Candle Care 101: Simple Tips for Beautiful, Long-Lasting Burns
There’s something special about lighting a candle—the soft flicker, the calming scent, the cozy vibe it adds to a room. But if your candle starts to tunnel, burn unevenly, or give off smoke, the experience can feel a little less magical.
At Eugenie & Wells, we believe candles should feel luxurious from the first light to the last. The secret? A little care goes a long way. These simple candle maintenance tips will help your candles burn cleaner, last longer, and look as beautiful as the day you bought them.
1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
One of the most important candle care steps is trimming the wick before each use. Aim for about ¼ inch. A longer wick can create a large, flickering flame that gives off smoke and burns through wax too quickly. Keeping it trimmed helps your candle burn steadily and safely.
Pro tip: Use a wick trimmer or scissors, and remove any trimmings from the wax before lighting.
2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges
On your first burn, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This sets a "memory" for the candle and helps avoid tunneling, which is when wax burns straight down the middle and wastes the sides.
For most candles, this takes 2 to 4 hours. Let it burn a little longer upfront, and you’ll enjoy better performance for the life of the candle.
3. Don’t Burn Your Candle for Too Long
It’s tempting to let a candle burn all evening, but doing so can cause issues like mushrooming wicks or excess soot. We recommend burning your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time.
When you're ready to extinguish it, give the wax time to cool and reset before lighting again.
4. Keep It Clean and Covered
Your candle deserves a little protection. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and cover it when not in use. This keeps the wax clean and the fragrance fresh.
Bonus: It also prevents dust or debris from falling into the wax and interfering with the burn.
5. Center the Wick After Extinguishing
Once the flame is out and the wax is still soft, gently center the wick if it’s shifted. A centered wick helps the candle burn evenly and prevents glass from overheating on one side.
6. Use a Snuffer Instead of Blowing It Out
Blowing out your candle might seem harmless, but it can send soot into the air and cause the wick to smoke. A candle snuffer gently extinguishes the flame and helps keep the wick in top condition.
When you take care of your candles, they’ll take care of you. These quick and easy tips will help you get the most out of every Eugenie & Wells candle, whether you're winding down after a long day or setting the mood for something special.
