7 ways to make your candle last longer

A good candle should burn slowly and evenly right to the end. These seven habits help you get every hour out of yours.

1. Get the first burn right

Let the wax melt all the way to the edge on the very first burn. It sets the pattern for every burn after it. Here's how to do the first burn.

2. Trim the wick every time

Trim the wick to about 5mm before each burn. A long wick makes a bigger, hotter flame that uses up wax faster and can smoke.

3. Keep burns to 3 to 4 hours

Long burns can make the wick mushroom and the flame grow too big. Blow it out after 3 to 4 hours and let it cool before lighting it again.

4. Keep it out of drafts

A breeze from a window, fan or air conditioner makes the flame flicker and burn unevenly down one side. Find a still spot on a heat-safe, level surface.

5. Cover it between burns

Once it's cooled, put the lid on if it has one. It keeps dust off the wax and the wick clean.

6. Store it somewhere cool

Heat and direct sun can soften soy wax. Keep your candle out of a sunny window and away from the stove when you're not burning it.

7. Know when to stop

Stop burning when about 1cm of wax is left at the bottom. The tin or jar can get too hot after that.

Bonus: give the jar a second life

Once your candle is finished and completely cool, clean out the last of the wax and use the tin or jar for pens, cotton buds or a little plant.

For the full list of care tips, see our candle care guide.