Candles are a popular decorative accessory, especially in the cooler and cozier fall and winter seasons. Candles are available in so many different shapes and sizes. They are even incorporated into elaborate floral displays to form stunning candelabras. Did you know that the way you burn a candle can help it burn cleaner and for longer? Here are some of my favorite candle burning tips.

Wick Trimming

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when burning a candle is not trimming the wick properly. Before you light your candle, take a look at the wick. An ideal wick is 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle. If your wick is longer, trim it with a pair of scissors.

Prolong the Life of Your Candle

If you light your candle and keep it burning for an extended period of time, you drastically cut down on the overall burn time of the candle. The ideal amount of time that you should allow a candle to burn is dependent upon the size of the candle. Most candles are able to burn for three to four hours before they need blown out and allowed to cool down again.

If your candle has a very large diameter, they will burn longer and retain their shape best if they are lighted for no more than 2 hours at a time. This is how you get that beautiful glow-from-inside look. Make those large-diameter candles last even longer by placing a tea light or votive inside the candle once it has already burned down to create a deep recess.

Fixing Lopsided Candles

Have you ever noticed that your candle is burning more on one side than the other? There is a simple explanation for this – a draft in the house. Counteract the effect by rotating the candle a quarter of a turn periodically as it is burning.

Final Tip:

Around the holidays we love using large quantities of votive candles. When you are placing a votive in a glass holder, add a small amount of water to the bottom of the holder. The presence of the water at the base of the candle will help you remove the burned candle from the reusable holder later.