A favorite candle does more than add fragrance. It sets the mood for a quiet evening, makes a gathering feel welcoming, and brings a little personality to your home.
A few simple habits help you enjoy that experience. Whether you love a classic cotton wick or the atmosphere of a wooden wick, here’s how to care for your candle from the first light to its final burn.
Start with your candle’s care instructions
Check the label before lighting. Wick styles, wax blends, and containers vary, so the instructions supplied with your particular candle always come first.
Remove the lid and any packaging, then check that the container is intact and the wax is free of loose debris.
Give the first burn time to develop
A rushed first burn can leave a ring of unmelted wax around the edge. Repeated short burns may deepen that center well, commonly called tunneling.
Choose a time when you can stay nearby and let the melt pool spread evenly across the surface, following the candle’s directions. Don’t extend the burn past its stated limit just to reach the sides.
As a general ceiling, burn for no more than four hours at a time—or less if the label specifies—and allow at least two hours of cooling before relighting.
Care for the wick before relighting
Cotton wicks: With the candle cool and the wax solid, trim the wick to approximately ¼ inch unless its instructions specify otherwise. Remove the clipping before lighting.
Wooden wicks: Follow your candle’s specific trimming instructions. Once it has cooled completely, gently remove loose charred material from the burned tip and clear it from the wax. Avoid cutting into unburned wood or trimming so far that the wick becomes difficult to light.
A wick trimmer makes this small ritual easy. Always do wick maintenance with the flame out.
Choose a safe place to enjoy the glow
Set your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, at least 12 inches from curtains, paper, greenery, and anything else that can burn. Keep it away from children, pets, fans, and open windows.
Stay in the room while it burns. Put it out before leaving or going to sleep, and never move a candle while it is lit or the wax is liquid.
Watch for changes in the flame
Persistent smoke, strong flickering, or an unusually tall flame means it’s time to extinguish the candle. After it cools, check for drafts, debris, and a wick that needs attention before considering another burn.
If the problem returns, stop using the candle. A damaged or cracked jar should never be relit.
Put it out gently—and know when to stop
Use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame, taking care not to splash wax. Never use water to extinguish a candle.
Stop burning a container candle when about ½ inch of wax remains, or sooner if its label directs. That remaining wax is a safety buffer, not a challenge to use every last drop.
Store it for your next cozy evening
Once fully cool, replace the lid if provided. Keep candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the wax protected from dust.
Rotating fragrances can make everyday moments feel special: a warm scent for autumn evenings, a festive favorite for holiday gatherings, or something fresh when you’re ready for a change.
Find your next favorite fragrance
Ready to set the mood? Explore our candle collection and choose a fragrance that feels like you. For cozy fall evenings, discover the Pumpkin Spice Candle.
Have a question about caring for your Lit Apothecary candle? Visit our Help page—we’re happy to help.
Style Is Within Reach.
General safety guidance: National Candle Association Candle Safety Tips and Guide to Burning a Candle Correctly. Always follow the instructions supplied with your candle.