There’s nothing more disappointing than lighting a brand-new candle just to see it tunnel or burn unevenly after only a few hours. We understand how frustrating it is to invest in something special, only to watch it disappear too quickly.
The great news? A few simple habits can keep your candles burning beautifully and lasting longer. It’s all about having the right tools, knowing when and how to trim the wick, and understanding optimal burn times, without the fuss.
If you cherish meaningful rituals like scenting your space or gifting with heart, we truly get you. At Scarlet & Grace, we’re here to help you savor every moment with candles crafted in Australia, designed for pure enjoyment and genuine care.
Daily Candle Care Basics
Key habits for daily use
Ever noticed a candle burning unevenly or smoking oddly? That’s where habits shine. We always trim the wick to about 5mm before lighting - it stops the flame from flaring up and wasting wax.
Then, we let the wax melt fully to the jar’s edges. This prevents tunnelling and gives you more hours of fragrance. Starting right makes every candle from our Gippsland studio live up to its promise.
Correct first burn practices
The first burn decides your candle’s future. If the wax doesn’t melt edge-to-edge the first time, it’s likely to tunnel later. So we recommend letting your candle burn for at least 2–3 hours on its debut outing.
This sets a full wax memory and helps every drop get used up evenly - something our soy formulas are made for.
Storage conditions that help
Sunlight, heat, and moisture do more harm than good. Keep your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. A cupboard or drawer will do just fine, and if your candle comes with a lid - use it.
We pour all Scarlet and Grace candles with care, and a little storage discipline keeps their scents vivid and wax smooth.
Reinforcing daily routine
It’s easier than you think to make this a routine. Create a mini checklist - trim, check burn time, and relid. If your candle’s near a window or fan, move it out of the draft zone. These habits can turn every session into a calm ritual.
We burn ours daily in the workshop and these simple steps keep them flawless.
Essential Candle Care Tools
Must-have maintenance equipment
Like any good craft, you need the right tools. Wick trimmers keep cuts clean and safe, avoiding messy breakage.
Snuffers and wick dippers help put out the flame without splattering wax or blowing smoke. We include these in our care kits because they help preserve candles and keep burn quality consistent.
Advanced tools for enthusiasts
For candle lovers who want the full kit experience, wax melters and refill containers are a smart option.
A wax melter revives leftovers while reloadable jars let you reuse favourites without buying new vessels. We love seeing loyal customers reuse our beautiful glass jars in creative ways.
Creating your own care kit
Gather your trimmer, snuffer, lighter, and a damp cloth - all in one box. Label them by candle types, especially if you have a mix of jars, pillars, or tealights. A kit helps you stay organised and makes lighting a calming experience.
Specialist accessories that help
If you’ve had crooked burns or dripping wax, accessories come to the rescue. Wick holders keep flames upright, while wax catchers protect furniture from spills.
We’ve designed our accessories to work seamlessly with Scarlet and Grace candles, blending function with elegance.
Best Burning Practices
Optimising burn time
Nothing wastes a candle faster than constant drafts or inconsistent burns. Burn for 2–4 hours at a time so the wax melts properly and your space fills with fragrance.
Move candles away from fans or open windows. A steady, upright flame is key to making every Scarlet and Grace scent linger longer.
Managing flame quality
Wicks can drift or lean with time. If yours starts dancing wildly, gently adjust it once it has cooled. Never move a lit candle - it’s unsafe and shifts the wax, ruining future burns. A still, calm flame is what you want.
Wick trimming technique
Use a wick trimmer and slice to 5mm before every burn. Always discard burnt wick bits - they’ll fall into the wax pool and affect the flame’s shape. These steps take seconds but extend candle life by hours.
Extinguishing safely
Blowing candles out sends soot and wax flying. Use a snuffer for a gentle, smokeless finish. If you don’t have one, a wick dipper folds the flame into wax for a smooth exit.
Solutions to Common Candle Issues
Fixing tunnelling
Tunnelling’s a common issue, but easy to fix. Wrap foil around the rim and leave a hole in the middle - this heat trap evens out wax. Next time, burn longer so the wax catches up.
Smoke and soot prevention
Soot stains jars and reduces air quality. Keep wicks trimmed and burn away from dusty areas. Use clean-burning soy wax like ours to avoid chemical smoke.
Troubleshooting poor performance
If your candle’s flickering oddly or smells faint, it needs refreshing. Melt the top layer gently or re-centre the wick if it’s tilted. Simple fixes can rescue even older favourites.
Mistakes to avoid
Never burn a candle for over 4 hours - it spoils the wax structure. Scraping built-up wax with sharp tools ruins the jar. Instead, melt gently and wipe when soft.
