Candle care guide | Make your candles last longer

Taking care of your candle helps it burn cleanly, last longer, and stay safe every time you light it. This candle care guide covers the essentials, from preventing tunnelling to supporting clean candle burning in your daily rituals.
A hand lighting a 'Clarity' aromatherapy candle with a match. This white candle, made from a coconut and rapeseed wax base and infused with lemon, cypress, and cedarwood essential oils, is positioned near a vibrant yellow knitted throw and greenery, promoting a clear and refreshed ambiance.

The first burn sets the tone

The first time you light your candle, let it burn long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges. This usually takes two to three hours, depending on the size.

That full melt helps your candle burn evenly going forward. It also prevents candle tunnelling, which can waste a lot of wax and make the candle harder to relight later.

Trim your wick before every burn

Wick trimming is one of the easiest ways to take care of your candle — and one of the most important. Before each burn, trim the candle wick to about 5 to 6 millimetres.

A short wick gives you a steady flame, reduces smoke, and helps the wax burn at the right pace. You can use a wick trimmer or your fingers once the wax has cooled and hardened.

Stick to the right burn time

To keep your candle in good shape, let it burn for at least two hours, but not more than four.

Short burns can cause tunnelling, while very long burns can make the jar overheat. Keeping your burn time balanced means a longer-lasting candle and a stronger scent throughout.

Avoid drafts and moving air

Place your candle somewhere still — away from open windows, fans, or anything that might cause the flame to flicker. Drafts can lead to uneven burning and shorten your candle’s lifespan.

Let it cool before lightning again

Always allow the wax to cool and harden fully before you relight the candle. Lighting it while it’s still soft can affect the flame’s stability and lead to uneven melting.

Store it well

Keep your candle in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. Sunlight and heat can affect the essential oil blend and the structure of the wax over time. Storing it properly helps preserve the scent and the look of the candle.

Cover it when not in use

Using the lid helps protect your candle from dust and exposure to air. This keeps the scent stronger for longer and protects the wax surface between uses.

Burn safely

Set your candle on a stable, heat-safe surface. Keep it away from anything flammable, and never leave it burning unattended. Be especially mindful if there are kids or pets around.

Reuse or refill

Once your candle is finished, you can clean the jar with warm water and reuse it. Our eco-friendly candle refills are made to drop straight into your existing jar without extra waste or packaging.

You can also repurpose the jar for storage or decoration, depending on what fits your space.

Taking care of your candle is what keeps it burning clean, evenly, and safely. These steps help prevent tunnelling, extend burn time, and protect the scent. Whether you’re using essential oil candles for ritual or everyday use, this is how to make candles last longer, with less waste and better performance.