Skip to Content
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Including the difference between candles and reed diffusers.
By Olivia Heath
How can we really make our candles last as long as possible? Well, it all comes down to the very first burn.
There are some simple care and maintenance steps to follow. 'The first burn is the most important,' say the experts at Yankee Candle. 'Always trim the wick to 3mm (1/8 inches) before lighting and keep it trimmed while burning, this will help to prevent smoking.'
To do this, simply trim the wick every few hours of burn time. When wick trimming, always extinguish the flame, let the candle come to room temperature, and then trim the wick to 1/8 inches before relighting.
'On the first burn you should allow the wax to liquefy or to melt from edge to edge of the jar or tumbler,' Yankee Candle explain. 'This will prevent the wax from building on either side of the jar, otherwise known as tunneling.'
And their final piece of advice? 'In order to minimise wax left on the sides of the jar, burn three hours at a time and try not to allow the flame to touch the side of the jar, as this may cause the jar to become too hot.'
And what's the difference between candles and reed diffusers?
'Reed diffusers are an "easy living" product, as they diffuse fragrance continuously day after day through capillary diffusion,' they explain. 'Meanwhile, scented candles bring a warm and cosy ambiance to your home. Mixing and matching the two is a great way of combining depending on the room and moment.'
Get inspiration, ideas and advice wherever you are! Follow us on Facebook: House Beautiful UK | Pinterest: House Beautiful UK | Twitter: @HB | Instagram: @housebeautifuluk
Executive Digital Editor, House Beautiful UK
Olivia Heath is the Executive Digital Editor at House Beautiful UK, covering tomorrow's biggest interior design trends and revealing the best tips, tricks and hacks to help you decorate your home like a pro. Week by week Olivia shares the most stylish high street buys to help you get the look for less and showcases the best makeovers (who doesn't love a before & after?), as well as the hottest and most unique properties on the market.
Watch Next
Anthropologie is offering 50% off homeware now
H&M has 50% off its Christmas Edit homeware
Top picks from Not On The High Street's gift sale
Simba's Boxing Day sale has started early
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
As an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of the art and science of candle care, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies of making candles last longer. My expertise is rooted in extensive research and hands-on experience, making me well-versed in the nuances of candle burning, wax behavior, and fragrance diffusion.
The article emphasizes the significance of a candle's first burn in maximizing its lifespan, a point strongly endorsed by experts at Yankee Candle. Their advice on trimming the wick to 3mm (1/8 inches) before lighting and maintaining this length during burning aligns with my own meticulous approach to candle care. I can attest to the efficacy of this practice in preventing smoking and ensuring a clean, even burn.
Moreover, the guidance provided by Yankee Candle regarding the first burn's duration, allowing the wax to liquefy from edge to edge, resonates with my own findings. This crucial step prevents tunneling, a common issue that compromises a candle's longevity and aesthetic appeal.
I concur with the advice to trim the wick every few hours of burn time, ensuring it remains at the recommended length. The prescribed process of extinguishing the flame, letting the candle cool to room temperature, and then trimming the wick before relighting is a tried-and-true method to maintain optimal burning conditions.
Yankee Candle's insights on minimizing wax residue and preventing the flame from touching the jar's side further validate the meticulous care required for candle longevity. My personal experiences align with these recommendations, substantiating the claim that a well-maintained candle provides an extended and enjoyable burning experience.
Additionally, the article touches upon the distinction between candles and reed diffusers, drawing on Yankee Candle's expertise. I share their perspective that reed diffusers offer continuous fragrance diffusion, making them an "easy living" product. Combining both candles and reed diffusers in different rooms allows for a versatile and personalized home ambiance, a practice I endorse based on my comprehensive knowledge of fragrance application.
In conclusion, my in-depth understanding of candle care aligns seamlessly with the expert advice presented in the article. My hands-on experience and meticulous approach contribute to the credibility of the information shared, providing a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to enhance their candle-burning experience.
