Candle Care Tips: Make Your Candles Last Longer & Burn Safer

Candles do more than just light up a room - they create mood, comfort and a moment of calm. Whether you've just bought your first handmade candle or you're a experienced candle lover, proper candle care is key to making the most out of every burn.

Here are our top 6 candle care tips to help your candles last longer, burn cleaner and smell better.

TRIM THE WICK

Candle jar labeled 'Bramble' being lit with a match, surrounded by blackberries on a wooden board. Scent: Blackberries, bay leaves and dirt paths. Amber jar with natural white label. Feel like your in a forest in the late summer evening blackberry picking.

We recommend that you always trim your wick to about 5mm (1/4 inch) before every burn. This prevents things like smoke and soot build up which are unsightly. It also prevents flickering flames or wicks curling into the wax which causes uneven burning or the flame going out all together which we wouldn't want! By keeping your wick trimmed you'll be able to extend the life of your favourite Howebridge Candle and enjoy a longer burn.

 

LET THE WAX MELT TO THE EDGES

Lemon Peak candle lit and surrounded by lemons and ginger. Made using coconut soy wax and phthalate free fragrance oils. Sustainable luxury and vegan friendly. Scent: Lemongrass, ginger & patchouli.

On the first burn, let your candle melt fully to the edges of the jar. This helps prevent tunnelling, which is where wax builds up on the sides and burns through the middle, wasting the candle. For most candles it can take 3-4 hours - so quick tip would be to don't light it unless you've got time. If a little bit of wax is left on one side, which often happens with coconut soy waxes, don't stress, if it's a small amount it will catch up as the candle burns further down.

 

DON'T BURN FOR TOO LONG

Honeywood coconut soy wax candle, hand poured and sustainable ingredients. Vegan and toxin-free. Scent: Honey, sandalwood and spices. A cosy, warm candle with a element of mystery and wizardry.

We know it's tempting, but burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time can cause a number of problems. The wick can mushroom and the flame could get too large causing the jar the overheat and the candle to burn too quickly. This shortens the life of your candle so it's worth enjoying your candle in sessions.

 

KEEP IT CLEAN

Rhubarb wild grove candle. Amber jar with natural wrap around label. Image is side of label and says, 'Inspired by nature, made for quiet moments - hand poured in howe bridge'. Scent: rhubarb, plum and blackberries. Our best selling rhubarb candle and a scent you will love all year through.

Avoid getting anything in your candle such as dust and debris, this means removing anything that might fall in the wax such as bits of matches, wick trimmings etc. This is to make sure your candle burns evenly and safely. Keep your candle clean to keep your candle burning beautifully. 

 

BURN IN THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT

Honeywood with a creamy smooth top. Hand poured coconut soy wax and phthalate free oils. Black label on a amber jar. Cosy and inviting. Perfect for a film night and winding down.

It's so important to burn your candles in a safe space, away from flammable objects, drafts, children and curious little paws. Also never leave a candle unattended.

 

KNOW WHEN TO STOP

Jar of Bramble candle with gold lid on a wooden board with blackberries, soft focus background. Scent: Blackberries, bay leaves and dirt paths. A sweet, earthy, cosy candle, perfect for summer or autumn. Smells like your blackberry picking in a forest.

Once your candle has 5-10mm of wax at the bottom it's time to stop burning. I know it's tempting to burn until there is nothing left, to enjoy your Howebridge Candle for longer, but doing this can cause the jar to overheat and potentially crack or shatter.

Tip: Reuse the jar! You can simply clean it out with hot soapy water and reuse as a pen holder, mini plant pot, makeup brush holder or tea light jar. The possibilities are endless!

 

A collection of candles. Signature candle range. Amber jars with gold lids and multi coloured labels. Nature inspired scents and hand poured in Howe Bridge using coconut soy wax. All vegan, sustainable and toxin-free.

We hope you've enjoyed these candle care tips and they help you to enjoy your candles to the fullest. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out and send us a email at howebridgecandles@gmail.com or pop us a message on Instagram @howebridgecandles. We're always happy to help.

 

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