How to Make your Candles Last Longer

I consider myself a candle freak. They make a house so much cozier to me. Not only are they decor, they provide an aesthetic & are nostalgic. Certain scents bring up certain memories & candles totally do that for me. For example, every time I light a Coqui Coqui candle, I think of Tulum. They make me feel more relaxed & just make me happy. If you love candles as much (or even half as much) as I do, then you probably find yourself burning them rather frequently around your house. If so, then today’s post is for you because I am sharing candle burning tips so you know how to make your candles last longer. I’m also sharing my fav candles & the right tools you need for yours.

HOW TO MAKE CANDLES LAST LONGER

I am so surprised how often I hear people say they don’t know that there are real ways to take care of your candles. Charles sometimes gives me a hard time at my candle addiction. I’ve passed on the knowledge of how to care for candles to him (against his will.. or despite him not caring) so that he can help in making them last longer. I laugh & tell him that it benefits him because ultimately, if they last longer, we will save on them. Keep scrolling for all of my tips that will help you get every last minute out of your candles.

CANDLE BURNING TIPS

• Get the right tools: Nope, not kidding. There are candle tools you need. They aren’t expensive & make all the difference in candle care. I’m rounding up all the necessary tools at the bottom of this post for you to shop.
• First things first: The first time you burn your candle is the most important. You have to allow the entire top layer of the candle be liquid wax. The time will vary based on the size of the candle, but it may be two to three hours. If you blow it out when only half of it is liquid, it will set up a memory ring for the rest of the burns throughout the life of the candle. In turn, you’ll lose burn time on the life your candle. This is key!
• Keep ’em straight: you need to keep your wicks upright, if for some reason they start to bend, it will affect how the candle burns. Hold a match near it, without lighting it, & straighten it out.
• Trim the wick: Before you light your candles (after the first time) be sure to trim your wicks. Keeping your wicks at about 1/8” is best.
• Keep it clean: No wick trimmings, or anything else for that matter, should be in the candle. If the wick trimmings end up in the candle, carefully clean them out. Otherwise it will get into the wax & mess it up.
• Strike a match: Matches are the best way to light a candle. The next best way is with a candle lighter. If you have to use a regular lighter, be sure to clean around the edges of your candle after each use or it will be black & affect the way it burns.
• Leave it be: If your candle wax is hot, do not move it. If you move it it will make it get uneven & you risk the wick getting wax on it, which will ruin it. Getting hot wax on your wick & not trimming your wicks will lead to black smoke coming off of your candle when you burn it.
• Limit the time: Candles shouldn’t be burned for more than about four hours at a time, depending on the size.
• Don’t blow them out: Use a snuffer. There is a reason these exist! This won’t blow the wax around & cause it to become uneven or get on the wick. This was the number one thing I had to teach my husband about candle care & something so many people don’t know the importance of doing.
• Don’t give up: You can bring a candle back to life! Either use a hair dryer on low to even out the surface of the wax or put the candle in the oven for about five minutes at 175 degrees to melt the wad so it is smooth and even across the top again. Just be sure to scoop out any wax that flows over the wick.

FAV CANDLES

I consider myself a candle junkie. The most common house warming gift we’ve gotten, besides wine, has been candles because everyone knows how much I love them. I have some fav candles for every day use & others that I like to reserve for more special occasions like company coming over, a date night in, or just when I feel like it. I may not burn my nicer ones every day, but instead every week or every other week depending on the room they are in. I have a few favorite brands and scents, all of which I am rounding up for you all below. The cheaper ones are the more ‘everyday’ candles & the more expensive ones are the ones I especially like to apply my tips towards to get the most bang for my buck.

CLICK TO SHOP MY FAV CANDLES

THE RIGHT TOOLS

As I mentioned above, taking care of your candles is all about the right tools. I have a wick trimmer & snuffer, as well as some fun match strikes & accessories around that I am sharing with you all to shop below. These make such fun gifts for any candle lover you know, too.

CLICK TO SHOP CANDLE TOOLS

I hope this is helpful for extending the life of your candles! I’d love to know some of your favorite candles & scents. Leave a comment below, e-mail me, or DM me on Instagram & share. XO