How to Care for Your Candles This Holiday Season: Essential Tips from Moodlight Candle Co.

Candles are an essential part of creating a cozy, inviting holiday atmosphere, adding both warmth and an unforgettable ambiance to any space. To get the most out of your candles this season, it’s important to know how to care for them so they burn longer, cleaner, and safely. Here at Moodlight Candle Co., we’re sharing our top tips on how to care for your candles this holiday season, helping you keep your home glowing with mood and style.

1. The Importance of Trimming the Wick

One of the simplest ways to care for your candles is to keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each burn. A trimmed wick helps the candle burn evenly, reduces excess soot, and prevents the flame from getting too high. This easy step also extends your candle’s lifespan, so you can enjoy your favorite holiday scents even longer.

2. Let It Burn Long Enough to Create a Full Melt Pool

For the first burn, and any time you light your candle, let it burn long enough to create a full melt pool—where the wax has melted all the way to the edges of the container. This prevents “tunneling,” which is when a candle burns down the middle and leaves wax along the sides, shortening the candle’s life. For most candles, this takes about 2-3 hours.

3. Avoid Drafty Spaces

Candles should always be placed in a stable location away from drafts, as breezes can cause uneven burning, excess smoke, or even a dangerous situation with the flame. Choose a sheltered spot that keeps your candle safe while creating the ideal environment for an even burn.

4. Keep the Wax Clean

A clean candle is a happy candle! Make sure to keep the wax free of debris, like wick trimmings or match bits, which can interfere with the flame and cause soot or excess smoke. Gently remove any debris before lighting to ensure a cleaner, safer burn.

5. Follow Recommended Burn Times

Each candle has an optimal burn time; we recommend no more than 4 hours per session. Allowing your candle to burn too long can cause the wick to “mushroom” and lead to soot. Extinguish the candle and let it cool before trimming the wick and re-lighting it for the next use.

6. Extinguish Your Candle Safely

Blowing out a candle can sometimes scatter wax or cause smoking, which isn’t ideal—especially in your beautifully decorated holiday home. Instead, use a candle snuffer for a gentle, smoke-free way to extinguish the flame. Alternatively, a gentle dip of the wick into the wax (using a wick dipper) is another clean method.

7. Store Candles Properly When Not in Use

Between burns, store your candles in a cool, dry place to preserve their fragrance and prevent dust from settling on the wax. If you plan to put away seasonal candles until next year, consider wrapping them in a cloth or storing them in a box to keep them fresh and protected.

Elevate Your Holiday Season with Candle Care

Taking these simple steps to care for your candles will help you enjoy them to their fullest, allowing each unique scent to shine and elevate your home’s holiday ambiance. From trimming the wick to storing them safely, these tips are all you need to create a cozy, mood-filled season with ease. Light up your space with the best of Moodlight Candle Co.—where every candle is designed to set the mood, beautifully.