There’s something undeniably comforting about lighting a candle. The soft flicker, the subtle scent, the immediate shift in ambiance — candles have a quiet power to transform a moment. But if you’ve ever felt like your candle didn’t last as long as it should, you’re not alone.

Proper candle care is the key to getting the most out of your candle, not just in terms of longevity, but also performance, safety, and scent throw. Here are our top tips to keep your candle burning beautifully every time:

1. Let It Burn (The First Time Matters Most) Your candle has a memory. The first time you light it, let it burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt to the edges of the vessel. This can take 2-4 hours, depending on the size. Doing this helps prevent “tunneling,” where wax builds up around the sides and leaves a well down the middle.
2. Trim the Wick Before each burn, trim your wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick gives a steadier flame and reduces soot. Long or mushroomed wicks can cause uneven burns, smoke, and even glass overheating.
3. Don’t Burn for Too Long While it’s tempting to keep the glow going all night, try not to burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. This preserves the wick and prevents the jar from overheating or the wax from degrading.
4. Keep It Clean Make sure your candle is free from debris like matches or burnt wick bits. These can catch fire or affect how evenly the candle burns.
5. Burn It in a Safe Spot Always place your candle on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts and flammable objects. A steady environment ensures a consistent burn.
6. Store With Care If you’re not using your candle for a while, store it with the lid on (if it has one) and away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can fade the scent and discolor the wax.
7. Stop at the Bottom When about 1/2 inch of wax remains, it’s time to retire the candle. Burning lower can risk overheating the jar or damaging the surface it sits on.

A Little Ritual Goes a Long Way Taking care of your candle is more than just maintenance; it’s a small act of mindfulness. Each trim, each thoughtful burn adds to the experience. Our O Factory candles are crafted to offer moments of presence and peace, and with a little love, they’ll return the favor tenfold.

Light well, burn mindfully, and embrace your O moment.