Favorite candle flaming out too fast? Here's how to make it last longer.

Imagine you've finally splurged on that fancy, fragrant candle you've been eyeing, envisioning months of cozy ambiance. But just as you're settling into a scene straight out of your cottagecore fantasies, the wick calls it quits before the wax, cutting its lifespan short. Or worse, the wax melts unevenly, leaving you with an expensive eyesore or a downright unusable candle. Sound familiar? The frustration is real!

However, don’t give up your candle obsession just yet. With a little extra care and the right tools, you can easily extend the longevity of your favorite candle and bid farewell to those candle catastrophes. From mastering the art of preventing tunneling and smoke to essential care and safety tips, we’re here to help you unlock the full potential of your candles so you can bask in their glow for months. Here’s all you need to know about how to properly care for candles so they last longer.

Watch the video above to learn how to care for candles so they last longer.

How to care for candles so they last longer

• Trim the Wick: Utilize a wick trimmer for a precise cut. While scissors can be used, a wick trimmer's design allows for better access to tricky areas, resulting in a cleaner cut.
• Proper Wick Length: Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to extend 1/4 inch above the wax. This prevents issues like smoking, crackling, and excess soot that can stain the candle.
• Even Burning: Light the candle for a minimum of 2 hours or until the wax melts evenly.
• Debris Control: Use a wick dipper to remove any debris that falls into the melted wax or to safely extinguish the flame.
• Addressing Tunneling: Tunneling is when a candle doesn't melt all the way around, leaving you with a rim of wax with a hole in the middle. If it occurs, wrap foil around the candle's top to melt the wax sticking to the wall of the container. Once softened, use the wick dipper to scrape the wax off the sides and into the center of the candle.
• Safe Extinguishing: Use a snuffer to extinguish your flame to prevent the release of smoke-related chemicals into the room.
• Alternative Extinguishing: In the absence of a snuffer, the candle's lid can be used to safely extinguish your flame and protect your room’s air quality.

More candle care tips

• Avoid Movement: Never move a candle while the wax is still hot to prevent the formation of uneven rings around the vessel.
• Safe Placement: Place the candle on a heat-resistant surface to ensure safety.
• Clear Surroundings: Remove any potentially flammable items from the candle's vicinity to prevent accidents.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Favorite candle flaming out too fast? Here's how to make it last longer.