Candles are a great way to transform any room in your home. They add warmth and fragrance to any space, whether you'd like to create a relaxing atmosphere or add some ambience for a special occasion. But like anything that adds value to your life, candles need care to ensure they last and stay beautiful for as long as possible.

In this guide, we will share tips and tricks to keep your candles in great shape. You'll feel like a candle pro after reading this post!

Understanding Candle Care Instructions

It may be surprising to learn how many candle lovers overlook the care instructions included with their candles. On the surface, candles may appear easy to care for; however, proper care essential to extend the beauty and care of any candle.

Why the Correct Candle Care Makes a Difference

Correct candle care isn't only about making candles last longer. When they're taken care of properly, candles can burn cleanly and evenly, filling your space with their amazing fragrance. A well-maintained candle also burns more efficiently, extending its life by several hours.

Proper care also reduces unnecessary risks. For instance, burning a candle with an overly long wick can cause an excessively high flame. The result is that the candle may burn too quickly or pose a fire hazard. By practising correct candle care, safety is ensured while the aesthetic beauty of the candle is preserved.

The Key to a Clean, Even Burn

One of the most important things to understand about candles is how to achieve a clean, even burn. If a candle burns with wax melting only in its centre, it can result in tunnelling. Tunnelling is a problem that causes large amounts of unburned wax to develop at the sides. This is a common issue. The problem is caused by not allowing the candle to burn long enough during the first use.

On the very first burn, allow the candle to burn until its entire surface becomes liquid wax. An initial burn can take a few hours, but it's worth the time.

How Small Changes Can Extend Your Candle’s Life

Small changes in how a candle is used and maintained can significantly affect its longevity.

Here are a few simple yet effective tips to extend your candle's life:

Limit burn time: Keeping a candle lit for more than four hours can overheat the wick and cause uneven burning. After about four hours, allow the candle to completely cool before relighting it.

🌬️ Keep candles away from drafts: Burning a candle in a draft can cause it to flicker and burn unevenly. Always place a candle in a spot that's shielded from drafts and wind.

🕯️Store candles properly: Candles should be stored properly when not in use. It's best to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This preserves the colour and keeps the fragrance fresh for much longer.

Common Candle Care Mistakes You Might Be Making

Even the most experienced candle enthusiasts sometimes make a few slip-ups.

Here are some of the most common candle care mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Are you Trimming Your Wick Correctly?

A wick that's too long may cause a candle to burn too quickly, produce soot, and create an unstable flame. It's best to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each use.

The Right (and Wrong) Way to Burn a Candle

Before burning a candle, the candle must be placed on a flat, heat-resistant surface to avoid damaging furniture. It should also be in a draft-free area to prevent uneven burning and flickering.

When a candle burns for more than four hours, the wick may become oversaturated with wax, which can cause uneven burning.

Introducing the Candle Care E-Book

If you’re new to candle care or want to learn more about it, we’ve created a helpful resource: The Ultimate Candle Care Ebook. This e-book is filled with expert tips, advice, and how-tos, making it the perfect guide for taking your candle care to the next level.

Why Has the E-Book Been Created?

Our candle care e-book was created to help you get the most out of your candles. Whether you're new to the world of candles or want to refine your candle care practices, this e-book provides all of the knowledge needed to ensure your candles burn longer, cleaner, and more effectively.

What’s Inside? A Sneak Peak of What You’ll Learn

This e-book is available as an instant download after your one-time payment.

It includes 85+ tips and tricks to:

  • Minimise candle errors
  • Eliminate common candle care mistakes
  • And other tips

Our candle care e-book is easy to read and includes pictures. The e-book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to get the most out of their candles.  

Do you Require a Candle Top Up from L’SAUVE®?

Are your candles burning low? If so, it's time for a top-up! At L'SAUVE®, we offer a wide range of luxury candles from the best manufacturers to fit your preferences.

Discover Floral Candles 🌸

Floral candles offer a light, refreshing fragrance that transforms any room into a serene, calming space:

🌹 Wax Lyrical Made in England Rose Bud Pillar Candle: enjoy the rich scent of fresh cut roses, with notes of iris and gardenia and a lovely musk finish. Its burn time is about 60 hours.

🪻Yankee Candle Midnight Jasmine Large Candle Jar: this candle features a blend of water jasmine, sweet honeysuckle, and mandarin blossom notes, with a burn time of 110-150 hours.

Common FAQs About Candle Care

How Do I Fix a Candle That’s Burning Unevenly?

Uneven burning can usually be fixed by gently melting the wax at the edges of the candle. You can do this with a hairdryer. Once the wax has softened, smooth it with a spoon or allow it to melt evenly on the next burn.

What’s the Best Way to Extinguish a Candle?

The safest and cleanest way to extinguish a candle is with a candle snuffer This keeps wax from splattering and reduces smoke. If you don't have a snuffer, dip the wick into the wax with a wick dipper. This method is a safe, efficient way to put out the flame. Consider investing in a candle care kit to get the most enjoyment out of your candles. Following the manufacturer's candle care instructions is helpful to keep your candle in top shape.