HOW TO… Make Your Candles Last Longer
Proper candle burning matters more than most people realize. When a candle is trimmed and burned correctly, it produces a steady, clean flame. But when the wick is too long or the candle tunnels, the flame can flicker and smoke, releasing excess soot and fine particles into the air. Those tiny particles contribute to indoor air pollution and can linger in enclosed spaces.
The good news is a few small habits can extend a candle’s life, improve its scent throw, and ensure the flame burns clean from first light to final flicker.
Trim the Wick
Before each burn, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. A longer wick produces a larger flame, which can lead to soot, smoke, and an overheated melt pool. Keeping the wick short helps the candle burn at the temperature it was designed for, preserving both the wax and the fragrance. Think of it as calibration—small adjustment, better performance.
Let It Pool
On the first burn especially, allow the wax to melt fully to the edges of the vessel. This prevents tunneling, where wax builds up along the sides and the flame sinks into a narrow well. Candles have a “memory”—if they’re extinguished too soon, they tend to repeat that pattern. Give them time to form a full melt pool, and they’ll burn evenly thereafter.
Keep It Clean
Dust, trimmed wick pieces, or stray debris in the wax can disrupt the flame and affect scent diffusion. Before lighting, take a moment to clear the surface. A clean wax pool supports a steady, centered burn.
Avoid Drafts
Airflow changes everything. Fans, open windows, and AC vents cause flames to flicker unevenly, leading to lopsided melting or excess soot. Place your candle somewhere calm and stable. Still air equals a more even burn.
Store It Thoughtfully
Candles are sensitive to heat and light. Store them in a cool, dark place when not in use to prevent fading, softening, or fragrance loss. Extreme temperatures can alter the wax structure and affect how the candle performs over time.
With just a little care, your candle will burn longer, cleaner, and more consistently—rewarding you with a steady glow that feels intentional rather than incidental.
PS: We choose coconut and beeswax because they burn cleanly and steadily, with minimal soot compared to many conventional candles. Coconut wax is slow-burning and low-smoke, while beeswax is naturally air-supportive and has a subtle, honeyed warmth. Both feel aligned with how we think about the home: simple ingredients, fewer pollutants, better air.