Scent and Aesthetic Preservation
Protecting fragrance quality
Air exposure dulls scent. Use a tight-fitting lid or cover and avoid leaving your candle on display too long between uses.
At Scarlet and Grace, our fragrance blends are delicate - treat them kindly and they’ll stay true.
Preventing aesthetic decay
Moisture warps wax and even fades colour. Store candles upright and far from humid spots like the bathroom. Our hand-poured soy remains stable with proper housing.
Supporting wax consistency
Frequent re-lighting messes with the wax pool and causes uneven floors. Let soy wax cool completely before lighting again. This keeps texture smooth and melts consistent across burns.
Stopping colour fade
Sunlight drains colour from even the richest tints. Keep your candles in shaded areas, and choose quality dyes only - like we do.
Storage and Reuse Tips
Smart storage practices
Label your candles and jot down the date first burned. Store in airtight jars when possible - it helps preserve both scent and wax longer.
Reusing vessels
Once the wax is gone, don’t toss the jar. A soak in warm water lifts leftover wax so the jar can become a planter, pen holder or a tea cup again. We design our containers with beauty in mind - reuse is part of their charm.
Leftover wax tips
Don’t waste leftover wax. Melt and pour into silicone moulds to make your own wax melts. You can also combine similar scents for a new blend.
Extend shelf life
Rotate your candles rather than burning the same one daily. Avoid storing them near heaters or air-conditioning units - fluctuating temperatures degrade scent and structure.
Safety and Environmentally Safe Candle Use
Safe indoor burning
Never leave candles unattended - especially near pets or kids. Even our clean-burning soy wax isn’t safe around wagging tails or climbing hands.
Candle care and health
We use only natural soy wax and essential oil blends to keep your air as pure as possible. Avoid candles overloaded with synthetic fragrances - they often trigger allergies and head discomfort.
Eco-conscious care routines
We believe in care that’s kind to the planet too. Reusable tools, soy wax, and recyclable packaging make your candle moments greener. Our entire process, from wick to wax to boxing, supports sustainability.
Reducing personal exposure
Ventilate when burning, especially in small rooms. Choose candles with clean-burning labels like ours for peace of mind.
Special Candle Types and Situations
Caring for non-standard shapes
Pillar candles need to burn out to the edges to avoid deep tunnelling. Place teacup candles on heat-safe surfaces and never pick them up while hot.
Managing multi-wick or oversized candles
Trim each wick the same length and light all at once. Rotate these candles while burning to ensure even melting across the surface.
Environmental considerations
In warmer rooms, limit your burn sessions since wax softens quickly. In cooler months, give extra cooling time before relighting.
Supporting unique containers
Don’t soak decorated candle holders - water can discolour or warp them. Keep compatible lids close to each matching vessel.
Expert-Level Candle Longevity Tips
Stretching lifespan efficiently
Instead of relighting the same candle repeatedly, use a few in rotation. Let wax settle completely before the next use to avoid tunnelling.
Aromatic retention hacks
Always pop the lid on after use, and avoid storing in open areas. Candle covers preserve scent strength - especially vital with delicate blends like our Lotus Flower or Egyptian Oudh.
Flame supervision essentials
Set reminders to burn for no more than four hours. Use breaks to help wax settle and to give yourself time to enjoy the scent.
Industry expert pointers
We use quality wicks and wax to give reliable burn behaviour. Stick to guided burn times printed on our packaging to make the most of every gram.
FAQs
What is the best way to relight a candle?
Trim the wick to 5mm, remove old wick bits, then light near the base gently for a clean start.
How do I clean soot from containers effectively?
Wipe the glass with a soft damp cloth while the jar is slightly warm. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Can I repair a broken candle?
If it’s snapped or crumbled, melt the wax and reshape it in a heat-resistant mould or reuse as wax melts.
What tools help prevent wax splatter?
Use candle snuffers, wick dippers, and make sure the candle sits on a heat-safe, level surface.
How should I transport candles during a move?
Wrap each in tissue or cloth, store upright in sturdy boxes, and avoid temperature extremes while in transit.
When Your Candle Fades Too Fast, It’s Not Just the Wax That’s Wasted
Every flicker should count, but too often it feels like we’re rushing through candles that barely make it through dinner. It's not just about the scent - it’s about the moment, the calm, the care that feels cut short.
With the right tools and simple habits, your candles can last longer, burn cleaner, and throw their fragrance further. It’s not complicated - just thoughtful, mindful care that turns each burn into something truly satisfying.
At Scarlet and Grace, we pour every candle with purpose and knowledge, so your flame never falls flat. Try our natural soy wax candles and let your senses linger longer where they belong - at home.
Explore our range and take better care of your moments here.