How to make a scented candle last longer? Tips and advice
Introduction
Scented candles are perfect for creating a warm ambiance and diffusing a pleasant fragrance throughout your home. However, they often burn out too quickly, create a "crater," or lose their olfactory intensity.
Fortunately, with a few best practices, you can maximize their lifespan and fully enjoy their scent . Discover in this article the best tips for making a scented candle last longer !
1. Let the wax melt evenly on first use
The first time you light your candle is an important step . If you extinguish it too soon, a hole may form, preventing the wax from melting evenly afterwards.
✅ The 2 to 3 hour rule
- When first burning , let the candle burn until the entire surface of the wax is liquid .
- This can take between 1.5 and 3 hours , depending on the size of the candle.
- This trick helps prevent a crater from forming (when only a central part melts, leaving wax on the edges).
2. Trim the wick before each use
A wick that is too long burns faster, produces more black smoke and promotes uneven combustion.
✂️ Ideal wick length
- Before each use, trim the wick to approximately 5 mm in height.
- This allows for a stable flame and slower combustion.
- Use a special wick scissors or a wick trimmer for a precise result.
🔥 Caution : A wick that is too short risks extinguishing the candle quickly and making lighting difficult.
3. Avoid drafts and place the candle in the right place
A draft (near a window, air conditioning or a fan) can disrupt the candle's combustion.
📍 Where to place your candle?
- Avoid places where there is too much wind or air circulation.
- Place the candle on a flat surface and away from flammable objects.
- A stable environment ensures even combustion and avoids black smoke.
4. Extinguish your candle properly
Blowing out a candle can cause smoke and damage the wick.
🔥 The best methods for extinguishing a candle
✔️ Use a snuffer : this is an accessory that smothers the flame without smoke.
✔️ Dip the wick into the melted wax with a toothpick or tongs, then straighten it. This helps prevent black smoke and makes the next time you light it easier.
5. Clean the wax surface
Residue from burnt wick or dust can affect the combustion quality of your candle.
🧼 Simple but effective maintenance
- After each use, remove any wick debris with tweezers.
- If soot appears on the glass, clean it with a damp cloth and white vinegar.
6. Store your scented candle properly
When not in use, your candle should be stored properly to preserve its fragrance and prevent it from deteriorating.
📦 How to store a candle?
- Close the lid (if your candle has one) to prevent dust from settling. On our website, you will find lids handmade from shell powder: https://lapetitemadeleine.com/products/couvercle-bougie-en-coquillages?srsltid=AfmBOopUeujPZ-v-6rBJtOPFqJwmz2tIIzqieh4CWe0uxopHit07Kd9Q
- Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and high heat, which could melt the wax .
- Do not leave it near a heat source to prevent it from deforming .
7. Choose quality candles
Some candles burn faster than others due to the quality of the wax and wick .
🕯 How to choose a candle that lasts a long time?
✔️ Choose natural wax : soy wax, beeswax or vegetable wax (less soot, slower combustion).
✔️ Avoid pure paraffin candles , which burn faster and release harmful substances.
✔️ Choose a cotton or wooden wick , rather than synthetic wicks which burn out too quickly.
💡 La petite Madeleine candles have a burn time of approximately 35 hours.
Conclusion
Making a scented candle last longer is above all a question of good practices :
✔️ Allow the wax to melt completely on first use.
✔️ Trim the wick before each lighting.
✔️ Place the candle in a draft-free area.
✔️ Extinguish it properly to avoid black smoke.
✔️ Store it correctly to preserve its fragrance.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your favorite candles.
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