We sell a lot of candles. I mean A LOT of candles. A go-to gift for many, candles are more than just a source of light—they set the mood, fill your space with lovely scents, and add a cozy touch to any room. But if you’ve ever had a candle that burned too quickly or left a mess, you know that proper care is key to getting the most out of them.

Whether you burn candles all day long or just on special occasions, here are some simple tips to help you care for your candles and make them last longer, burn more evenly, and look even prettier!

1. Trim the Wick Before Every Use

This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your candle’s life. Before lighting your candle, use a wick trimmer (or just a pair of scissors) to trim the wick to about ¼ inch. A shorter wick will prevent the candle from flickering too much, and it helps the candle burn more evenly. Plus, trimming the wick keeps soot from building up around the edges.

2. Let the Wax Melt All the Way to the Edge

When you light a candle, let it burn until the wax melts all the way to the edge of the container (this might take a few hours, depending on the size of the candle). This will help avoid tunneling—a common issue where the candle burns down the middle but leaves wax on the sides. Tunneling can shorten the life of your candle, so make sure to give it some time to get an even burn on the first go!

3. Burn for the Right Amount of Time

Burning your candle too long can cause the wick to get too large or the wax to overheat. On the flip side, lighting it for only a short period doesn’t let it melt evenly. The sweet spot is typically around 3-4 hours. After this, it’s a good idea to blow it out and let it cool. This helps preserve the candle’s quality and scent throw.

4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts

Candles love a calm, still environment. If your candle is near an open window, fan, or air vent, the draft can cause it to burn unevenly or even flicker out. Try to keep your candles in a spot where air won’t disturb the flame for the best burn.

5. Store Your Candles Properly

When you’re not burning your candles, keep them in a cool, dark place. Sunlight and heat can cause the wax to fade or soften, so it’s best to store them in a cupboard or drawer until you're ready to light them. You can also store them in their original box if you have one to keep them safe from dust.

6. Clean the Candle Container After It’s Burned Out

Once your candle has burned all the way down, you can repurpose the container! Before you do that, make sure to clean it out. Let the remaining wax cool and harden, then scrape it out with a spoon. After that, wash the container with warm soapy water, and voilà—you have a cute little jar that can be used for plants, storage, or whatever you fancy!

7. Don’t Leave Candles Unattended

This one’s a given, but it’s always worth mentioning. Never leave a candle burning when you’re not around, and always put it out before you leave the room. We don’t burn candles at any of the stores because many years ago when we were first open twice, we left candles burning overnight.  I still wake up in cold sweats thinking there is a candle burning!

Now that you know how to care for your candles, why not treat yourself to a new one? Sydney Hale candles and Linnea candles at Red Barn Mercantile are two of our favorites.  And at Penny Post you’ll find candles from brands like Botanica and Brooklyn Candle Studio.  All of which are hand-poured in the U.S., vegetable based wax candles designed to bring warmth and fragrance to any room.  Don’t forget your candle care kit.  It makes taking care of your candles just a little easier.  

Whether you're after a soothing lavender scent or a cozy woodsy vibe, we’ve got something for everyone at Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post!

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