as candle memory.

If you don’t allow this to happen the wax will pool around the wick and over time the sides will become higher than the wick – the wick gets waxy and harder to light. This is called tunnelling.

Put your candle in an open area

Place a burning candle as close to the centre of a room as possible, like on a coffee table or other centrepiece. Keeping the flame away from fans, windows, or heavily trafficked areas, as the moving air can cause the flame to dance and hit the sides of the container, causing black soot marks.

Smother your candles rather than blow them out

If you have been burning your candle for a few hours and that top layer of liquified wax is hot! When you blow out the candle you release a smokey smell, which defeats the purpose of burning a fragrance candle in the first place. Potentially you could blow hot wax over your surfaces or worse – your face.

A better way is to deprive the candle of oxygen. Either use a flat non-flammable surface like a saucer or a candle snuffer.

Candle Safety

WARNING!

Burn within sight.
Keep away from things that catch fire.
Keep away from children.

Candle Safety Instructions

Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Never use water to extinguish a candle.
Ensure wicks are upright and trimmed to 1/4 inch (6mm) during use and each time candle is relit.
Do not burn longer than recommended for your specific candle.
Stop burning when 10mm (1/2 inch) of un-melted wax remains in the bottom of the glass.
Never move a burning candle. Ensure the candle is extinguished, the wax is solid and the jar is cold before handling.
Glass may become hot. Burn the candle on an appropriate flat heat-resistant surface.
Avoid using in drafty areas, near an open window, air duct or fan.
Keep away from children, pets and flammable materials.
Do not use the lid to extinguish the candle.

Candle Care Guide

Never allow the candle flame to come in contact with the side of the glass.
Do not use if the glass is cracked, chipped or broken.
If the candle has multiple wicks, they must all be lit every time the candle is used.
Never introduce liquids or foreign objects into the candle and keep it free of wick trimmings, matches and any flammable materials.
If the glass becomes blackened while burning, extinguish the candle, allow it to cool and clean with a dry paper towel.
When not in use, keep the candle covered to avoid dust build-up.

Conclusion

Trim the wick for the best results
Set your ‘candle memory’ for longer life
Position your candle in the centre of your room
Deprive the candle of oxygen rather than blow it out, and
Always follow safety precautions when burning candles.

Our favourites include:

Diptyque Baies scented candle

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey

Glass House Fragrances

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