🕯️Candle Care 101 – How to Make Your Candles Last Longer
Laura BakerShare
As someone who burns candles almost every evening — it's my favourite way to signal to myself that the day is done — I've learned a few things about making them last. A little care goes a long way, and these simple habits will help you get the most from every Lowri By Nature candle.
1. Trim Your Wick Before Every Burn
Before you light your candle, trim the wick to around 5mm. This is the single most important thing you can do. A trimmed wick gives you a cleaner, steadier flame, prevents soot from building up on the glass, and stops the wick from mushrooming or smoking. A small pair of scissors or a proper wick trimmer works perfectly.
2. Let the Wax Melt to the Edges on the First Burn
The first burn sets the memory of the candle. Allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container before extinguishing it — this usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the size. If you don't, the candle will tunnel down the middle on every subsequent burn, wasting wax around the sides and shortening the life of your candle significantly.
3. Don't Burn for More Than 4 Hours at a Time
I know it's tempting to keep it going all evening, but burning for longer than 4 hours causes the wick to overheat, the flame to flicker and smoke, and the wax to pool unevenly. Let the candle cool completely before relighting — it'll reward you with a much better burn next time.
4. Keep It Away from Draughts
A flickering flame isn't just atmospheric — it's a sign your candle is burning unevenly. Keep candles away from open windows, fans, and air vents. A steady flame means an even burn and a longer-lasting candle.
5. Store Properly Between Burns
Keep your candle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the fragrance and discolour the wax over time. If your candle came with a lid, use it — it protects the wax and helps preserve the scent between burns.
6. Know When to Stop
Stop burning your candle when around 1cm of wax remains at the bottom. Burning below this point can cause the container to overheat. The good news? Our glass jars and tins are beautiful — they make lovely storage pots, plant pots, or desk tidies once the candle is done.
A Final Thought
Candle care is really just about being a little intentional — which, when you think about it, is exactly the spirit in which these candles are made. Take a moment, trim the wick, let it breathe. Your candle will thank you for it.