Candle Care 101: How to Make Your Candles Last Longer and Burn Cleaner

TL;DR

• Candle care makes candles last longer, burn cleaner, and stay safer.
• The first burn sets the tone—always let wax reach the edges.
• Trimming your wick before every use prevents soot, smoke, and tunnelling.
• Burn for 1–4 hours at a time to avoid overheating and weak scent.
• Proper storage keeps fragrance and wax in the best condition.

Why Candle Care Matters

A well-made candle is only as good as how it’s burned. You can have the cleanest wax, the most balanced fragrance, and the perfect wick – but if you don’t care for your candle properly, it won’t perform the way it should.

Candle care affects:

• How evenly your candle burns
• How long it lasts
• How much fragrance you get from it
• How safe it is to use

Most candle issues – like soot, tunnelling, weak scent, or short burn time – come down to small mistakes that are easy to avoid.

Founder’s note:
When people tell me their candle didn’t burn right, the first thing I ask is, “Did you trim the wick?” Nine times out of ten, that’s the fix.

The First Burn: Why It Sets the Tone

Your very first burn determines how your candle will behave for the rest of its life.

Rule of thumb:
Burn long enough on the first go to let the melted wax reach the edges of the jar – usually 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the candle.

If you blow it out too early, the wax will only melt in a narrow ring around the wick. This creates a “memory ring” that causes tunnelling – when wax builds up around the edges and the candle burns down the centre, wasting most of the wax.

Set aside enough time for that first burn. It’s worth it.

Wick Trimming: The Most Important Habit

Wick trimming is the easiest – and most overlooked – part of candle care. If you do nothing else, do this.

Why trim?

• Keeps the flame at a safe height
• Reduces soot and smoke
• Helps the candle burn evenly
• Improves scent throw

Trim your wick to around ½” before each burn. You can use scissors, nail clippers, or a wick trimmer.

If you notice a “mushroom” shape on top of the wick, that’s a sign it needs trimming. Always let the candle cool before trimming.

You can find our useful guide to your first burn here.

Burn Time: How Long Is Too Long?

You might be tempted to keep your candle burning all evening – but too much of a good thing can cause problems.

Best practice:

• Burn for a minimum of 1 hour
• Burn for a maximum of 3 to 4 hours at a time

Long burns lead to:

• Overheating the jar
• Enlarged flames
• Degraded scent
• Excess soot

Instead, enjoy your candle in measured sessions. Let it cool completely before relighting.

How to Avoid Tunnelling

Tunnelling is when your candle burns straight down the middle, leaving wasted wax around the sides.

To prevent it:

• Burn long enough on the first use
• Always let the melt pool reach the edges
• Trim your wick so the flame doesn’t flicker or smoke
• Keep the candle away from draughts and fans

Already have a tunnel forming? Try this:

• Use a candle topper to help retain heat
• Wrap foil around the top edge to help melt the sides
• Scoop out some excess wax around the tunnel and let it reset

Getting the Most from Your Wax Pool

The melted wax pool is where the fragrance lives. The scent isn’t thrown from the flame – it comes from the warm wax.

Tips for better scent throw:

• Let the wax fully melt edge to edge
• Keep the candle in a still, enclosed space
• Use in rooms that match the candle size (small candles = small rooms)
• Clean the jar edge after use if any soot builds up

If the scent starts to weaken over time, the wax may be overheating or burning too quickly – usually a sign the wick needs trimming.

Safe Extinguishing: The Cleanest Way to Put It Out

Blowing out your candle works – but it’s messy. A better method is to use a snuffer or dip the wick into the wax pool with a wick dipper and then straighten it.

This:

• Prevents smoke
• Keeps the wick coated and ready for next time
• Avoids splashing or wax spray

If you must blow it out, do so gently and avoid disturbing the wax pool.

Storage and Care Between Burns

Candles can degrade over time if not stored properly – especially if they’re fragranced.

Store your candle:

• In a cool, dry place
• Away from direct sunlight
• With the lid on (if it has one)
• Upright and level

Sunlight can fade fragrance and colour. Heat can soften the wax and affect the wick. Storing candles carefully helps them last longer – even if you only light them occasionally.

Founder’s note:
I always keep a candle in my wardrobe and swap it out with the seasons. Even unlit, it softly scents the space – and it’s always ready when I want to light it.

Final Thoughts

Candle care doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just about slowing down, being a little more intentional, and treating your candle like something worth savouring – because it is.

At Tenfire, I want your candles to last, to burn cleanly, and to make your space feel better every time you light them. A little care goes a long way.

— Dawn