There isn’t one problem a candle can’t fix. Had a bad day at work? Get yourself a lavender-infused option. Want to have a romantic night with your beau? Light up a few vanilla-scented ones. The power just went out? Candles, candles, candles.
But isn’t it disappointing when they burn too quickly? You can spend over $400 to get your candle soulmate, only for it to last you three to five days. So, what to do? Quit buying candles or say a few quick prayers to the candle gods?
None of the above.
According to the experts, all you need to do is follow these simple tips to ensure your $$$ candles last you more than a week.
And, the best part?
Most of these hacks require items you already have in your house, like salt and aluminum foil.
Freeze Em Candles
If you want your candle to burn more slowly, consider sticking it in the freezer for a few hours before lighting it up. It makes the wax harder, which equals more burning time.
There’s no time limit for how long you should keep it in the freezer, but the larger it is, the longer it’ll require to harden.
Work The Wick Like A Pro
While scent usually matters, the best and most expensive candles are only as incredible as their wick. This means you need to take care of the wick if you want your $$$ pick to last you more than a week.
1. Trimming The Wick Works Like Magic
If your wick has a ‘mushroom top,’ you need to trim that off before lighting it up again. This is because a big, untrimmed wick means a big flame, and a big flame means your $$$ candle will burn up way faster.
Also, a big wick can trigger tunneling and create more soot build-up at the top of the container. As a good rule of thumb, ensure to trim the wick down to a quarter of an inch in length before lighting it.
You should do this after four hours of burn time, but ensure it completely cools down because it’s much safer to trim the wick when the wax pool has hardened.
2. Straighten The Wick Every. Damn. Time
To keep the candle burning even, straighten it up and down after each session. If it seems like it’s leaning on one side, give it a little nudge (adjustment) – once it’s cooled down.
Grandma Was Right. Aluminum Foil Fixes Everything
If you’ve already ignored the tips mentioned above (we see you) and are still dealing with uneven wax pile-up, it’s not too late.
Just grab some aluminum foil and fold it lengthwise four to five times to make a long strip. Wrap the foil around the outside of the candle jar, leave it there, allow it to burn, and voila! You’ll have a perfectly even candle in no time.
If you’re still struggling with tunneling issues, using a candle warmer lamp is another incredible solution.
Salt Doesn’t Just Ward Off Evil Spirits
Salt? Really? Yes, sis. A pinch of salt added to the melted wax after you’ve blown it out can help prolong your watermelon lemonade candle’s burn time.
And ensure to use a toothpick, chopstick, or whatever to quickly and gently stir in the salt. This will slow down the burn the next time you light your candle.
Commit To The Burn – Up Until 4 Hours
Burning your candle for just a few minutes at a time is a big no. This way, you end up melting the wax at the center near the wick, leaving the outer edges untouched since they don’t get the chance to get all hot and melty.
So, to avoid this, ensure you burn it for around four hours; this way, the entire top layer of the wax will be evenly melted.
ECT’s Favorite Candles To Burn During The Fall Season
Hearth & Hand™ With Magnolia Speckled Ceramic Willow Jar Candle Tonal Cream, $13
Warm, woodsy, and rich, this forest-inspired fall candle instantly helps create an inviting ambiance.
And poured in a fluted cream container with tiny brown speckles, this Magnolia scented jar adds a sweet decorative accent to your Thanksgiving spread, foyer table, and mantel.
Being Frenshe Reset Candle with Essential Oils to Calm & Relax, $11
We’re gonna go ahead and apologize rn coz you’re going to want to get yourself all of Being Freshne candles.
Start with this option infused with a dreamy combination of calm lavender and sage blended with coconut and purple iris that envelop you in moments of calm and zen.
Beloved Brown Sugar and Toasted Almond 2-Wick Candle, $15
If you’re into the sweeter things in life, you’ll love this pick from Target with a delicate blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a kick of nutmeg.
