Why is my candle burning too fast?
If your candle is disappearing faster than expected, you might be:
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Burning it for too short or too long
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Not trimming the wick
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Burning it in a drafty area
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Using low-quality wax or wick
At Karessa Candles, our hand-poured soy wax candles are made for long, clean burns—but even the best candles need proper care to reach their full potential.
How do I increase the burn time of my candle?
Here are expert tips to extend the life of your candle:
1. Trim the wick before each burn
Keep the wick around 1/4 inch long. This prevents the flame from getting too large and consuming wax too quickly.
Try this tip with our cotton wick soy candles that are designed for a consistent, clean flame.
2. Let the wax melt to the edges on every burn
This is called the full melt pool and helps avoid tunneling—a common cause of wasted wax and shorter candle life.
Tip: The first burn is the most important. Let it melt edge to edge the first time, even if it takes 2-3 hours.
Our wide candle jars make it easier to form even melt pools.
3. Burn your candle in short, consistent sessions
Aim for 1.5 to 3 hours per session. Burning too short causes tunneling; burning too long can overheat the wax and burn it too fast.
Check out our gift hampers for curated candle sets ideal for evening rituals or short self-care sessions.
4. Avoid fans, open windows, and AC vents
Drafts make flames flicker, causing uneven burning and faster wax use. Keep candles in a stable, enclosed spot for best performance.
5. Cover the candle when not in use
Use a lid or cover to keep the wax clean and preserve the fragrance oils. Dust or debris in the wax can interfere with the wick and create a messy burn.
Karessa Candle jars often come with elegant lids to protect both wax and aroma.
6. Use a candle snuffer instead of blowing it out
Blowing out the flame can shift the wick or create excess smoke. A snuffer gently extinguishes the flame while keeping the wick centered.
7. Choose high-quality candles with slow-burning wax
Soy wax burns more slowly and evenly than paraffin. At Karessa, our candles are made with premium soy blends, cotton wicks, and essential oil infusions for maximum performance and aroma.
Explore our full scented candle collection for long-lasting, clean-burning options.
Final Thoughts
A few small habits can make a big difference in how long your candle lasts. If you love the soft glow and soothing aroma of candles, treat them right—and they’ll reward you with many cozy hours of light.
Looking for candles that are built to last? Shop Karessa Candles for beautifully crafted, long-burning candles.
