How to Make Your Candles Last Longer (Backed by Real Technique)

If you love candles, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of tunnelling, weak scent, or a candle that burns unevenly. The good news? Most candle problems are completely preventable with the right burn technique.

Here’s how to get the BEST, longest and cleanest burn out of any candle, especially soy wax candles.

Always Trim the Wick (Every Single Time)

This is the golden rule.

Before every burn, trim your wick to 5mm.

Why it matters:

✔ Prevents black soot

✔ Controls flame height

✔ Makes your candle burn slower

✔ Improves scent distribution

Most candle issues start with an untrimmed wick, so keep a simple wick trimmer near your candle.

Let the First Burn Reach a Full Melt Pool

The first burn determines the life of your candle, they actually have their own 'memory' and will continue to burn to the same point every time if not fully melted on the first burn.

You must let the surface melt fully to the edges before blowing it out.

This can take 2–3 hours depending on jar size.

Benefits:

✔ Prevents tunnelling

✔ Ensures even burns for the entire candle

✔ Maximises total burn time

✔ Releases fragrance more evenly

Keep Candles Away from Drafts

A moving flame burns hotter and faster.

Avoid:

– Windows

– Fans

– Radiators

– Open doors

A stable flame = a longer lasting candle.

Choose Soy Wax for a Naturally Longer Burn

Soy wax burns 30–50% slower than paraffin wax.

That means more fragrance, more hours, and more value for money.

Hand-poured soy candles also burn more evenly, reducing wasted wax.

Stop Burning at 1cm Remaining

All jars need a safety buffer.

Once 1cm of wax is left, extinguish the candle, don’t burn dry.

Candle Care = Better Scent + Better Burn + Better Value

With the right technique, you’ll get:

✔ Longer burns

✔ Stronger fragrance

✔ A cleaner, safer candle

✔ Zero tunnelling

✔ A better overall experience

Good candles aren’t just about the wax, they’re about how you treat them.

Explore our clean-burning soy candle collection for a premium candle that lasts even longer with proper care.