How to Make Your Candles Last Longer

It's easier than you think

Whether you prefer a candle that has the aroma of a classic floral bouquet, a sophisticated fragrance like oud, or a gourmand scent during the holiday season—burning candles can instantly change your mood or the vibe of a room.

But quality candles don’t come cheap and no candle lasts forever. However, there are several ways to easily extend the life of a candle. Here’s what you need to know about making your candles last longer.

Have the Proper Tools on Hand and Know How to Use Them

Investing in a candle care kit is a smart idea for candle-lovers. It should include a candle snifter and a wick trimmer (although scissors also work). This is because keeping the wick trimmed is one of the best ways to extend candle life. “But do not trim a brand-new candle. Only trim it after burning. Once the candle has formed a mushroom-like shape, gently remove the tip of the burnt wick,” explains Mailene Webber, founder of LesRuches, which is an eco-luxury candle brand with a celebrity following that includes Kourtney Kardashian and Ryan Seacrest.

The ideal wick size is one-quarter of an inch.

What About Candles With Multiple Wicks?

Larger candles often have multiple wicks. While it might be tempting to light one wick at a time to make your candle last longer, Webber warns against this because it prevents the candle from burning evenly.

It’s a smart idea to light larger candles with a candle lighter, especially if a good portion of the wax has been burned. This way, all the wicks can be lit within seconds of each other. No candle lighter on hand? A wand lighter, which is typically used to ignite outdoor grills gets the job done.

How Room Temperature Can Extend the Life of Candles

Have you noticed that your candles last longer in the winter than during the summer? You aren’t imagining this. “Burning your candles in a cooler environment will allow them to burn longer,” explains Webber.

So be sure to turn on the air conditioner or open a window to let the room cool down for a bit before lighting up.

How to Properly Extinguish a Candle

Another way to ensure candles last longer is to use a candle snifter. If one isn’t available, Webber recommends blowing as gently as possible. “Do not extinguish the flame until the entire wax surface pool has melted evenly. This is very important as this will prevent your candle from tunneling and will prolong the life of your candle. You should also keep the wax pool free from the excess wick and other debris at all times.”

Never use water to put out a candle because it can cause the wax to splatter or the glass to break.

Lastly, Webber tells me, “Let the candle cool completely before touching or moving it.” This prevents the hot wax from burning your hand, covering the wick, or causing the wax level to become uneven.

Safety First

While using candles can feel like a luxurious treat, things can quickly turn without proper safety precautions. Webber says to keep your candles out of reach of children and pets. And while it might be tempting, never leave a burning candle unattended.

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