At Simpl Candle, we want everyone to enjoy their candles to the fullest — even if they aren’t ours (yes, we’re giving away some trade secrets here 😉). With a few simple steps, you can extend the life of your candles, prevent tunneling, and enjoy a safer, more even burn.
1. Trim Your Wick
Your candle is good to go when you first light it, but after a few burns, the wick will need trimming. Keep it at about ¼ inch in length:
- Prevents large, smoky flames
- Helps your candle burn slower and last longer
- Reduces soot and improves safety
⚠️ Pro tip: Don’t trim too short — the candle may struggle to stay lit.
2. Burn for 2–4 Hours at a Time
Candles are designed to form a full melt pool (the liquid wax that reaches edge to edge). If you only burn for 20–30 minutes, the wax may tunnel down the middle.
For the best results:
- Burn your candle for around 3 hours
- Never exceed 4 hours for safety
- Extinguish and let it cool before relighting
3. Keep Candles Away From Drafts
Airflow from windows, fans, or doors can cause the flame to flicker. This leads to:
- Faster burning (your candle runs out quicker)
- Uneven melting and wasted wax
- Reduced scent throw
Keep your candle in a stable, draft-free spot for a cleaner, longer burn.
4. Let the Wax Harden Before Relighting
Patience pays off. Always allow your candle to fully re-harden before lighting again. Burning into soft wax can shorten its overall life and affect how evenly it burns.
Final Thoughts
With these simple candle care tips, you’ll get the most out of every burn — longer life, stronger fragrance, and a safer experience. At Simpl Candle, we design every candle for optimal performance, but proper care makes all the difference.
Want to know more about why we only use natural scents? Check out our post on Why Essential Oil Candles Are Worth It.