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

There's nothing quite like the warm glow and gentle fragrance of a handmade candle. But to get the most out of your candles and ensure they burn beautifully every time, proper care is essential. Follow our complete candle care guide to extend the life of your candles and create the perfect ambiance in your home.

1. Trim Your Wick Before Every Burn

The golden rule of candle care? Always trim your wick to about 5mm before lighting. This simple step prevents smoking, reduces soot, and ensures an even burn. Use our Antique Brass Wick Snips  for keeping your wicks neatly trimmed—pair it with our Bell Candle Snuffer for the complete candle care ritual.

2. Let the Wax Pool Completely

On your candle's first burn (and every burn after), allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container. This typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the candle size. This prevents "tunneling" and ensures you get the most out of every candle.

3. Protect Your Surfaces

Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface. Our Forged Round Candle Plate not only protects your furniture but adds a rustic, elegant touch to your candle display. The handcrafted design complements the artisanal quality of our candles perfectly.

4. Never Leave a Candle Unattended

Safety first! Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep candles away from drafts, pets, and children. Place them on stable surfaces where they won't be knocked over.

5. Extinguish Properly

Rather than blowing out your candle (which can cause smoking and send wax flying), use a candle snuffer for a cleaner, safer extinguish. The Forged Candle Snuffer creates an elegant ritual while preventing hot wax splatter.

6. Store Candles Correctly

When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This preserves the fragrance and prevents discoloration.

7. Know When to Stop

Stop burning your candle when about 1cm of wax remains at the bottom. Burning beyond this point can cause the container to overheat.

Elevate Your Candle Experience

Proper candle care transforms a simple candle into a long-lasting source of warmth and ambiance. Browse our full range of Candle Accessories to create the perfect candle care toolkit for your home.