Candle Care 101: How to Make Your Candles Last Longer
There’s nothing quite like lighting your favourite scented candle at the end of a long day — the soft glow, the calming scent, the sense of home. But did you know that with just a few simple care tips, you can make your candles burn cleaner, last longer, and smell better?
At Esmeralda Candle Co, we hand-pour our soy wax candles with care — and we want you to enjoy every last drop of them. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Trim the Wick Before Every Burn
Why it matters: A long or crooked wick can cause:
Excessive flickering
Soot build-up on the jar
Uneven burning
How to do it: Use a wick trimmer or scissors to keep the wick around 5mm before each burn. This ensures a clean, controlled flame.
2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges
Why it matters: Blowing your candle out too early creates a tunnel — wasted wax and a candle that won’t relight properly.
How to do it: On the first burn, let your candle melt across the entire surface (usually 2–4 hours, depending on size). This sets the “memory” and prevents tunnelling.
3. Burn in 2–4 Hour Intervals
Why it matters: Burning for too long can cause the wick to mushroom or the container to overheat — shortening your candle’s life.
How to do it: Aim to burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. Always allow it to fully cool before relighting.
4. Keep Your Candle Away from Drafts
Why it matters: Drafts or fans make the flame dance, causing uneven burning and black marks on the glass.
How to do it: Place your candle on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from windows, radiators, or vents.
5. Store Candles Properly Between Uses
Why it matters: Sunlight, dust, and humidity can affect the wax, scent, and performance.
How to do it: Keep your candles in a cool, dry place with the lid on (if they have one). This protects the fragrance oils and wax integrity.
6. Know When to Stop
Why it matters: Burning a candle all the way down can crack the glass and is a fire hazard.
How to do it: Stop burning your candle when there’s 10mm of wax left at the bottom.
Why Candle Care Matters
Taking care of your candles isn’t just about getting more hours out of them — it’s about safety, sustainability, and luxury. At Esmeralda Candle Co, our soy wax candles offer up to 45 hours of burn time — and with the right care, every hour will feel like a ritual.
🛒 Shop Our Long-Lasting Soy Candles
Ready to treat yourself to clean-burning luxury? Explore our handcrafted soy candles like:
Peony Blush Suede – perfect for bedrooms
Lime Basil & Mandarin – fresh for kitchens and bathrooms
Pain au Chocolat – cosy for living spaces
📌 Final Tips (Quick Recap)
✅ Trim wick to 5mm before lighting
✅ Burn until the wax pool reaches the edges
✅ Limit burn time to 2–4 hours
✅ Keep away from drafts
✅ Store with care
✅ Stop at 10mm remaining
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I burn a candle the first time?
A: For best results, let the wax melt all the way to the edges (about 2–3 hours). This prevents tunneling and helps your candle last longer.
Q: Why should I trim the wick?
A: Trimming to 5mm before each burn reduces soot, ensures a clean flame, and extends the candle’s burn time.
Q: Does freezing candles make them last longer?
A: No — freezing can actually crack the wax. Storing them at room temperature is best.