Candle Care 101: How to Make the Most of Your Candles

There’s nothing quite like lighting a candle at the end of a long day, is there? The soft glow, the scent slowly filling the room… it’s that little moment of peace we all need sometimes.

Since we started Lavrose, one thing we’ve learnt is how much of a difference proper candle care can make—not just to how long your candle lasts, but also how well it burns, and how lovely it continues to smell over time.

We wanted to share a few simple things we’ve picked up along the way—things we wish we’d known when we first started making candles on our kitchen table during lockdown. So whether you’re new to candles or just want yours to last longer, here’s our friendly guide to taking care of them.

The First Burn: Don’t Rush It

This one’s a game-changer, and probably the most important tip we can give.

When you light your candle for the very first time, make sure you let it burn until the wax melts all the way to the edges of the jar. It might take a good hour or two depending on the size—but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Why? Because wax has a memory (yes, really). If you blow it out too early, your candle might only burn in a small circle next time, creating that annoying tunnel effect that wastes loads of wax around the sides.

So if you can, wait until that top layer is fully melted—then you’ll have a nice even surface next time you light it.

Trim the Wick (Yes, Every Time)

This is a small habit that makes a big difference. Before each burn, trim your wick to about 5mm (roughly the width of a grain of rice).

We used to forget this step all the time, but the truth is—when the wick is too long, the flame gets too big. That leads to black smoke, quicker burning, and a flame that flickers more than it should. Sometimes it can even crack the glass if things get too hot.

A quick trim before lighting helps your candle burn cleaner and more evenly. You can use wick trimmers if you’ve got them, but scissors or even your fingers (once the wax is cool!) will do just fine.

Give It a Break After a Few Hours

We all love a candle that lasts all evening, but burning it for too long in one go can actually do more harm than good.

Once you hit about the 3- to 4-hour mark, the wax gets too hot and can start to break down. The flame might get wild, the wick can shift, and the fragrance might lose its quality over time.

So as tempting as it is—especially during a movie night or long bath—try to give your candle a rest every few hours. Blow it out, let it cool, then relight it later if you fancy.

Keep It Cool, Clean & Covered

When you’re not using your candle, store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight. Heat and light can mess with the wax and scent, making it fade before you’ve even lit it again.

And if your candle has a lid, pop it back on when you’re done—it keeps dust out and the fragrance in. We also recommend placing your candle on a heatproof surface and away from draughts (open windows, fans, radiators—basically anything that could blow the flame or overheat the jar).

Don’t Toss the Jar!

When you’ve got just about 1cm of wax left at the bottom, it’s time to say goodbye (candles need a little leftover wax to protect the container from overheating). But the good news is—you can absolutely reuse the jar!

A quick clean with warm soapy water, and it’s ready to hold your makeup brushes, tea bags, cotton pads, or even tiny plants. One of our customers turned theirs into a cute little succulent pot—adorable and eco-friendly.

A Little Extra Love

Taking care of your candle means you get more scent, more hours of burn time, and a better overall experience. It also helps make sure every candle lasts the way it’s meant to—especially when it’s hand-poured like ours.

We pour each Lavrose candle right here at home in Surrey using a natural coconut and soy wax blend. They’re designed to burn slow and clean, with scents that gently fill the room without being overpowering.

So light your candle, take a breath, and enjoy those peaceful little moments.

Thanks so much for reading. If you’ve got any candle questions—or just want to share how you use yours—feel free to tag us on Instagram or drop us a message. We love seeing our candles in your homes.

Until next time,
Todor & Elizabet