How to Make Your Candles Last Longer: A Complete Candle Care Guide

How to Make Your Candles Last Longer: A Complete Candle Care Guide

Candles are more than a finishing touch — they set the mood, elevate your space, and create moments of calm. When crafted with care, like the soy wax candles from Lush and Lumen, they’re designed to be enjoyed slowly and intentionally.

But did you know that how you burn your candle directly affects how long it lasts?

In this guide, we’ll share expert-approved candle care tips to help you get the most out of your soy wax and wooden dough bowl candles, while maintaining a clean, even burn every time.

Why Proper Candle Care Matters

Even the highest-quality candle can burn unevenly if not cared for correctly. Poor candle habits can lead to:

  • Wax tunneling

  • Shorter burn time

  • Weak fragrance throw

  • Wasted wax around the edges

With the right techniques, your candle will:

  • Burn evenly

  • Last significantly longer

  • Smell better throughout its life

  • Look beautiful from first light to final glow

1. Always Let the First Burn Melt Completely

The first burn is the most important burn.

When lighting your candle for the first time, allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the vessel. This is especially important for wooden dough bowl candles, which have a wider surface area.

Why this matters:

  • Prevents candle tunneling

  • Sets the “memory” of the wax

  • Ensures future burns are even

⏱️ Tip: Let your candle burn for 2–4 hours on the first light, depending on size.

2. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn

One of the most overlooked candle care tips is wick trimming.

Before lighting your candle:

  • Trim the wick to ¼ inch

  • Remove any burnt debris

For wooden wick candles, gently snap or trim the charred edge before relighting.

Benefits of trimming the wick:

  • Cleaner burn with less soot

  • Steadier flame

  • Longer candle life

3. Avoid Burning Your Candle for Too Long

While it’s tempting to let a candle burn all evening, over-burning shortens its lifespan.

Best practice:

  • Burn candles for 2–4 hours at a time

  • Allow the wax to cool and reset before relighting

This helps preserve the fragrance oils and prevents the wick from overheating.

4. Place Candles Away From Drafts

Airflow affects how evenly a candle burns.

Avoid placing candles near:

  • Open windows

  • Fans or air conditioning

  • Doorways

Drafts can cause:

  • Uneven melting

  • Flickering flames

  • Excess soot

For best results, place your Lush and Lumen soy candle on a flat, stable surface in a calm area of the room.

5. Use a Candle Snuffer Instead of Blowing It Out

Blowing out candles can cause:

  • Smoke

  • Wax splatter

  • Unpleasant burnt smells

Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax and straighten it back up.

This keeps the wick primed and ready for the next burn.

6. Keep the Wax Pool Clean

Dust, wick trimmings, or matches left in the wax can affect how your candle burns.

Always:

  • Remove debris before lighting

  • Keep the wax surface clean

This ensures a pure, consistent fragrance throw throughout the candle’s life.

7. Store Candles Properly When Not in Use

Proper storage also helps candles last longer.

Store candles:

  • In a cool, dry place

  • Away from direct sunlight

  • With the lid on (if provided)

Heat and sunlight can soften soy wax and weaken fragrance oils over time.

8. Reuse Your Wooden Dough Bowl After Burning

One of the unique benefits of wooden dough bowl candles is their reusability.

Once your candle has fully burned:

  • Clean out remaining wax

  • Reuse the bowl as décor, storage, or a refill vessel

  • Style it as a centerpiece or tray

This extends the life of your candle beyond the flame, aligning with sustainable living.

Why Lush and Lumen Candles Are Made to Last

At Lush and Lumen, our candles are:

  • Hand-poured in small batches

  • Made with premium soy wax

  • Designed for slow, even burns

  • Set in durable, reusable wooden bowls

When paired with proper candle care, our candles are designed to be enjoyed for hours without waste.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to burn candles correctly isn’t just about longevity — it’s about respecting the craftsmanship behind each piece.

With these simple candle care tips, you’ll enjoy:

  • Longer burn times

  • Better scent performance

  • A more luxurious candle experience

Light intentionally, care thoughtfully, and let your space glow.

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