Candle Care Tips

How to Keep Your Flame Alive (Literally!)

Candles are delicate creatures — especially those made with natural ingredients, no synthetic additives, and absolutely no petroleum (we don’t do toxic love stories here).And like all good things in life, they need a little TLC to shine their brightest.

Whether you’ve just poured your own at one of our Vela Studio workshops or bought a natural candle from another maker, here’s how to keep your flame happy, safe, and gorgeous from the first burn to the last drop of wax.

✨ Safety First

The first and most important thing to remember is that candles aren’t meant to be left alone. A burning candle is a whole vibe, but she still needs supervision. Never walk away while it’s lit, and always keep it away from anything flammable. Fire hazards are never cute. The same goes for curious pets and little humans—candles aren’t snacks, no matter how good they smell.

🌙 Storing Your Candle — Give Her a Cozy Home

Your candle deserves better than a sun-soaked shelf or a drafty vent. Keep her in a cool, dark place to prevent premature aging. Heat, direct light, or breezy spots? Total enemies.

Properly stored, your natural candle will stay fresh and fragrant for up to 12–16 months. Treat her right, and she’ll love you back.

🔥 First Burn = First Impressions (It Matters!)

That first burn is everything and truly sets the tone for the entire life of your candle.

For your first burn, you should let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the container to create a full even wax pool (which is about 1–3 hours depending on the size of the candle). Candles, like elephants, have an excellent memory and will remember the shape they had when they were blown out. This will cause your candle to tunnel, causing an uneven melt where the wax near the edges never melts. Slow and steady wins the candle game.

Note: If you made your own candle, patience is key - your candle needs time to cure properly before it's ready to shine. The exact curing time can vary depending on the type of wax, but a good rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours after pouring, and ideally up to two weeks, before lighting it.

⏳ Every Burn Should Be at Least 1-2 Hours

Every burn should last at least one to two hours to let the wax pool evenly and fully release its fragrance. If you light it for just a quick half-hour, you’ll end up with weak scent throw and a sad, uneven surface.

💨 Keep Her Away from Drafts & Drama

A flickering flame might look cute, but drafts make your candle burn unevenly. Windy windows, fans, vents? No thanks. Find her a stable, cozy corner where she can shine uninterrupted.

✂️ Trim That Wick

Wick care is another small but important ritual. Before each burn, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch. A long wick with a “mushroom top” can produce excess smoke, soot, and drips, all of which make for a less clean burn. A quick trim keeps things smooth and elegant.

😮‍💨 Blow It Out? Nope. Snuff It Out!

When it’s time to put the flame out, blowing directly on the wick isn’t the best option. That often leads to splattered wax and that smoky, lingering smell. Instead, use a snuffer, dip the wick gently into the melted wax with a clean tool, or blow softly from the side with your finger in front of the flame. This simple step keeps your candle cleaner and your air fresher.

Your candle will thank you.

🚨 Know When to Say Goodbye

When your candle reaches about ½ inch of wax, it’s time to retire her. Burning beyond that can overheat the container and create a safety risk. Let her go gracefully — you’ve had a good run. 🖤

♻️ Repurpose That Empty Jar

The end of the burn doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

One of the best parts of using natural candles is that the jars can easily be cleaned and repurposed. A little warm soapy water and you’ve got a chic new container for makeup brushes, Q-tips, jewelry, or even a tiny plant.

Sustainable and cute — just how we like it.

🪄 Final Thoughts

Candle care isn’t complicated, but it does make a difference — especially when your candles are made from natural ingredients that deserve a little extra love.

Treat her gently. Burn her wisely. And let every light bring good vibes into your space. ✨