Candles do more than scent a room — they soften a space, shift a mood, and add a subtle glow that turns the everyday into something special. But even the most devoted candle lovers can unknowingly shorten the life of their favorite scents with a few common habits.
Not to worry — we’re here to help. With just a little care and intention, your candles will burn longer, cleaner, and more beautifully. Here are four candle mistakes to avoid (and how to enjoy your candles to the fullest):
1. Not Burning Long Enough the First Time
The very first burn sets the tone for the life of your candle. Let it be a slow one.
When lighting a new candle, allow it to burn until the entire top layer of wax has melted edge to edge — usually about 3 to 4 hours. This creates a full “melt pool,” which helps the candle burn evenly in the future and prevents tunneling (when wax clings to the sides, leaving a deep well in the center).
A note on our wax: Because our natural coconut wax blend is slow-burning and toxin-free, you may notice a bit of wax hang-up along the sides of the vessel during early burns. Don’t worry — it will gradually catch up and melt away as the candle warms throughout use.
2. Neglecting the Wick
A well-trimmed wick is the secret to a clean, even burn.
Before each use, trim your wick to approximately ⅛" using a wick trimmer or clean scissors. This simple ritual helps prevent soot, overheating, and flickering. Left untrimmed, the wick can mushroom, leading to a flame that’s too high — and a candle that burns too quickly.
Both our FSC-certified wood wicks and braided cotton wicks respond beautifully to regular care.
3. Placing Candles in Drafty Areas
Even the most luxurious candle can struggle in a breeze.
Keep your candles away from open windows, ceiling fans, and A/C vents. Air currents can cause the flame to flicker, which leads to uneven burning, excess smoke, and shorter candle life.
Pro tip: If your flame is dancing in any direction other than straight upward, there’s likely a draft nearby.
4. Burning for Too Long — or Unattended
As relaxing as a long burn can be, candles do need boundaries.
We recommend burning your candle for no more than 4 hours at a time. Any longer, and the wick may grow too long, causing the flame to overheat the wax and reduce overall burn time. Alternating between candles is a lovely way to enjoy a continuous glow while giving each one the care it deserves.
And of course, never leave a burning candle unattended. It's a timeless rule that protects your home and your peace of mind.
Burn Beautifully
A little extra attention goes a long way. By tending to your candle’s wick, placement, and burn time, you extend its life — and deepen the sensory experience it offers.
At Simply Bare, we believe candles should be both beautiful and clean-burning. With the right care, yours will glow gently, scent the air with intention, and make every moment feel just a bit more special.
