5 Simple Tips on How to Improve Your Candles Burn Time

Candles can add warmth and ambiance to any room, but they require proper care to make sure you get the most out of them.

Here are 5 tips on how to care for cotton wick soy candles:

First Burn

When lighting a new candle for the first time, it is critical to let it burn until the wax pool reaches the edge of the container. What’s the wax pool you might ask? It’s the circle of melted wax that has accumulated at the top of the wax around the flame. Allowing the wax pool to reach the edges of your vessel will help prevent tunneling and ensure an even burn throughout the life of the candle.

This step is probably the most important of the bunch. Failure to let the wax pool reach the edges will result in a ‘memory ring’ which means that the next time you light the candle the wax pool will not exceed the previous pool, or ring. It will get smaller and smaller resulting in tunneling.

We’d rank this being most important.

Trimming the Wick

Before each burn, it's important to trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This will prevent the flame from getting too large and causing the candle to burn too quickly. It also helps prevent soot buildup on the container. Wick trimmers are fairly inexpensive and in our opinion worth the investment.

Avoid Drafts

To ensure that your candles burn evenly and for a longer period, it is important to avoid placing them in areas where there is a draft, such as near open windows or fans. Additionally, make sure to keep your candles away from any objects that may cause a fire hazard, such as curtains or paper products.

Storage

When not in use, candles should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will prevent the wax from melting and the fragrance from fading. At Scentr Candle Co., we use amber glass as our vessel. Not only is amber glass attractive, but it offers UV protection against the sun which helps extend the potency of the fragrance oils inside. Also, it would be a shame to toss the glass when the candle is done, many of our customers repurpose their jars into some really cool things!

Extinguishing the Flame

To extinguish the candle flame, use a snuffer or gently blow it out. Avoid using the lid of the container as this can trap heat, make the lid too hot, and in some cases cause the glass to crack. (I admit to being guilty of using the lid to extinguish the flame from time to time)

By following these care tips, you can ensure to improve your candle burn rate and ensure your candle lasts as long as possible. With proper care, any 7oz. Scentr Candle can provide up to 45 hours of burn time.

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