There’s nothing quite like the warm glow and inviting aroma of a beautifully scented candle. But did you know that how you care for your candles can significantly impact their burn time and fragrance throw? With the right techniques, you can extend the life of your candles, ensure a clean burn, and get the most out of every luxurious scent.
At Au-Dela De Belle, we handcraft our candles with high quality, natural ingredients to give you the best experience. Follow these simple candle care tips to enjoy your candles to the fullest.
1. The First Burn is the Most Important
The first time you light your candle, allow it to burn until the wax melts evenly across the entire surface (this can take 1-3 hours, depending on the size).
Why?
Wax has a “memory,” meaning if you extinguish your candle too soon, it will tunnel burning only in the center and wasting wax around the edges.
~Tip: Always allow the wax to reach the edges of the container before putting it out to create an even melt pool.
2. Trim Your Wick Before Every Use
Before relighting your candle, trim the wick to ¼ inch (6mm) using wick trimmers, scissors, or even nail clippers.
Why?
• Prevents soot and smoke buildup.
• Helps your candle burn evenly and last longer.
• Reduces mushrooming (when the wick forms a ball of carbon at the tip).
~Tip: If you notice black soot or an oversized flame, trim your wick immediately!
3. Keep Your Candle Away from Drafts
Burn your candle in a stable, draft-free environment. Avoid placing it near:
Open windows
Fans or air vents
High-traffic areas where it might be knocked over
Why?
Drafts cause the flame to flicker unevenly, leading to an unstable burn and excess smoke.
~Tip: If your candle is flickering too much, move it to a more stable spot.
4. Don’t Burn for Too Long
For best results, burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time.
Why?
• Burning too long can cause the wick to mushroom and release more soot.
• It prevents the container from overheating and cracking.
• Helps maintain the integrity of the fragrance.
~Tip: If you’re burning your candle for an extended time, let it cool for at least 2 hours before relighting.
5. Store Candles Properly
When not in use, store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and dust.Why?
• Heat and sunlight can cause the wax and fragrance to degrade over time.
• Dust and debris can settle on the wax, making for a messy burn.
~ Tip: Use candle lids or covers to protect your candles when not in use.
6. Use a Snuffer to Extinguish the Flame
Instead of blowing out your candle, use a candle snuffer to put out the flame.
Why?
• Reduces smoke and soot.
• Prevents hot wax from splattering.
• Helps maintain the wick’s shape for a cleaner burn.
~Tip: If you don’t have a snuffer, you can also dip the wick into the wax with a wick dipper and then straighten it.
7. Repurpose Your Candle Jars
Once your candle is finished, don’t throw the jar away reuse it!
Ideas for Repurposing:
• Storage for cotton balls, jewelry, or office supplies
• Planters for small succulents or herbs
• DIY candle refill with wax leftovers
~Tip: To clean out leftover wax, place the jar in the freezer for a few hours, then pop out the hardened wax with a spoon.
Enjoy a Longer-Lasting, Cleaner Burn
By following these simple candle care tips, you can maximize your candle’s burn time, prevent tunneling, and enjoy a cleaner, more even burn. At Au-Dela De Belle, our hand poured candles are crafted with high quality ingredients to bring warmth and tranquility to your space.
Ready to experience long-lasting luxury? Explore our collection of handcrafted, organic candles and find your perfect scent today!
Proper candle care ensures a longer, cleaner burn, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite scents. From trimming the wick to preventing tunneling, these simple tips will help you get the most out of every candle.
