Winter is the season of cozy evenings, slower routines, and—let’s be honest—a lot of candle burning. With longer nights and colder days, candles often become part of our daily ritual. But if you’ve ever felt like your favorite candle burned too quickly, you’re not alone.
The good news? With a few simple habits (and the right type of candles), you can extend the life of your candles, improve burn quality, and get the most out of every jar.
Here’s how to make your candles last longer during those long winter nights.
1. Let Your Candle Fully Melt on the First Burn
The very first burn is the most important.
When lighting a candle for the first time, allow it to burn long enough for the entire top layer of wax to melt edge to edge. Allow 1/4" to 1/2" of melted wax to accummulate. This prevents tunneling, which wastes wax and shortens the overall burn time.
Pro tip:
For most soy candles, plan on 2–4 hours for the first burn, depending on the size of the candle.
2. Trim the Wick Every Time You Burn
A long wick causes:
- Faster wax consumption
- Soot buildup
- Flickering or uneven flames
Before each burn, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. This helps the candle burn slower, cleaner, and more evenly.
In winter, when candles are lit more frequently, this small step makes a big difference.
3. Avoid Burning Your Candle Too Long
It’s tempting to keep a candle burning all evening, especially on cold nights—but longer isn’t better.
Ideal burn time:
✔️ 2–4 hours per session
Burning longer can overheat the wax, reduce fragrance quality, and shorten the candle’s life. If you want scent all night, like I do, consider rotating candles or switching to wax melts later in the evening.
4. Keep Candles Away from Drafts
Winter drafts from doors, windows, and vents can cause candles to burn unevenly and faster than necessary.
For a longer-lasting burn:
- Place candles away from airflow
- Avoid setting them near fans or heat vents
- Choose a stable, flat surface
A steady flame = slower, more efficient wax use.
5. Use the Right Candle for the Right Space
Using a large candle in a small room (or vice versa) can affect burn time and performance. You wouldn't use a garden shovel to dig up your backyard, or a backhoe to turn over your garden. The same concept applies with candles and scent throw.
Best practice:
- Smaller rooms → smaller candles, such as votives
- Open spaces → larger candles or layering scent. For example, a candle lit on one side of a large room and a wax melter on the other side.
This ensures proper scent throw without over-burning a single candle.
6. Put the Lid Back On After Each Burn
Once your candle has cooled, placing the lid back on:
- Preserves fragrance
- Keeps dust out of the wax
- Helps the scent stay strong longer
This is especially helpful in winter when candles may sit unused for a day or two between burns.
7. Choose High-Quality, Clean-Burning Candles
Not all candles are created equal. Candle lifespan depends heavily on what it’s made from.
Soy candles, for example, typically burn:
- Slower
- Cooler
- Cleaner
- Longer than paraffin candles
They’re an excellent choice for winter candle lovers who burn frequently and want maximum value from each candle.
8. Why Our Candles Burn Longer
A longer-lasting candle isn’t an accident — it’s the result of thoughtful formulation and intentional craftsmanship. Every candle we pour is designed to burn slowly, evenly, and cleanly, so you can enjoy more quiet moments without rushing to relight.
100% Soy Wax for a Slower, Cleaner Burn
We use 100% soy wax because it naturally burns cooler than paraffin. That slower burn means your candle lasts longer while producing less soot, creating a more comfortable experience for long evenings spent at home.
Properly Sized, Lead-Free Cotton Wicks
The wick plays a critical role in how a candle burns. Our cotton wicks are completely lead-free and carefully sized to each specific jar. This ensures an even melt pool, prevents tunneling, and allows the candle to burn at the right pace — not too fast, not too weak.
Clean Fragrance Oils That Don’t Overwork the Wick
We use clean fragrance oils that are thoughtfully blended and never overloaded. This helps maintain a steady flame and consistent burn, so your candle performs beautifully from the first light to the last — without smoking or clogging the wick.
Balanced Formulation, Poured with Intention
Burn time isn’t about cutting corners or over-wicking. It’s about balance. By pairing the right wax, wick, and fragrance level, we create candles that burn efficiently and evenly, giving you more hours of warmth, ambiance, and calm during the longest nights of the year.
Make the Most of Every Cozy Winter Evening
Candles are more than just fragrance—they’re part of how we slow down, unwind, and make winter feel warmer. With proper care, your favorite candles can last longer, burn better, and stay beautiful through the entire season.
When you’re ready to settle in for the season, explore our current candle collections—each thoughtfully crafted to burn longer, cleaner, and more evenly through winter’s longest nights.