Candle Care 101: How to Make Your Candles Last Longer & Burn Beautifully
Candles are more than just home décor—they’re an experience. Whether you're setting the mood for relaxation, filling your space with your favorite scents, or adding a cozy touch to your home, proper candle care is essential. A well-maintained candle burns longer, smells stronger, and is safer to use.
At Nimbus & Wick Candle Co., we craft high-quality candles with premium fragrance blends, and we want you to get the most out of every single one. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about proper candle care, from the first burn to the last flicker.
Why Candle Care Matters
You might be wondering, "Do I really need to take care of a candle?" The answer is yes! Proper candle maintenance ensures:
✅ A longer-lasting candle (get the most out of your money!)
✅ An even, clean burn without tunneling
✅ A strong, consistent fragrance throw
✅ Safer burning with minimal soot and smoke
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Nimbus & Wick candles to their fullest potential.
The First Burn: Setting Your Candle Up for Success
The first time you light your candle is the most important. The way it burns initially will determine how it performs for the rest of its life.
1. Let It Burn to the Edges
For the first burn, allow the candle to stay lit until the wax melts to the edges of the container. This prevents tunneling, which occurs when wax burns unevenly, leaving unused wax around the sides.
⏳ How long should the first burn be?
Small candles: At least 1-2 hours
Medium candles: 2-3 hours
Large candles: 3-4 hours
2. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
Before lighting your candle each time, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps:
Prevent soot and excessive smoke
Promote a cleaner burn
Avoid mushrooming, where the wick curls and creates a large, sooty flame
🛠 Pro Tip: Use a wick trimmer for precision, or nail clippers in a pinch!
Burning Your Candle the Right Way
3. Burn in 3-4 Hour Increments
Never burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Overburning can cause:
The wick to mushroom, leading to excess soot
The wax to overheat, reducing fragrance throw
A dangerous flame size, increasing fire hazards
Let your candle cool for at least 2 hours before relighting.
4. Keep It Away from Drafts
Burning a candle near fans, air vents, or open windows can cause:
Uneven melting
Flickering flames (which increase soot)
A weakened fragrance throw
🔥 Ideal Candle Placement:
On a heat-resistant surface
Away from curtains, fabrics, and clutter
Out of reach of pets and children
Maximizing Scent Throw: How to Get the Best Fragrance
5. Choose the Right Room Size
Larger rooms require stronger fragrances. If you’re burning a single candle in an open-concept space, consider:
Stronger scents like citrus, spice, or woody fragrances
Using multiple candles of the same scent to amplify the throw
Multi-wick candles also give off a stronger scent
6. Cover Your Candle When Not in Use
When a candle is left uncovered, it collects dust and debris, dulling the scent. Store your candles with their lids on or in a cool, dry place.
Fixing Common Candle Issues
7. How to Fix Tunneling
If your candle has already tunneled, don’t worry! Try the foil method:
Wrap aluminum foil around the top of the candle, leaving an opening in the center.
Light the candle and let it burn for 1-2 hours.
The heat trapped by the foil will help melt the uneven wax.
8. How to Fix a Candle That Won’t Stay Lit
If your candle keeps going out, the wick might be too short or buried in wax.
✅ Solution: Extinguish the candle and use a paper towel to soak up excess melted wax around the wick.
9. How to Reduce Soot & Smoke
Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch.
Burn in a draft-free area.
When to Stop Burning Your Candle
10. Leave 1/2 Inch of Wax at the Bottom
Once your candle reaches 1/2 inch of wax, it's time to say goodbye. Burning too low can cause the container to overheat, which is a fire hazard.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Tip: Instead of tossing out the jar, clean it out and reuse it! Nimbus & Wick jars make great planters, pen holders, or storage containers.
Final Thoughts: The Secret to Long-Lasting Candles
Taking care of your candles doesn’t require much effort, but it makes all the difference! By trimming your wicks, burning your candle properly, and storing it correctly, you can enjoy a longer-lasting, cleaner burn with the best fragrance throw.
✨ Ready to elevate your candle game? Explore Nimbus & Wick Candle Co. for high-quality, beautifully scented candles designed for luxurious, long-lasting experiences. ✨
