We're all candle people over here. I've been burning candles for years and have learned a thing or two about getting the most out of every burn. After all, that's exactly what they're made for.
Before we get into the tips, there's one philosophy that sits at the heart of CarteHaus: burn the candle.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Don't wait until the "perfect guest” comes for a visit. Candles aren't meant to sit untouched on a shelf collecting dust. They're meant to make ordinary moments feel a little more special, AKA elevate your routine.
Now, the goal is not to make your candle last forever, but to enjoy every single minute of it. Here are a few simple habits to help your candle burn cleaner, perform better, and ensure you get every last bit of candle.
#1 Start Strong With Your First Burn
If there’s one tip to remember, make it this one.
How you burn your candle the very first time can make or break the life of your candle.
When you light a brand new candle for the first time, let it burn until the melted wax gets close to the edge. Resist the temptation to blow it out once there’s only a small pool around the wick.
Wax has memory and if you extinguish your candle too early, it’ll continue burning in that same pattern every time you light it. That’s what causes tunneling. The wax burns straight down the middle, leaving perfectly good wax stuck around the edges. So, a little patience on the first burn will make a world of difference later.
As a general rule, plan to burn it for about 3 hours, depending on the size of the candle.
#2 Light All Wicks
Our full-sized candles have two cotton wicks for a reason. It might seem like lighting just one wick at a time will make your candle last longer, but it actually does the opposite.
Burning only one wick creates an uneven melt pool, increases the chances of tunneling, wastes wax, and reduces the fragrance throw. Not ideal.
The two wicks work together to evenly distribute heat across the surface of the candle, allowing the wax to melt properly and the fragrance to fill your space the way it was intended. So, if you’re lighting your candle, commit to the full experience.
#3 Give Your Candle the Right Home
Like plants, candles have their favourite environments. Where you store your candle can affect both how it looks and how it performs over time.
Direct sunlight can discolour the wax and gradually weaken the fragrance. Excess humidity can also affect the quality of the wax and wick. As tempting as it is to permanently style your candle beside the bathtub, we recommend storing it somewhere cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. That said, if you're creating the ultimate moody bath night, absolutely bring your candle in. Just take it back out once you're done. Your candle will thank you.
#4 Actually Use the Lid
We didn't include a lid just because it looks nice. Every detail of a CarteHaus candle is designed with both form and function in mind. While your candle is burning, place the lid underneath the vessel to help protect your surfaces from heat. Once the wax has completely cooled, pop the lid back on. It'll help keep dust, lint, and everyday debris out while preserving the fragrance between burns.
So please, don’t toss the lid.
A Few More Ways to Keep the Flame Going
A little candle care goes a long way.
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Before each burn, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. This helps create a steadier flame, reduces soot, and encourages a cleaner, more even burn.
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Try not to burn your candle for more than four hours at a time. Giving the wax a chance to cool (at least 4 hours) before relighting helps maintain an even melt throughout the life of the candle.
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And of course, never leave a burning candle unattended or place it near drafts, curtains, or anything flammable.
Burn It Like You Mean It
The magical thing about candles is how they transform your space and create an experience. Giving your candle a little extra care helps it burn cleaner, throw fragrance better, and ensures you enjoy every last bit of wax. But, above all else, don’t save it. Light it often, make it a part of your everyday routine, and let it elevate the ordinary mundane moments.
Bring more atmosphere into your home with a Carte Haus candle. Explore our collection.