Candle care
How to Make Your Candles Last Longer: 7 Simple Tips
May 28, 2026 · 5 min read · by Liza
In short
To make candles last longer, the single most important habit is trimming the wick to about 5 mm before every burn — a long wick burns hot, fast and smoky. Next, always allow a full first burn so the wax melts edge to edge and never tunnels. Keep candles away from drafts, which make the flame flicker and burn unevenly, and burn for no more than three to four hours at a time so the wax doesn't overheat. Store candles somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight to protect the wax and scent, and pop a lid on between burns to keep the fragrance fresh. Finally, stop burning while there's still about a centimetre of wax left at the bottom — burning to the very end can crack the container. Small habits, hours more glow.
Handmade candles are little luxuries, so it's worth making each one last. These are the tips I share with everyone.
Trim the wick every single time
This is the big one. Before each burn, trim the wick to about 5 mm. An untrimmed wick burns too hot, melts wax faster, smokes and leaves soot on the glass. A neat little trim gives you a calm, even, long-lasting flame.
Respect the first burn and avoid drafts
Let the first burn pool all the way to the edges to prevent tunneling. After that, keep candles away from open windows, fans and vents — a flickering flame in a draft burns through wax unevenly and far faster.
Burn in sessions and store it well
Burn for three to four hours at most, then let it cool and reset. Keep a lid on between uses and store somewhere cool and dark, so the wax stays firm and the scent stays true.
Frequently asked questions
How long do soy candles last?
Soy burns 30–50% longer than paraffin of the same size. With good care, a medium soy candle can give you 40–50 hours of burn time.
Why does my candle burn so fast?
Usually an untrimmed wick or a draft. Both make the flame burn hotter and taller, melting wax much faster than it should.
Should I put my candle in the fridge?
No need — and sudden temperature changes can crack the wax or glass. A cool, dark cupboard is perfect.
by Liza
Liza is the maker behind Pretty Petal. She pours every candle by hand at home, and shares what she learns along the way right here.
