If you’ve ever lit a candle, let it tunnel, and watched half the wax go to waste—don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? A few simple candle care habits can totally change your burn game. Whether you're brand new to candles or already loyal to your refillable candle routine, these candle care tips will help you get the most out of every light.
Here’s how to burn smarter (and cleaner), no matter what scent you’re into.
1. Trim Your Wick—Every Time
Before each burn, trim your cotton wick to about ¼ inch. It’s the single best way to reduce soot, keep the flame steady, and avoid that mushroom-like buildup at the tip. Too long, and your flame can dance too high, leading to uneven burning or excess smoke. Too short, and you risk a weak flame that can fizzle out. Get yourself a wick trimmer or just use scissors in a pinch.
ReCandle Co. Tip: We pre-trim all of our candle refills, but after the first burn, make sure to trim before each relight.
2. Let the Wax Pool
On your first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edge of the jar. This usually takes 3–4 hours, depending on the size of your candle. Skipping this step can lead to candle tunneling—a.k.a. when wax builds up on the sides and never fully melts down.
For proper candle care, always give your wax time to create a full melt pool. It sets the tone for every burn after.
3. Burn in 3–4 Hour Increments
Lighting your candle for 15 minutes here and there might seem harmless, but short burns are one of the fastest ways to ruin a candle. For best results, aim for 2 to 4 hour sessions. Long enough to fully melt the wax, but not so long that the wick gets too hot and starts misbehaving.
This is especially important with our soy wax refills—made to burn evenly with the right rhythm.
4. Keep It Clean + Safe
Candle essentials aren’t just about the burn—they’re also about the space around it. Keep your candle on a heat-safe surface, away from breezes (like open windows or vents), and never leave it unattended. Dust, pet hair, or debris in the wax? Gently remove it before lighting.
5. Stop Burning at ½ Inch
When there’s about ½ inch of wax left at the bottom, if you're using a refillable candle, like ReCandle Co., it’s time to swap in your next refill. Burning beyond that can overheat the base of the jar and may cause cracking (especially in glass candles). But thanks to our specialized soy wax formula, your ReCandle Co. refill will naturally pull away from the sides as it cools—making it easy to pop out and replace.
It’s zero waste candles at their finest.
Final Thought: Candle Care Is Self Care
Taking care of your candles isn’t just about protecting your purchase—it’s about turning your space into a sanctuary. Whether you're unwinding with Amber Noir after a long day or setting the mood with Mediterranean Fig, these small habits help your candle perform at its best.
Ready for your next clean burn? Check out our soy wax refills or try a candle subscription box so you never run out.