Candles have the power to transform any space into a warm, inviting haven. But to make the most of your candles—ensuring they burn cleanly, last longer, and maintain their beautiful fragrance—proper care is essential. At Fragrant Farmhouse, we’re passionate about creating high-quality candles, and we want to share our best tips to help you enjoy every flickering moment.
1. Trim Your Wick
Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick helps the candle burn evenly and prevents large flames that can cause soot and uneven wax pools. You can use a wick trimmer, scissors, or even nail clippers to keep your wick in perfect shape. Buy your candle care tools here.
2. Let It Pool
On the first burn, allow the wax to melt across the entire surface of the candle. This creates an even "memory" burn and prevents tunneling, where wax builds up around the edges, wasting the candle. A general rule of thumb is to burn your candle for at least one hour per inch of its diameter.
3. Burn Time Matters
Avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Prolonged burning can cause the wick to mushroom, which leads to soot and a smoky flame. If you want to keep the ambiance going, extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick, and relight.
4. Keep It Clean
Dust and debris can settle on the surface of your candle over time. Before lighting, check for and remove any foreign material. Keeping your candle clean ensures a safer and more pleasant burn.
5. Mind the Placement
Always burn candles on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, vents, or fans. Drafts can cause uneven burning and dripping. Keep candles at least 3 inches apart when burning multiple to avoid heat interference.
6. Safety First
Never leave a burning candle unattended or near flammable materials. Extinguish the candle carefully, using a snuffer for best results. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter or the wick to smolder excessively.
7. Store with Care
Candles last longer when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or sunlight can cause the wax to soften or fade. If your candle comes with a lid, use it to keep dust and debris at bay.
8. Repurpose Your Jar
Once your candle has burned down to about 1/2 inch of wax at the bottom, it’s time to stop using it for safety reasons. But don’t toss that beautiful jar! Clean it out and repurpose it as a planter, pen holder, or decorative piece.
Extend the Glow with Fragrant Farmhouse
Candles are more than just home décor—they’re an experience. By following these simple care tips, you’ll enjoy every moment of their light and fragrance. At Fragrant Farmhouse, we take pride in crafting candles designed to fill your space with joy, warmth, and memories.
Do you have a candle care tip or question? Share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Shop our collection of handcrafted candles here.
