Candle Care Guide
Expert Tips & Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Candles
There’s something undeniably special about lighting a candle. That gentle flicker, the way the fragrance fills the air, and the cozy calm it brings, candles have a way of transforming any space. But just like anything beautiful, they need a bit of care to keep them safe and performing their best.
Whether you’re a candle connoisseur or just lighting your first wick, these simple candle care tips will help you get the most out of every burn: safely, cleanly, and beautifully.
Candle Care Tip #1
Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface
Before lighting up, always set your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface. It might seem obvious, but the surface beneath your candle makes a big difference. Avoid placing candles on wood furniture, fabric, or carpet, these materials can scorch, melt, or even ignite under high heat. A ceramic tray or coaster works perfectly to catch any stray drips and keep your candle grounded.
Candle Care Tip #2
Keep candles away from flammable materials
Candles need space to shine, literally. Keep them at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, including curtains, paper, books, or decorative greenery. It’s a small step that prevents big problems and ensures you can relax knowing your glow is safely contained.
Candle Care Tip #3
Trim the wick to ¼ inch
This is one of the most important, and most forgotten, candle care rituals. Before every burn, trim your wick to about ¼ inch. A shorter wick means a steadier flame, less smoke, and a cleaner, more even burn. Long wicks tend to “mushroom” and create soot, which can cloud your jar and shorten your candle’s life.
Pro tip: keep a pair of wick trimmers nearby so it’s easy to make this part of your lighting routine.
Candle Care Tip #4
Never leave a candle burning unattended
We’ve all done it, lit a candle and walked away for “just a minute.” But unattended candles are one of the leading causes of household fires. Always extinguish your candle before leaving the room, and keep it out of reach of curious pets or tiny hands. It’s a small act of mindfulness that keeps your home (and peace of mind) intact.
Candle Care Tip #5
Extinguish the candle when it burns down to within 1 inch of the holder or candle surface
As tempting as it is to burn your favorite scent to the very end, it’s best to stop when there’s about 1 inch of wax left. Burning beyond that point can cause the container to overheat or even crack. When it’s time to retire your candle, repurpose the jar! They make great holders for matches, cotton rounds, or small plants.
Candle Care Tip #6
Don't move a lit candle
Once a candle is lit, the wax becomes hot and liquid. Moving it can lead to spills or burns, so always wait until the wax has cooled and solidified before picking it up. It’s safer, and it helps your candle last longer without uneven melting.
Candle Care Tip #7
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame
When it’s time to put out the flame, skip the dramatic blow-out. Instead, use a candle snuffer or dip the wick gently into the melted wax using a wick dipper or metal spoon. This prevents splattering and smoke, and it keeps your candle looking neat for its next burn.
Candle Care Tips for Get the Most Out of Your Candles
A little care goes a long way when it comes to candles. With proper burning habits, your candles will not only last longer but also fill your home with cleaner fragrance and a more consistent glow.
So the next time you light your favorite scent, take a moment to enjoy the ritual: the calm, the warmth, the light. Because when you treat your candles right, they return the favor in every flicker.