Candles are a beautiful addition to any space, filling it with warmth and fragrance.
However, they can be expensive, and burning through them quickly can be frustrating.
Fear not, for we’ve gathered a collection of easy hacks that will extend the life of your candles and make them last way longer.
How to Burn Candles Evenly and Make Them Last Longer
let the candle burn evenly on the first burn
During the initial burn, ensure that the wax melts evenly across the entire surface.
This sets the stage for the candle to burn uniformly in the future, preventing tunneling and wasted wax.
Pick the right location to burn your candle
Place your candle away from drafts and windows.
A draft can make the flame flicker and burn unevenly.
Keep it on a flat surface to ensure an even burn.
Choose the Right-Sized Candle for Your Room
Select candles with the appropriate size and scent intensity for your room.
A large candle in a small space can be overpowering, causing you to extinguish it prematurely.
Use a candle warmer lamp
Candle warmer lamps are a game-changer when it comes to candle longevity.
They gently heat the candle from the bottom, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance without burning the wax.
Plus, they’re safe and economical.
If the candle tunnels, fix it with aluminum foil
Tunneling occurs when the candle burns down the center, leaving a thick ring of unused wax.
To fix it, wrap aluminum foil around the top edge of the candle, leaving a hole in the center.
This will encourage the wax to melt evenly.
Don’t Leave a Candle Unattended
Always keep an eye on a burning candle.
Leaving it unattended can lead to accidents and shorten its lifespan.
Keep it burning for at least 4 hours
To avoid tunneling, burn your candle for at least four hours at a time. This allows the entire top layer to melt evenly.
So limit your candle-burning sessions to four hours. Burning them for longer can overheat the wax and shorten the candle’s life.
Always trim your wick
Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch.
A longer wick can lead to uneven burning and excessive smoke.
Keeping it short ensures a cleaner, more efficient burn.
Clean After Each Use to avoid debris in your wax
Remove any wick trimmings or debris from the wax pool after each use to prevent irregular burning and maintain the quality of the candle.
Store Candles Appropriately
Store your candles away from drafts, direct sunlight, and heat.
These elements can affect the candle’s composition and burn time. Keep them on a flat surface to avoid warping.
Keep the candle cool
Store your candles in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Heat can cause candles to warp or lose their scent more quickly.
Let a candle completely cool before lighting it again
After extinguishing a candle, wait for it to cool entirely before lighting it again.
This prevents irregular burning and extends the candle’s life.
Freeze your candles before each use
Place candles in the freezer for a few hours before lighting them.
This trick helps them burn more slowly, giving you more hours of fragrance and ambiance.
Straighten out that wick, Every Time
Before lighting, ensure the wick is straight and centered.
A well-positioned wick ensures an even burn and maximizes candle life.
Water is not your friend
Keep your candles away from moisture.
Water can ruin the texture of the wax and negatively impact the burn quality.
Add Some Salt To The Wax
As your candle reaches the end of its life, mix some wax with salt to extend its burning time.
The salt slows down the rate at which the wax is consumed.
Once your candle is done, re-use the container
Don’t throw away that beautiful candle jar once it’s empty.
Clean it out, and it can serve as a stylish storage container or be used for various DIY projects.
Use boiling water to clean out jars
Have you ever reached the end of a candle, only to find yourself stuck with a jar that’s still in good shape?
To reuse the jar, pour boiling water into it.
The heat will melt the leftover wax, allowing you to easily scoop it out.
Just be sure to handle it with care, and always use oven mitts or a towel.
Incorporate these simple yet effective hacks into your candle-burning routine, and you’ll enjoy longer-lasting candles, both in terms of fragrance and style.
These tricks not only save you money but also help you make the most of your beloved candles.
So, go ahead, light them up, and bask in the cozy ambiance they create.
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