Candle Care 101: The Dos and Don’ts

Gloop's Bathtime scented soy candle - scent notes of freesia, lavender and tonka bean

We all look forward to lighting our favourite candle at the end of a long week (or morning...). But if you’ve ever been left with uneven wax, a weak scent, or a candle that burns out way too quickly, you’ll know this can be the opposite of relaxing.

You’re not alone! It’s simple to make mistakes that are shortening your candle’s lifespan or ruining its clean, even burn. Ever noticed your candle forming a sunken hole down the middle, while the wax around the edges is left untouched? That’s called tunnelling, and it means you’re missing out on hours of burn time. Or maybe your candle produces black, sooty smoke - a sign that your wick is too long.

Not to worry! Follow these easy tips and your candles will last longer, burn cleaner, and smell perfect every time. 

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✅ The DOs of candle care

1. Let it burn (the right way)

The first time you light a candle is make or break. To avoid that ugly tunnelling effect (where wax builds up on the edges and wastes half your candle), make sure you let the candle burn long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the surface.

Golden rule: For the first burn, you’ll usually need to give it 2-3 hours for the melt pool to reach the edges, so don’t light that candle until you have time to enjoy it!

2. Trim that wick

You know that sooty black smoke that sometimes appears? In soy candles, it’s likely to be caused by a wick that’s too long. To keep your candle burning clean and evenly, trim the wick to around 5mm (¼ inch) before EVERY burn.

Pro tip: Use a proper wick trimmer for a smooth cut (or nail clippers/fingers if you don’t have any - no judgment).

3. Time matters

Leaving your candle burning for hours on end might sound perfect on a Sunday afternoon, but it can also shorten its lifespan.

Ideal burn time: Keep it to 3-4 hours max. Any longer and the wax can overheat, which can lead to a weaker scent and potential wick issues.

4. Smart storage

Yes, candles need proper storage too! To preserve their scent and avoid discolouration, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (and pop the lid back on to avoid dust).

Why? UV light can weaken the fragrance and cause yellowing over time. Plus, nobody wants a sun-melted candle.

5. Snuff it out

We all know blowing out a candle feels satisfying (and you can pretend it’s your birthday), but it also creates smoke and can scatter wax. Instead, use a snuffer to extinguish it without the smoky aftermath. 

Bonus: Covering your candle with the lid after it’s extinguished helps preserve the fragrance.

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🚫 The DON’Ts of candle care

1. Don’t skip the first burn

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: the first burn is EVERYTHING. If you blow out your candle too soon (before the wax melts evenly), it will tunnel for the rest of its life.

Let it burn long enough on the first go, and you’ll have an even, beautiful melt every time.

2. Don’t burn to the bottom

It might be tempting to get every last drop of wax, but burning your candle all the way down is a no-no.

Why? The heat near the bottom can damage surfaces. Stop burning when there’s around 1cm of wax left.

3. Don’t place candles near drafts or vents

That flickering flame might look romantic, but constant movement from drafts or fans can cause uneven burning and excess smoke.

Tip: Keep candles away from windows, vents, and fans for a steady, even burn.

4. Don’t use water to extinguish the flame

Probably not your go-to method but still worth a mention. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter, which is not only messy but dangerous.

Better solution: Snuff it out.

5. Don’t leave candles unattended It sounds obvious, but it’s always good to have a reminder: never leave a burning candle unattended (or with children/pets). Even a small breeze or an accidental nudge could spell trouble.

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Say hello to longer lasting candles

Taking care of your candles doesn’t just make them last longer—it also gives you a better, cleaner burn every time. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly even wax pool 😌

You’re all set to put your candle burning knowledge to the test!

P.S. Need a new candle to practice on? Shop our top scents here.

Gloop x