Jessica Morrissette
2026-01-27T09:08:34-05:00

Learn how to burn a candle properly and make it last longer, and keep the fragrance strong with these simple, stress-free candle care tips. From wick trimming to burn time, we'll walk you through what actually matters, without the overwhelm.

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How to Care for Your Candle (Without Overthinking It)

There's something deeply satisfying about lighting a candle: the soft flicker of the flame, the way a room shifts into a different mood, the quiet ritual of it all. But once that candle leaves our studio and arrives at your door, we want to make sure you're set up to get the most out of it. Not in a stressful, rule-heavy way, but in a way that feels intuitive and manageable.

Candle care isn't about perfection. It's about paying attention, making small adjustments when needed, and understanding that every burn is a little different depending on the room temperature, how long you let it burn, and even the airflow around it. So let's walk through what actually matters, and what you can let go of.

Before You Light: The First Burn Matters

The first time you light your candle is the most important burn. This is when the wax begins to establish its "memory," and ideally, you want to let it burn long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the surface: about 3 to 4 hours for our candles.

You might notice that the wax doesn't reach a full melt pool on that very first burn, and that's completely normal. Our coconut-apricot wax blend is designed to continue melting down any residual wax along the sides as the candle burns further into the vessel. So if you see a little wax clinging to the edges early on, don't worry. It'll catch up.

While It Burns: What to Watch For

Once your candle is lit, the goal is simple: let it do its thing without too much interference. That said, there are a few things worth keeping an eye on.

Burn time: We recommend burning your candle for no longer than 4 hours at a time. This isn't about being rigid; it's just that burning a candle for too long (say, 6 or 7 hours) can cause the wax to overheat, which can lead to excessive sooting, higher flames, or even a safety issue. But here's something you might not know: when the wax gets hotter than it's designed to, more fragrance actually burns off in that single session. That means there's less scent left for future burns, and your candle won't smell as strong for as long as it should. If you're settling in for a long evening, just blow it out after a few hours, let it cool, and relight it later if you want. Your nose (and your candle) will thank you.

Wick trimming: Here's where things get a little more nuanced. You've probably heard the standard advice: trim your wick to 1/4" before every burn. And while that's a good general guideline, the truth is that it's not always necessary.

When your candle arrives, the wicks are already set to about a centimeter (just under 1/2"), which is the length we've tested and found works beautifully for that initial light. When you'll need to trim them again, depends on how the wicks behave.

So instead of trimming on autopilot, just observe. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to trim:

The flames are noticeably taller than usual

You see black soot forming on the glass

There's large mushroom-shaped carbon buildup on the tips of the wicks

If none of that is happening, you're good. Let it be.

Airflow and environment: Candles are surprisingly sensitive to their surroundings. If your candle is near a fan, an open window, or a high-traffic area where people are constantly walking by, the flames will flicker and dance more than they should. This can lead to uneven burning, soot marks on the glass, and a shorter overall burn time.

For the cleanest, most even burn, keep your candle in a calm spot: away from drafts and moving air. And always place it on a level, heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable, kids, and pets.

After You Extinguish: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Once you've blown out your candle (or used a snuffer, which is gentler and reduces smoke), give it a moment to cool. If you notice soot on the glass, don't stress. It happens, especially if the candle burned a little longer than ideal or was in a drafty spot. Just take a soft cloth or tissue and gently wipe it away. Keeping the vessel clean between burns helps it look polished and lets the glow of the flames shine through.

Also, make sure your wicks stay centered as the candle burns down. If they start to drift toward one side, you can gently nudge them back to center while the wax is still soft (but not while they're lit). And keep the wax pool free of any debris: matches, wick trimmings, dust, whatever. A clean burn is a better burn.

When to Stop: The Last 1/2 Inch

Once your candle has burned down to about 1/2 inch of wax at the bottom, it's time to say goodbye. Burning it past that point can cause the vessel to overheat, which isn't safe. But the good news? You can repurpose that beautiful glass vessel. Use it as a planter, a pen holder, or just a little catch-all on your desk.

The Bottom Line: Trust Your Instincts

Here's the thing: once a candle leaves our studio, we have no control over how it's burned. And that's okay. We've done everything we can on our end to make sure it performs beautifully, but every home is different. The temperature in your room, how long you burn it, the airflow around it: all of that plays a role.

So instead of stressing about following every rule to the letter, just pay attention. If something looks off (high flames, excessive soot, wicks that are mushrooming), make a small adjustment. Trim the wicks. Move the candle to a calmer spot away from drafts - but only when it's completely cool and extinguished, never while it's lit. Burn it for a shorter stretch next time.

Candle care isn't about perfection. It's about creating a ritual that feels good, smells incredible, and transforms your space into exactly what you need it to be in that moment. And if you end up with a little soot on the glass because you got lost in a book and let it burn too long? Just wipe it off. We've all been there.