A great candle deserves a little care. A few simple habits help your candle burn evenly, smell its best, and last as long as possible. Here's our candle care guide, plus how to choose the right size for every room.

The First Burn Matters Most

The first time you light a new candle, let it burn until the melted wax reaches all the way to the edge of the jar. A good rule of thumb is about one hour for every inch of the candle's width. Blowing it out too early can cause tunneling, where the wick burns straight down and leaves a wall of wax on the sides.

Trim the Wick Every Time

Before each burn, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A trimmed wick gives a cleaner, steadier flame and helps prevent soot on the jar.

Don't Burn Too Long

Limit each burn to about four hours. After that, let the candle cool completely before relighting it.

Mind the Placement

  • Keep candles away from drafts, fans, and open windows so the flame burns evenly.
  • Always set them on a heat-safe surface, like a ceramic tray or a sturdy coaster.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from children and pets.

Know When to Stop

When about 1/2 inch of wax is left in the bottom, it's time to retire your candle. Then clean out the jar and reuse it for makeup brushes, cotton swabs, or a small plant.

How to Choose the Right Candle Size

A Candle With a Purpose

A portion of proceeds from every Lampley candle supports CTE and thyroid disease research. You can go further by supporting our Pour It Forward campaign.

Looking for a simple way to make candle time part of your routine? Read how to create a calm home ritual.

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