Candles are more than just a light source—they set the mood, make your space cozy, and fill the air with beautiful scents. But improper candle care can lead to wasted wax, poor fragrance throw, and shorter burn time.
At Maeve Essentials, we believe every handcrafted candle should bring joy until its very last burn. In this guide, we’ll show you how to care for your candles the right way, helping you get the most out of your favorite scents.

1. Trim Your Wick: The Golden Rule of Candle Care

Before every burn, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This simple step prevents black smoke, reduces soot, and ensures a clean, even burn.

Why it Matters:

• Longer wicks create bigger flames, which can lead to uneven melting and tunneling.
• A properly trimmed wick means more controlled burning and a longer-lasting candle.

2. First Burn is the Most Important

The first time you light your candle, let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt—usually 2–4 hours.

Why it Matters:

This prevents tunneling, where the wax only melts down the center, wasting the rest. Once tunneling starts, it’s hard to fix.

Pro Tip: For larger candles, rotate the jar occasionally to help the wax melt evenly.

3. Avoid Drafts for a Consistent Burn

Burn your candle in a room without strong drafts or air currents (like near windows or fans).

Why it Matters:

• Drafts cause uneven burning.
• They can also create smoke and reduce your candle’s fragrance throw.

4. Safety First: Never Burn for More Than 4 Hours

Candle care isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about safety. Burning your candle for too long can lead to:

• Overheating the jar.
• Uncontrolled flames.
• Discolored wax and reduced fragrance quality.

Always:

• Extinguish with a snuffer to avoid wax splatter.
• Let your candle cool before relighting.

5. Store Your Candles Properly

Keep your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Why it Matters:

Sunlight and heat can cause discoloration and affect the fragrance.

Bonus Tip: Store your candles with the lid on to keep dust out and preserve the scent.

Love Your Candles, and They’ll Love You Back

Taking care of your candles means enjoying better burns, stronger scents, and longer life from each one. At Maeve Essentials, every handcrafted candle is made with love and care, and we want you to experience them at their best.

Ready to try it out? Check out our collection of handcrafted soy candles designed for slow living and cozy spaces.

Want more candle care tips? Follow Maeve Essentials on Instagram and Threads for daily inspiration!

More on candle care from The National Candle Association