Your guide to getting the most out of your candle
There’s nothing quite like lighting your favourite scented candle, settling in and letting your home fill with a beautiful fragrance. But did you know that how you burn a candle can make a big difference to how evenly it burns, how long it lasts and how much fragrance you experience?
With a few simple candle care tips, you can get the most out of every LoveTay candle and enjoy a beautiful, even burn from beginning to end.
Whether you're new to candles or simply want to make your favourite candle last a little longer, here's our guide to how to burn a candle properly.
1. Let your first burn count
Your candle's first burn is one of the most important.
When you light a brand-new candle, allow the wax to melt evenly across the surface and reach the edges of the vessel. This creates what is known as a full melt pool.
As a general guide, aim for around 2–4 hours for your first burn, depending on the size of your candle.
Avoid extinguishing your candle too quickly. If the wax only melts in a small circle around the wick, your candle can begin to develop a "memory", which may lead to candle tunnelling during future burns.
Think of the first burn as setting your candle up for the rest of its life.
LoveTay tip
Don't feel like you need to watch the clock constantly. Light your candle when you know you'll have enough time to let it burn properly and enjoy the moment while you're at it.
2. Trim your wick before every burn
One of the easiest candle burning tips is also one of the most important: keep your wick trimmed.
Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to approximately 5mm.
A properly trimmed wick helps maintain a controlled flame and can reduce excess soot and the build-up sometimes seen at the top of a wick.
If your wick has developed a little mushroom-shaped build-up after burning, allow the candle to cool completely before trimming it.
Remember: Always trim the wick when the wax is cool and solid.
3. Don't burn your candle for too long
While it's tempting to let your candle burn all evening, longer isn't necessarily better.
We recommend burning your candle for no more than around 4 hours at a time.
Once you've achieved a full melt pool, it's time to extinguish the flame and allow your candle to cool completely before lighting it again.
This helps maintain a consistent burn and allows your candle to rest between uses.
4. Prevent candle tunnelling
If you've ever looked at your candle and noticed a deep hole forming around the wick while wax remains around the sides, you've experienced candle tunnelling.
Tunnelling generally occurs when a candle isn't allowed to burn for long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the surface.
The best way to help prevent it is simple: give your candle enough time to create a full melt pool.
Lighting your candle for only 20–30 minutes at a time may mean the wax doesn't have enough time to melt evenly.
If you're wondering how to make a candle last longer, burning it correctly from the beginning is one of the best things you can do.
5. Choose the right spot for your candle
Where you place your candle can affect the way it burns.
Keep your candle away from:
- Open windows
- Fans
- Air conditioners
- Strong airflow
- Busy areas where the candle could be knocked over
A draft can cause the flame to flicker and burn unevenly, which may result in excess soot or an inconsistent melt pool.
Instead, choose a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable.
And, of course, never leave a burning candle unattended.
6. Know when it's time to stop burning
We know it's tempting to get every last drop of fragrance from your candle, but it's important to know when your candle has reached the end of its burn life.
Once there is approximately 10mm of wax remaining, stop burning your candle.
Continuing to burn a candle when there is very little wax left can cause excessive heat to build up in the vessel.
At this point, it's time to say goodbye to your current scent and start thinking about which one you're going to try next. 🤍
7. Look after your candle between burns
Good candle care doesn't stop when you blow out the flame.
Once your candle has completely cooled, replace its lid if it has one. This helps keep dust and debris away from the wax.
Keep your candle somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight when you're not using it.
Once you've finished your candle, you can also clean the vessel and give it a second life as a little planter, makeup brush holder, storage jar or piece of home décor.
Ready to light your next LoveTay candle?
The perfect candle burn doesn't need to be complicated.
A trimmed wick, the right burn time and a little patience can make a huge difference to your candle experience.
So next time you light your LoveTay candle, take a moment to let it burn properly. Put your phone down, make a coffee (or pour yourself a wine 😉) and enjoy the little ritual you've created.
Because we don't think candles are just about making your home smell good.
They're about creating scented moments you'll actually remember.