You’ve just unwrapped a gorgeous new candle—maybe it’s a fresh coastal blend like our Cliffwalk or a juicy summer scent like Heirloom Tomato. It smells amazing, looks beautiful, and feels like a little luxury. But are you burning it the right way?
The truth is: most people don’t know that candle care is just as important as candle quality. Even the cleanest, most luxurious non-toxic candle can underperform if it’s not burned properly.
At Sakonnet Candle Co., we want your candles to last longer, burn cleaner, and bring out every note of your favorite scent. This guide covers all the essential candle care tips—plus why they matter for your health, your home, and your wallet.
Why Proper Candle Care Matters
Burning a candle the wrong way can lead to:
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Uneven wax pools (aka tunneling)
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Soot and smoke marks
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Shorter burn time
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Poor scent throw
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Jar cracking or overheating
And if you're using a non-toxic candle made with premium ingredients like ours (hello, soy-coconut wax and FSC-certified wood wicks), you want to get the most out of every burn.
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Burn
Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to ⅛ inch. This applies whether you’re using cotton or wood wicks (we use crackling FSC-certified wood wicks for a clean, cozy burn).
Why it matters:
Long or untrimmed wicks can create large flames, which burn too hot and fast—producing soot, black smoke, and wasting your wax. A short wick equals a controlled, clean flame.
2. Let the Wax Pool Reach the Edges
For your first burn, always let the candle melt until the wax pool reaches the edges of the jar—this could take 2 to 4 hours.
Why it matters:
This prevents “tunneling,” where wax builds up on the sides and forms a deep hole in the center, shortening your candle’s lifespan. A full melt pool every time ensures even burning and maximum scent throw.
3. Burn Your Candle for 2–4 Hours Max
While it’s tempting to keep a candle burning all day, we recommend burning for no more than 4 hours at a time.
Why it matters:
Overburning can cause the wick to burn hotter or the jar to overheat—especially as the wax level lowers. Keeping burns in the 2–4 hour range maintains a safe and effective melt.
4. Use a Snuffer to Extinguish
Blowing out your candle might feel natural, but it causes smoke, soot, and flying wax. Instead, use a candle snuffer to put out the flame gently.
Why it matters:
This preserves the integrity of the wick and prevents unwanted smoky smells from interfering with your candle’s fragrance.
5. Keep Away from Drafts, Kids & Pets
Set your candle in a stable, draft-free spot, away from curtains, fans, windows, and anything flammable. Always burn within sight—and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Why it matters:
Drafts cause uneven burning and flickering flames. Safety is always the top priority, especially with open flames in family spaces.
6. Stop Burning When ½” of Wax Remains
Once your candle has about half an inch of wax left, it's time to stop burning and enjoy the beautiful vessel in a new way (hello, repurposed planter or trinket dish!).
Why it matters:
Burning below this level risks overheating the container, which can crack the glass or scorch surfaces.
Clean Candles Start with Clean Ingredients
At Sakonnet Candle Co., all of our candles are designed to burn clean—no paraffin, no phthalates, no toxins. We use a luxury coconut-soy wax blend, non-toxic fragrance oils, and sustainable FSC-certified wood wicks. When paired with proper care, these ingredients create a candle that burns longer, cleaner, and safer than conventional brands.
A Better Burn = A Better Candle
Proper candle care is the secret to getting more hours, more scent, and more value from every jar. It also keeps your air cleaner and your home safer.
Want more tips or ready to explore clean-burning, non-toxic candles made with intention?
Shop Sakonnet Candle Co. and experience the difference:
www.sakonnetcandleco.com