How to Make a Candle Last Longer: Tips and Tricks to Make a Candle Last Longer

One of the best ways to extend the life of your candles is to trim the wick regularly. When a wick is too long, it can create a bigger flame, which can cause the candle to burn faster. By trimming the wick to around 1/4 inch before each use, you can help ensure that your candle burns more slowly and evenly. Additionally, place your candle in the freezer for a few hours before lighting it. 

Another tip for making your candles last longer is to keep them away from drafts. When a candle is exposed to a draft, it can cause the flame to flicker and dance, which can cause the candle to burn faster. To avoid this, try placing your candle in a draft-free area of your home, such as on a sturdy table or shelf. 

Choosing the Right Candle

When it comes to choosing a candle that will last, there are a few things to keep in mind. While it may be tempting to go for a more affordable choice, investing in a high-quality candle will pay off in the long run. These candles are typically made with better materials and have a longer burn time.

The wax type used in a candle can have a big impact on how long it lasts. Soy wax, for example, tends to burn longer than other types of wax. Based on experience, a larger candle will generally last longer than a smaller one. Keep in mind, however, that a larger candle may also be more expensive.

In some cases, a thicker wick may burn more slowly than a thinner wick because it allows for less wax to be drawn up to the flame at any given time. However, a thicker wick may also produce a larger flame and burn hotter, which could cause the candle to melt faster and burn down more quickly overall.

Prepping Your Candle

Before lighting your candle, it is important to properly prep it to ensure it burns evenly and lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help you prep your candle:

• Trim the Wick: Trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting the candle. This helps to prevent the wick from mushrooming and causing the candle to burn faster than necessary.
• Clean the Wax Pool: After the first burn, make sure to clean the wax pool of any debris or soot that may have accumulated. This will help to prevent any future soot buildup and ensure a clean burn.
• Keep the Candle Away from Drafts: Drafts can cause the candle to burn faster and unevenly. Make sure to keep the candle away from any open windows, fans, or air conditioning vents.
• Store the Candle Properly: When not in use, store the candle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help to prevent the wax from melting and ensure the candle lasts as long as possible.

By taking a few simple steps to prep your candle, you can ensure that it burns evenly and lasts as long as possible. Proper candle care not only helps to extend the life of your candle, but it also ensures a clean and safe burn every time.

Burning Your Candle

When burning your candle, there are a few things you can do to help it last longer:

• Trim the wick: This is one of the most important things you can do to make your candle last longer. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every burn. This will help prevent the flame from getting too large and will reduce the amount of soot that forms on the wick.
• Let it burn long enough: When you light your candle, make sure you let it burn long enough to create a pool of melted wax that reaches the edges of the container. This will help prevent tunneling and ensure that the candle burns evenly.
• Avoid drafts: Make sure you burn your candle in a draft-free area. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker, which can lead to uneven burning and make the candle burn faster.
• Use a candle warmer: If you don’t want to burn your candle, you can still enjoy its fragrance by using a candle warmer. This is a device that heats the wax without a flame, so you can enjoy the scent without burning the candle.

Extinguishing Your Candle

Knowing how to extinguish your candle properly can help it last longer and prevent accidents. Here are some tips:

• Use a snuffer or a candle wick dipper to extinguish the flame instead of blowing it out. Blowing out the flame can cause the wick to move and create more smoke.
• Wait until the wax has cooled and solidified before trimming the wick. This prevents the wick from falling into the melted wax and causing a fire hazard.
• Avoid using water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and create a mess. It can also cause the glass container to break due to the sudden temperature change.

Tips for Making Your Candle Last Longer

There are several ways to make your candles last longer. Here are some tips:

• Burn your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time, according to Instinks. Burning a candle for more than 4 hours can cause a buildup of super-hot wax, which is harmful to the candle’s scent. After 4 hours, let your candle take a break before lighting it again.
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This will help the candle burn more slowly and prevent the wick from producing too much smoke.
• Place your candle in a draft-free area. Drafts can cause the candle to burn faster and unevenly, which can shorten its lifespan.
• Store your candles in a cool, dry place. Heat can cause the wax to melt and change the scent of the candle. Moisture can also damage the wick and make it harder to light.
• After blowing out your candle, use a snuffer or lid to extinguish the flame. This will help prevent smoke and also protect the wick from damage.

Following these tips, you can enjoy your candles longer and get the most out of their scent and ambiance.