How to Make Your Scented Candle Last Longer

Why do scented candles burn out so quickly?

If your favorite scented candle isn’t lasting as long as you expected, you're not alone. Improper candle care, poor-quality wax, or environmental factors can reduce its life. The good news? With just a few mindful steps, you can make every burn count.

At Karessa Candles, we handcraft candles using premium soy wax and cotton wicks to help you enjoy longer, cleaner burns. But how you use them matters too.

What are the best ways to make a candle last longer?

Here are proven, simple steps to extend your candle’s lifespan without sacrificing fragrance or ambiance:

1. Trim the wick every time you burn it

Keeping the wick at 1/4 inch is essential. A long wick causes a larger flame, which burns wax faster and creates smoke.

Our cotton wick soy candles are designed to perform best when trimmed regularly.

2. Burn until a full melt pool forms

Allow your candle to burn long enough for the melted wax to reach the edges of the jar. This usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours.

✅ Why it works:

• Prevents tunneling (which wastes wax)

• Sets a healthy "memory" for future burns

Try this with our wide and deep candle jars, made for balanced melting.

3. Avoid overburning

Extending burn time beyond 4 hours may cause the jar to overheat, burn off fragrance oils too fast, or make the wick mushroom.

💡 Tip: Set a timer for each burn session for optimal performance and scent throw.

4. Burn your candle in a calm, draft-free area

Airflow from fans or windows causes flickering, leading to uneven melting and faster wax consumption.

📍 Place your home fragrance candle on a level surface away from moving air.

5. Use a lid or cover when not in use

Covering your candle prevents dust from settling in the wax, preserves the scent, and keeps the surface clean for a better next burn.

Many of our gift hampers include candles with reusable lids for both style and protection.

6. Use the right candle for the right space

Larger rooms need larger candles with multiple wicks, while smaller rooms benefit from single-wick jars. This helps avoid overuse and ensures efficient burning.

Discover room-specific options in our collection of scented candles.

Final Thoughts

Making your scented candle last longer is all about small, smart habits. From trimming the wick to protecting the wax, each action adds hours of enjoyment to your candle’s life. And when your candle is made with love and quality—like those at Karessa Candles—you’ll want every moment to count.