Burn Baby, Burn: How to Prolong the Longevity of Your Candle Wax

Does it seem like your candles burn faster than they should? It could be due to common mistakes you're making. Believe it or not, there is a proper way to burn a wax candle, so here are some hot tips on how to extend its longevity. 

The first burn is the most crucial

The first time you burn your candle, allow the wax to melt all the way to the container's edge and down a centimetre or two. It's ok if you don't trim the wick the first time as this is best time to have a large flame while it is at its highest wax level to speed up the initial burn. This tip is the key to retaining an even burn for the rest of your candle's life. Candle wax has a 'memory' of its last burn and will repeat hindering developments in wax formation. Lighting and extinguishing the flame too often in the beginning will cause funnelling which will reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of your candle.

Short wick = long burn

After the initial burn, it's best to trim the wick before each use for the rest of the candle's life. Less intense fire, thus a slow burn, reduces the risk of charring the container or drowning the top of the wick. Before you spark it up, gently twist and pull off the top crispy part of the wick, leaving enough for you to safely light it.

Stop flickering flames

If the flame flickers and produce crackling sounds, moving air or draft could be the cause. Burn the candle on a stable surface located in a less high traffic area. Avoid putting candles in nooks. Allow heat and smoke to properly ventilate. It goes without saying – keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets!

Freezer time

If you store your candle in the freezer prior to lighting, the wax will take almost double the time to melt. Just be sure that the candle's container is resistant to freezing temperatures.

Salt the wax

After you extinguish your candle, add a teaspoon of gritty table salt to the pool of melted wax. This will thin out the wax composition and slow the melting process. This technique may not work on every type of candle (coconut wax), but it won't affect its performance to try.

Keep it clean

Clear debris, dust or charred wick that fall into the wax. Not only does it ruin the overall aesthetic of the candle, but it also compromises the scent and evenness of the burn.

If you have any other hot tips that we might have missed be sure to comment below. You can shop our own limited batch of candles by clicking here.