You've just lit a beautiful new candle. It smells incredible. And then, a few burns later, you notice it: a narrow tunnel forming down the centre, walls of untouched wax climbing up the sides. Half your candle, wasted.
It's one of the most common candle frustrations, and almost entirely avoidable.
The truth is, how long a candle lasts has less to do with the price tag and more to do with how you burn it. Whether you have a CHF 19 Panier des Sens candle or a CHF 30 Pablo Pots piece on your shelf, these simple habits will make every burn better, and every candle last significantly longer.
So, how long should a candle last?
| Size | Weight | Expected burn time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 80–100 g | 20–30 hours |
| Medium | 180–200 g | 35–50 hours |
| Large | 280 g+ | 55–80 hours |
Estimates assume correct burning habits. Poor habits can cut burn time in half, good habits can stretch it well beyond the label.
The 5 Candle Care Rules That Actually Matter
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01
The First Burn Is Everything
Wax has memory. The way it melts on the very first burn sets the pattern for every burn that follows — if you extinguish it too soon, it will tunnel every single time after that.
The rule: let the candle burn until the entire surface has melted edge to edge. For a medium candle (around 200 g), this typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Don't rush it.
Planning a cosy evening? Light your new candle at the start, by the time you're ready for bed, it'll have set itself up perfectly. -
02
Trim Your Wick Before Every Burn
This is the single most impactful candle care habit, and most people skip it entirely.
A wick that's too long burns too hot, creates soot, and produces a flickering, uneven flame. Trim to about 5–6 mm (roughly ¼ inch) before every burn — including the very first one. Small scissors or nail clippers work perfectly.
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03
Never Burn for More Than 4 Hours at a Time
Longer isn't better. Burning beyond 4 hours causes the wick to develop a carbon "mushroom" at the tip, the wax pool gets too deep and hot, and you end up with excess soot and a diminished scent throw.
The sweet spot is 2 to 4 hours per session. After that, extinguish, let it cool completely, and trim before the next burn.
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04
Keep It Away from Drafts
A flickering flame isn't just atmospheric, it's a sign the candle is burning unevenly. Drafts from open windows, vents, or foot traffic cause the flame to lean, melting wax on one side faster than the other. Place your candle somewhere stable and still.
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05
Extinguish Properly, Don't Blow It Out
Blowing out a candle sends a plume of smoke into the room and can shift the wick off centre. Use a candle snuffer instead, or dip the wick briefly into the melted wax with a metal tool, then straighten it back up. Clean and centred, every time.
What to Do If Tunneling Has Already Started
Already got a tunnel? Don't give up. Try the foil method: wrap a piece of aluminium foil around the rim of the jar, leaving a small opening above the flame. The trapped heat will slowly melt the wax walls and reset the pool. It takes one full burn session, but it often saves the candle entirely.
The Candles Worth Taking Care Of
Candle care matters most when the candle itself is worth it. A few from our collection that reward a little attention:
Fresh and elegant, with a textured pot worth keeping long after the wax is gone.
Rich and complex, with warm amber depth, rewards slow, patient burning above all else.
Light and luminous, ideal for daytime burning where subtlety is everything.
Quick Reference: Candle Care Checklist
- First burn: let wax melt edge to edge, at least 2–3 hours
- Trim the wick to 5–6 mm before every single burn
- Burn for 2–4 hours per session, no longer
- Keep away from open windows, vents, and fans
- Extinguish with a snuffer, never blow it out
- Let the candle cool fully before relighting
- Stop burning when 1 cm of wax remains at the base
A good candle isn't just a purchase, it's a ritual. The scent that greets you at the door, the glow that signals the evening has started, the moment a room shifts from functional to felt.
A little care goes a long way toward making that last. Browse our full collection of candles and holders — or let our curated sets do the choosing for you.
