Seal Your Candle Jar to Preserve the Fragrance
After your scented candle has been used for the first time, sealing it properly is the key to maintaining its fragrance. Always place the lid back on the jar once the wax has cooled. This simple habit protects the essential oils inside the soy wax candles from dissipating and prevents dust or debris from settling on the surface. Most of our luxury candle jars at Karessa Candles come with snug-fitting lids designed specifically for this purpose—beautiful and functional storage in one.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place to Avoid Melting or Warping
Heat and sunlight are the enemies of wax integrity. Always store your hand poured candles in a cool, dark place—like a drawer, closet, or cupboard—when not in use. Extended exposure to direct sunlight or warm temperatures can cause softening, scent degradation, or even melting. If you want your candle to retain its scent and structure, temperature control is crucial. This is especially important for eco-friendly candles made from natural waxes, which are more sensitive to their environment.
Trim the Wick Before Every Use
One of the best ways to keep your candle performing well is to trim the wick before lighting it again. Even after the first use, blackened or mushroomed wicks can create soot or cause uneven burning. Use a wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn. This is a simple maintenance tip that ensures your best scented candles burn clean and beautifully every time. It also protects the wax from becoming murky or discolored, extending the overall life of your candle.
Keep the Wax Pool Clean and Even
After your first burn, it’s important to monitor how the candle cools and hardens. Make sure no matches, trimmings, or debris are left in the wax pool. These can become fire hazards or affect the fragrance quality. The wax surface should remain smooth and even, which also prevents tunneling. Many karessa candles are made in premium jars that encourage even burning, but your attention to small details ensures the best results every time. Clean wax means a cleaner burn and more consistent scent throw.
Don’t Move a Warm Candle
If you've just extinguished the flame, allow the jar to cool completely before moving it. Hot wax is fluid and unstable, and any shaking or tilting can cause the wick to shift off-center. A centered wick is critical for a uniform burn and maximized scent distribution throughout the room. When you invest in one of our beautiful candle gift ideas, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible—and proper care post-use is a big part of that.
