How to Burn Candles Evenly and Make Them Last Longer

How to Burn Candles Evenly and Make Them Last Longer’ is a question that may cross your mind if you love candles. Do you love how they create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your home and relax your mood? Of course, you do. But do you also hate how they sometimes burn unevenly, waste wax, create smoke and soot, and shorten their lifespan? Who doesn’t hate these candle problems?

Well, don’t worry. You’re not alone. And you’re not doomed. This guide will help you overcome these common candle issues and enhance your candle-burning experience.

There are some tips and tricks. That can help you burn candles evenly and make them last longer. And you won’t believe it, but I’m going to spill the beans for you in this article. Count on me, it’s not rocket science. It’s candle science. So, grab your favorite candle, light it up, and read on.

How to Make a Candle Burn Evenly

There is something you can do to make your candle burn evenly and prevent tunneling. Here are some of the most vital ones:

Make The First Burn Count

You should always burn your candle for at least one hour per inch of diameter, haven’t the wax melts fully across the top of the candle. It will create an even melt pool that prevents tunneling and ensures an even fragrance distribution.

Keep Candles Away From Drafts

You should always place your candles away from windows, fans, air vents, or any other sources of airflow. You should also avoid burning candles in crowded areas or near other heat sources that can interfere with the flame.

Keep Candles On a Level Surface

Another factor that can affect is the surface you place it on. If the surface is uneven or tilted, the wax will melt unevenly and pool on one side of the candle. It can cause the wick to shift and burn faster on one side than the other. To avoid this,  place your candles on a level and heat-resistant surface, such as a coaster, tray, or plate.

 

How to Fix a Candle Burning Unevenly

If you notice that your candle is burning unevenly or has developed tunneling, don’t worry. There are some ways to fix it and salvage your candle. Here are some of them.

Cover With Foil

One of the easiest ways to fix the tunneling is to cover the top of your candle with a piece of aluminum foil. After that, leave a small opening for the flame. It will trap the heat inside and melt the wax around the boundaries of the candle. Now, leave the foil on for about 15 minutes. Until the wax liquefies fully over the surface. Then, remove the foil carefully and let the candle burn normally.

Trim the Wick

Another common cause of uneven burning is a wick that is too long or too short. A wick that is too long can create a large and unstable flame creating smoke and soot. A wick that is too short can make a small and weak flame that doesn’t melt enough wax and drowns in the thawed pool. To avoid these problems, trim your wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. You can use scissors, nail clippers, or a custom-made wick trimmer.

Use Multi-Wick Candles

If you have a large or wide candle that doesn’t burn evenly with one wick, you may want to switch to a multi-wick candle instead. Multi-wick candles have two or more wicks spaced evenly across the cover of the candle. It allows for more even heat distribution and faster melting of the wax. Multi-wick candles also create more light and fragrance than single-wick candles.

How to Burn Candles Evenly – Other Tips and Tricks

Here are some more tips and tricks that can help you burn candles evenly and make them last longer:

Use Long Matches or a Lighter

When lighting your candles, use long matches or a lighter that can get to the bottom of the wick easily. It will prevent you from tilting or moving the candle while lighting it, which can cause the wax to spill or the wick to shift.

Burn 4 Hours Maximum

You should avoid burning your candles for longer than 4 hours at a time. It may cause the wax to overheat and evaporate faster. You should also let your candles cool completely before relighting them, as this will help them retain their shape and fragrance.

Don’t Blow Out the Flame

Blowing out your candles can cause the wax to splatter and the wick to smoke. Instead, you should use a candle snuffer, a metal spoon, or a wet finger to snuff the flame. It will also prevent the wick from smoking and creating an unpleasant odor.

Don’t Extinguish with Water

You should never use water to put out your candles.  It may cause the wax to crack or the glass container to break. Water can also create steam that can burn you or damage your furniture.

Cool Before Reusing

You should always let your candles cool completely before moving or storing them, as this will help them retain their shape and fragrance. You should also avoid placing your candles in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can cause them to melt or fade.

Cover When Unused

You should always cover your candles when not in use, either with a lid, a coaster, or a cloth. It will prevent dust, dirt, and insects from settling on the surface of the wax.

Conclusion

Burning candles evenly is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of performance and longevity. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can make your candles burn evenly and make them last longer. You can also enjoy their light and fragrance more fully and create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your home. Happy candle burning!

FAQs

How do I know if my candle is tunneling?

Tunneling is when the wax melts only in the center of the candle, leaving a ring of unburned wax around the edges. If you see a deep hole or a narrow melt pool in the middle of the candle, your candle is tunneling.

How do I prevent my candle from smoking and sooting?

You can prevent your candle from smoking and sooting by trimming your wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. Keep your candle away from drafts. Avoid your candle for burning more than 4 hours at a time.

How do I make my candle fragrance last longer?

You can make your candle fragrance last longer by burning your candle evenly. Create a large and even melt pool. Cover your candle when not in use.

How do I fix a broken or cracked candle?

You can fix a broken or cracked candle by melting the wax in a double boiler or a microwave. Pour the melted wax into a new container with a new wick and let it cool completely.

How do I dispose of leftover wax or used candles?

You can melt the wax and make new candles, use the wax as fire starters, or use the wax for crafts or DIY projects. You can donate your used candles to local charities or organizations that accept them.