How to Make Candles Last Longer: 7 Proven Tips from Experts

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the gentle flicker of a candle casting a warm, ambient glow across a room. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, creating a romantic atmosphere, or simply enjoying the fragrance of your favourite scent, candles bring a sense of calm and luxury to any space. At Mello Candles, we believe every candle should be enjoyed to its fullest potential. That’s why we’ve gathered expert tips to help you extend the life of your candles, ensuring every burn is long-lasting, clean, and satisfying.

Here are 7 proven tips to make your candles last longer.

1. Trim Your Wick to 1/4 Inch before each burn.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prolong your candle’s life is to trim the wick to about ¼ inch (6mm) before lighting it. Why? A long wick creates a larger, hotter flame which causes the wax to burn faster. This not only shortens the candle’s burn time but can also produce smoke and leave unsightly soot around the jar.

Using a proper wick trimmer ensures a clean cut and helps maintain an even burn. Avoid scissors as they can be clumsy and may not reach properly into deeper jars

2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges

On your first burn, always allow it to burn until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. This process is known as a “full melt pool” and can take 1–3 hours depending on the size of the candle. Skipping this step can cause the candle to tunnel – where only the centre burns down – wasting wax around the sides.

The first burn is the most important. Be patient and let the wax melt evenly. It sets the memory for how the candle will burn in the future.

3. Avoid Drafts and Air Currents

Candles may look beautiful dancing in the breeze, but constant airflow—like from fans, windows, or air conditioners—can cause uneven burning, tunneling, or even excessive smoke. A flickering flame isn't just unstable, it leads to faster wax consumption and wasted fragrance.

💡 Tip: Place your candle in a calm, draft-free corner where the flame can burn steady and clean—giving you more glow, more fragrance, and more burn time.

4. Use a Candle Snuffer

Blowing out a candle may seem harmless, but it can cause the wick to move, wax to splatter, or soot to form. Instead, use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. This tool gently cuts off the oxygen supply, putting out the flame without disturbing the melted wax or wick.

It also helps preserve the fragrance and keeps the wick centred, ready for the next burn.

5. Store Candles Properly

When not in use, candles should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can cause the wax to discolour, soften, or lose its fragrance over time. If your candle comes with a lid, use it to prevent dust build-up and preserve the scent.

Proper storage keeps your candles looking and smelling their best for as long as possible.

6. Keep the Wax Pool Clean

A clean wax pool isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance. Leaving behind matchsticks, wick trimmings, or dust in your candle can disrupt the flame, cause uneven burning, and even create soot.

Tip: Before relighting your candle, always check the surface. Gently remove any debris with a clean spoon or tissue to keep your candle burning bright, smooth and safe.

7. Know When to Stop

Stop burning your candle when only ½ inch of wax remains at the bottom. This helps prevent the container from overheating or cracking, ensuring a safe and mindful candle experience.

Final Thoughts

Candle care doesn’t require much effort, but a few mindful habits can significantly improve your candle’s longevity and performance. Whether it’s trimming the wick, preventing tunnelling, or storing candles correctly, these tips from our Mello Candles experts can help you get the most from every flame.

After all, candles are more than just a source of light – they’re a mood, a memory, and a moment of peace. By following these seven tips, you’ll not only extend the life of your candles but also elevate your entire candle experience. So next time you light a candle, remember: with a little care, that soft glow and beautiful scent can linger a little longer. Explore our hand-poured collection at Mello Candles and discover the difference quality makes.

Choose High-Quality Candles - 

Finally, not all candles are made equal. Investing in high-quality candles, like those from Mello Candles, ensures you get longer burn times, cleaner waxes, and expertly crafted fragrances. Our candles are made with luxury soy wax, cotton wicks, and carefully chosen scent blends, designed to burn evenly and slowly for maximum enjoyment.

Ready to put these tips into practice? Browse our collection of premium hand-poured candles and find your perfect scent.